What do you think?
Rate this book
The Thing about Florida: Exploring a Misunderstood State
A journey beyond fears and stereotypes The memes. “Because Florida” jokes. “Florida Man” stories. Tyler Gillespie was once embarrassed to call Florida home, concocting fantasies he’d been born somewhere else. In The Thing about Florida, Gillespie faces his Florida denial and takes readers on an exuberant search for the state behind the caricatures, cutting through the media storm with curiosity and humor.
Gillespie’s journey leads him into unexpected places such as halfway houses, gator pits, rattlesnake rooms, and clothing-optional campgrounds, where he meets eclectic and unconventional Floridians. He interviews storm chasers, Civil War reenactors, cattle ranchers, drag queens, python hunters, and pet smugglers. His conversations delve into serious issues such as addiction, Florida’s racist past, and care options for the state’s LGBTQ senior citizens.
With perspective and empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity and complexity of Florida today. “It’s dangerous to meet our fears with fear,” he says as he confronts his own as well as the state’s monsters—invasive species, hurricanes, environmental destruction. He reminds us that Florida’s people and problems are vital parts of the nation’s future.
A fresh and engaging voice, Gillespie captivates with a snappy pace, sly wit, and crisp observations. As he weaves his childhood memories and personal experiences alongside the stories of the individuals he encounters, Gillespie reconciles with his home state. He finds Florida’s humanity, a beautiful mix of hopes, dreams, and second chances.
Gillespie’s journey leads him into unexpected places such as halfway houses, gator pits, rattlesnake rooms, and clothing-optional campgrounds, where he meets eclectic and unconventional Floridians. He interviews storm chasers, Civil War reenactors, cattle ranchers, drag queens, python hunters, and pet smugglers. His conversations delve into serious issues such as addiction, Florida’s racist past, and care options for the state’s LGBTQ senior citizens.
With perspective and empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity and complexity of Florida today. “It’s dangerous to meet our fears with fear,” he says as he confronts his own as well as the state’s monsters—invasive species, hurricanes, environmental destruction. He reminds us that Florida’s people and problems are vital parts of the nation’s future.
A fresh and engaging voice, Gillespie captivates with a snappy pace, sly wit, and crisp observations. As he weaves his childhood memories and personal experiences alongside the stories of the individuals he encounters, Gillespie reconciles with his home state. He finds Florida’s humanity, a beautiful mix of hopes, dreams, and second chances.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
10 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 6, 2021
As someone that had left Florida the day before starting this to live elsewhere with a few of the reasons involved intertwining with Gillespie's reason for going north, I really was looking forward to this book. Finding out in the first few pages he grew up in the area I lived the last 18 years made my anticipation even greater.
There was a basis for a real great personal story that would have also painted an interesting picture of Florida, but I think Gillespie's journalist background got in the way a bit because this turned into mostly just a report on a bunch of things that while may seem Florida specific, really were more either southern in general or weather/animal based. Of the 9 chapters (not including the introduction to both his story and the reasonings for the book), five of them dealt with hurricanes, alligators, snakes and other reptiles, or a civil war re-enactment - these were mostly reported matter of factly with various experts or participants and while Gillespie tied them all back to himself in some way, they mostly just felt like a collection of essay's.
The better parts of the book dealt with Florida's pretty unique landscape for LGTBQ people and the religious aspect of things, particular as these tied in with the author being raised (and enjoying) a devout Southern Baptist while eventually coming out as gay. In particular, the final chapter on his reckoning with the church was really interesting and I wish there had been more stories along these lines instead of spending multiple chapters on snake hunts. Gillespie was deathly afraid of reptiles so I'm sure to him coming to grips with that was very important but just came out flat in the stories.
I do think there's a full and better book here if Gillespie goes back to the more personal stories he may have left on the editing room floor. Still a decent read if interested in some of the inner Florida happenings.
There was a basis for a real great personal story that would have also painted an interesting picture of Florida, but I think Gillespie's journalist background got in the way a bit because this turned into mostly just a report on a bunch of things that while may seem Florida specific, really were more either southern in general or weather/animal based. Of the 9 chapters (not including the introduction to both his story and the reasonings for the book), five of them dealt with hurricanes, alligators, snakes and other reptiles, or a civil war re-enactment - these were mostly reported matter of factly with various experts or participants and while Gillespie tied them all back to himself in some way, they mostly just felt like a collection of essay's.
The better parts of the book dealt with Florida's pretty unique landscape for LGTBQ people and the religious aspect of things, particular as these tied in with the author being raised (and enjoying) a devout Southern Baptist while eventually coming out as gay. In particular, the final chapter on his reckoning with the church was really interesting and I wish there had been more stories along these lines instead of spending multiple chapters on snake hunts. Gillespie was deathly afraid of reptiles so I'm sure to him coming to grips with that was very important but just came out flat in the stories.
I do think there's a full and better book here if Gillespie goes back to the more personal stories he may have left on the editing room floor. Still a decent read if interested in some of the inner Florida happenings.
September 6, 2021
This was an interesting look at Florida through the eyes of a native who likes to write about things that scare him. Most of the book deals with various critters and the Florida people who love them. It ends with a chapter on church and being gay that centered on a church that ministered in particular to the community after the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in 2016. This wasn't as out of left field as it might seem as it was firmly connected through the thread of the author's fears. I enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about Florida.
March 18, 2021
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞.
Florida native that I am, there is no denying Florida is a world unto itself and yes, deeply misunderstood. Growing up beneath a sky full of shuttle launches, my father worked at Kennedy Space Center, I saw the first manned shuttle launch of Columbia in 1981 (I’m that old) as well as witnessed the Challenger blowing up with my classmates at school, life can be pretty interesting here and not without its sorrows. Living minutes from the ocean, and less than an hour from all the theme parks it was a magical time to be a kid. I also lived where I had snakes and bobcats in our backyard, so yeah- we are sometimes untamed too! Add the nearby base formerly known as Patrick Air Force now Space Force , where I met and married my future husband, Florida can be pretty serious. It took moving away to England for me to realize just how swampy the air can feel to those who visit. It also tickled me to no end how other people think of us, not just overseas but stateside. After living in England, Japan and North Carolina we returned to my hometown again, which has flourished beyond my imaginings. For a state so many claim to hate and have turned into a long running joke, it certainly isn’t stopping them from making it their home. Naturally, I had to read this book and found myself cringing, nodding my head, and often laughing. It takes another Florida native to really get it! Our experiences can mirror each other and yet be vastly different.
Tyler’s take on our much maligned state is refreshing and just proves the point that Florida is so much more than a punchline. The Atlantic is in my blood, and so is the sunshine. For Florida natives, you take it with you wherever you go, he knows that. Tyler explores the Florida man stories, often not quite what headlines have you believe, surprising facts about the state’s history, the tragic shooting at Pulse Night Club, communities including Miami’s “Little Cuba”, the residents, our laws, the voting system, the wild animals, reptiles and snake farming (including animal smuggling), drag queens, halfway houses, confederate reenactments, conversion therapy, honing in on eclectic “controversial Floridians”- so much more. It is about his time growing up gay and as he says, it’s not meant to ‘defend’ the state but maybe “present a version of Florida other than the caricature so often seen in popular media.” He has done a beautiful job! I was surprised to learn a few things I didn’t even know.
The rest of the country could cut us off all they want, I think we’d still thrive- sure maybe we’re feral but that makes us tough. It’s my belief it’s the hot summers that make us a little wild too. Should our state come with a disclaimer? Nah, we’re not all that bad, people forget what a wild bag of mixed nuts we are. I say that with a grin and a wink. This is a fun read but serious at times too. Well worth your time if you want to know more beyond the ridiculous headlines and unfair assumptions. There really are so many versions of what people experience living here, whether they are natives or transplants. No two stories are alike, and Tyler Gillespie’s words go behind the memes and erase the stereotypes. One thing is a fact, it is always interesting! Yes, read it!!!
Publication Date: April 13, 2021
University Press of Florida
𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞.
Florida native that I am, there is no denying Florida is a world unto itself and yes, deeply misunderstood. Growing up beneath a sky full of shuttle launches, my father worked at Kennedy Space Center, I saw the first manned shuttle launch of Columbia in 1981 (I’m that old) as well as witnessed the Challenger blowing up with my classmates at school, life can be pretty interesting here and not without its sorrows. Living minutes from the ocean, and less than an hour from all the theme parks it was a magical time to be a kid. I also lived where I had snakes and bobcats in our backyard, so yeah- we are sometimes untamed too! Add the nearby base formerly known as Patrick Air Force now Space Force , where I met and married my future husband, Florida can be pretty serious. It took moving away to England for me to realize just how swampy the air can feel to those who visit. It also tickled me to no end how other people think of us, not just overseas but stateside. After living in England, Japan and North Carolina we returned to my hometown again, which has flourished beyond my imaginings. For a state so many claim to hate and have turned into a long running joke, it certainly isn’t stopping them from making it their home. Naturally, I had to read this book and found myself cringing, nodding my head, and often laughing. It takes another Florida native to really get it! Our experiences can mirror each other and yet be vastly different.
Tyler’s take on our much maligned state is refreshing and just proves the point that Florida is so much more than a punchline. The Atlantic is in my blood, and so is the sunshine. For Florida natives, you take it with you wherever you go, he knows that. Tyler explores the Florida man stories, often not quite what headlines have you believe, surprising facts about the state’s history, the tragic shooting at Pulse Night Club, communities including Miami’s “Little Cuba”, the residents, our laws, the voting system, the wild animals, reptiles and snake farming (including animal smuggling), drag queens, halfway houses, confederate reenactments, conversion therapy, honing in on eclectic “controversial Floridians”- so much more. It is about his time growing up gay and as he says, it’s not meant to ‘defend’ the state but maybe “present a version of Florida other than the caricature so often seen in popular media.” He has done a beautiful job! I was surprised to learn a few things I didn’t even know.
The rest of the country could cut us off all they want, I think we’d still thrive- sure maybe we’re feral but that makes us tough. It’s my belief it’s the hot summers that make us a little wild too. Should our state come with a disclaimer? Nah, we’re not all that bad, people forget what a wild bag of mixed nuts we are. I say that with a grin and a wink. This is a fun read but serious at times too. Well worth your time if you want to know more beyond the ridiculous headlines and unfair assumptions. There really are so many versions of what people experience living here, whether they are natives or transplants. No two stories are alike, and Tyler Gillespie’s words go behind the memes and erase the stereotypes. One thing is a fact, it is always interesting! Yes, read it!!!
Publication Date: April 13, 2021
University Press of Florida
September 23, 2024
I LOVE READING ABOUT MY OFFBEAT, FUNNY, BELOVED HOME STATE, AND TYLER'S JOURNALIST/POET SOUL WAS THE PERFECT LENS TO LEARN ABOUT REPTILE SMUGGLING, CATTLE RANCHING, DANCING IN GAY CLUBS, CIVIL WAR REENACTMENTS, FLORIDA MAN MEMES, ALLIGATOR WRESTLING, AND ALL THE OTHER WEIRD AND WONDERFUL THINGS THIS PLACE HAS TO OFFER
May 22, 2022
Not bad. A bit heavy on the reptiles, and an extremely abrupt ending. But it was a quick read, was definitely about Florida, and relatively enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews