When I first moved to Verdana Village in Estero, I immediately sought out the community book club. As someone who spends a lot of time writing, it’s no surprise that I’m a big reader as well. I look forward to book club every month. It’s the only time you won’t find me playing pickleball.
Agreeing on what to read isn’t easy — especially when you bring a group of independent thinkers together in one room. So may I recommend a simple solution? Choose a book inspired by the local geography. Florida has a rich history, and its untamed places are the perfect breeding grounds for ripe tales that you can’t put down.
Check out some of my favorite Florida-based books for your Florida book club. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know your favorites so I can keep updating this list as time goes on. There’s no better way to get to know this beautiful part of the world. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave your pool lounger.
*Listed in no particular order…
For a real tear jerker…
1. A Land Remembered
I said this list was in no particular order, but I lied. Because if you’re going to read one book on Florida, it has to be “A Land Remembered.” Reading this book is considered a rite of passage for Florida newbies.
So grab your box of kleenex, and dive into life on the Florida frontier in the mid 1800s. Just stand warned: If you’re not a die-hard conservationist by the end of the book, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the Kissimmee River.
For a Nail-biting thriller…
2. The Guests
What’s scarier than a category 5 hurricane? How about being trapped inside a house with a murderer…during a hurricane. Be prepared to read this thriller in three days or less. It’s impossible to put down — and impossible not to discuss with a group of like-minded ladies (apologies to the one guy in our Verdana Village book club).
Bonus points if you can figure out why the hurricane should not be named “Celeste.”
For the detective in all of us…
3. The Thursday Murder Club
Okay, I confess, this book doesn’t actually take place in Florida. It takes place in England, of all places. But anyone living in a master-planned community in Florida will immediately feel a sense of camaraderie with the protagonists at this retirement village.
My retired book club friends all agree: any would-be murderers better watch out. No one’s more dangerous than a lady with too much time on her hands.
For the romantics out there
4.The Last Train to Key West
Sick of reading about hurricanes yet? Nope. Me neither. Get ready to head to Key West and experience the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 through the eyes of three memorable women.
If historical fiction — and a good romance — is your thing, then definitely find a lounge chair and a margarita. Just make sure to put on some sunscreen. There’s no chance you’re getting up anytime soon.
For a Good Scare…
5. Duma Key
Where are my horror fans at? Stephen King strikes again with this ghost story set in the made-up town of Duma Key along the Gulf coast. Readers agree: It’s not just the characters and spooky plot line that make this one a must-read.
Come for the horror, but stay for the stunning portrayals of a coastal Florida town swept by sorrow. And if you need one more elbow nudge, King fanatics agree that this is one of his best books. Keep in mind, that’s over 60 books we’re talking about!
