Customer Reviews

The Tropic of Cracker (Florida History and Culture)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Al Burt is a Florida institution. For many years I bought the Miami Herald on Sunday just so I could read his column. Now, many of my favorite columns are available in something more permanent than the back page of a magazine, and honed and polished and brought up to date to boot. When I'm not thumbing through it, this book rests right next to my copies of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Marjory Stoneman Douglas--Al Burt's kindred souls among those who love Florida and explain it to others in ways that the Chamber of Commerce never will master. More, more. Please!

I loved Al Burt's newspaper columns because he wrote about a Florida that only someone who got there before 1975 would even recognize. They are even more fun to read now. Makes me want to hop in the car and drive to Micanopy!

As a homesick Floridian this book was a pleasure to read. The book gives a real flavor for parts of Florida that many people do not appreciate. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in better understanding the state and its interesting culture.

There are also several articles in the book which are illuminating independent of the Florida focus. I would highly recommend Mr. Burt's thought provoking article on retirement in Miami to really open your eyes.

Never heard of burt before. I am sure if you are a fan this is a good book. He is a great writer and the stories are really nice.
I bought it thinking it was a bit of florida history, but it was a meandering of stories from individuals that lived in florida. A little hard to tell the timelines in some of the stories until you see the end of the story and the date, but interesting stories nonetheless.

As a history book, a big zero. As a folk tale book, a good 5.

Depends what you are looking for.

For me it was a diversion from intense history I usually read. As a former conch and a native it is neat to see some stories in that realm.

This book has helped me recall the times and tales my grandfather shared with me while sitting on his front porch. It also reminded me of the people who shopped in Daddy and Mother's grocery store where I worked and served the people of my beloved Williston. I hope someway/somehow, The Tropic of Cracker heros and rogues of bygone days will live in the hearts and continuing stories yet to be written about the NOW Florida.