Related Vacation Book Subjects: Florida
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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Miami", sorted by average review score:
The Way We Die Now
Published in Hardcover by Random House (April, 1988)
Author: Charles Ray Willeford
Average review score:

Hoke travels and learns nothing. . .
This is the fourth and last book of Willeford's Hoke Moseley series. If you've read the first three, you'll read this one. Hoke goes slumming and bumming to check out labor abuses in south central Florida and encounters various out-country practices that shock and amuse. There is a gloomy sex scene in this one, but things do eventually get blowed up. I am only sad that Charles Willeford went home after writing this book.

Author and detective in top form
Charles Willeford's well-deserved reputation as a writer of crime novels is based largely on the exploits of Miami police detective Hoke Moseley. In this page-turner, we find the author at the top of his form, with Hoke fully engaged in his life as a cop and family man. While busily solving a "cold" murder case, Hoke is dispatched on a puzzling and hazardous undercover job in a neighboring county. At the same time, a parolee who some years earlier had promised to kill him moves in right across the street from Hoke's house (how this turns out is what separates Willeford from the pack). In the house, Hoke lives with his two teenage daughters and his former officemate Ellita Sanchez and her infant son. With everyone in his unconventional but harmonious family contributing their share, Hoke is free to spend some time in his bedroom, pondering his problems and watching TV cop shows. And how unusual it is to find a cop enjoying a satisfactory family life! In a few brief sentences, Willeford suggests how this is managed - a sort of primer for disfunctional households, perhaps. Throughout the story's beautifully detailed and ingenious turnings, Hoke manages by dint of his experience and common sense to save his skin and do the right thing in general, which in some instances consists in doing nothing. At the end of the novel, he finds himself being coerced by his superiors into accepting a promotion in grade and assignment as head of internal affairs - a position he comes to realize he is well suited for. But that intriguing eventuality would have been the subject of another book, wouldn't it.

The Way We Die Now is very entertaining
This Hoke Moseley book is the best I have ever read. I have read Sideswipe, and it's not nearly as good as The Way We Die Now. It is something that Quentin Tarantino should make a movie from. I will give this book **** stars.

Fool Me Twice: A Jake Lassiter Novel
Published in Hardcover by William Morrow (January, 1996)
Author: Paul Levine
Average review score:

silver queen
like scottoline and martini, levine has a reoccurring character who is wise cracking, irreverant and wryly self-deprecating. well plotted and paced. exotic settings. spiced with quirky facts, aphorisms and bon mots. above average entertainment.

The best in the series!
This is the best in the Jake Lassiter series! A clever plot, great characters, and lots of suspense. Once I got to the murder trial I couldn't put it down! Just one little quibble: Where did Charlie go? Other than that-happy reading!

Los Gusanos: A Novel
Published in Hardcover by HarperCollins (June, 1991)
Author: John Sayles
Average review score:

Marharwal's Picks
Set in Miami in 1981, but spanning six decades of a family's life in Cuba and the United States, Los Gusanos portrays a range of characters--old and young, black and white, men and women--all struggling to make a life in their adopted country while haunted by the memories of their lost island. Taking as its title the derogatory term Fidel Castro used to describe those Cubans who fled to Maimi after he came to power, Los Gusanos explores the elements that determine who turns one way and who turns the other--who will be the casualty and who the survivor--in a time of political upheaval. (...)

Exceptional book by a man with a great heart and conscience
I first became aware of John Sayles after seeing his movie "Matewan". I loved the movie; the union organizer, Joe Kenehan, is my all-time favorite movie hero (well, next to my boyhood hero, Shane). I've seen several other Sayles films since then, but Los Gusanos is the first book of his that I've read. It is, indeed, exceptional. It's sad that with all the attention that is given to Cuba and Castro, this book is not more widely read. I lived in Miami for 36 years - and, inevitably, read and heard innumerable opinions about Cuba - but until Los Gusanos I never encountered anyone who portrayed so well the complexity of the human beings involved. One cannot help but be interestd in - even like - many of Sayles's characters, yet none of them is perfect. Most are very imperfect. Some are despicable - both pro-Castro and anti-Castro types, though those terms aren't the best to use to describe these complicated, often torn people. So, I urge anyone with an interest in modern Cuba to read Los Gusanos. It will fascinate, disturb, and move you.

Miami: City of the Future
Published in Hardcover by Atlantic Monthly Press (April, 1987)
Author: T.D. Allman
Average review score:

Insightful & well-written -- where's the sequel!
T.D. Allman's 1987 book "Miami -- City of the Future" is a thoughtful and original perspective on modern Miami (post-riots, post-Mariel). Allman is not a resident, so he's able to look at the city's complex social and political fabric with an objective eye.

The book is not organized chronologically nor by subject matter, which may test the patience of some readers. But I found Allman's style and substance unique and insightful. For example, he points out the irony of refugees so desperate for a chance at a new life that they will actually *swim* to Miami, contrasted with the "utter weariness of life" that you find in so many Miami residents. Allman writes poetically of Miami as a place that draws people with dreams, people who long to reinvent themselves. He includes stories of people from all walks of life -- one is struck by how similar the winners & losers are; their disillusionment and loneliness is haunting. I could relate to Allman's evocative descriptions of Miami's allure -- the beauty, diversity, and danger of the Magic City.

The unfortunate thing is that the book is now so dated. Part of that is, of course, not the author's fault -- Miami has changed and continues to change very rapidly. Many of the things that Allman writes about, such as the white good ol' boy political power structure, no longer exist. Allman's blithe assurance that the massive influx of immigrants would become thoroughly Americanized is not evident in present-day Miami. It's also unfortunate that Allman writes so extensively of the "Miami Vice" tv series, which further dooms the book to period-piece status. I would welcome an update or even a sequel to this book.

AN ENDURING CLASSIC
This is the best book written on Miami so far. An excellent read, and reread.

A revised edition is needed, but until one comes along this book provides the best insights in Miami printed so far.

The book is physically beautiful too.

Try to get a copy with a cover in good condition. It's worth the little extra.

The National Geographic Traveler: Miami and The Keys
Published in Paperback by National Geographic (November, 1999)
Author: Mark Miller
Average review score:

What a gorgeous book!
Usually with a travel guide, you need to use your imagination. You can't actually see what attractions look like, the maps aren't always clear and the descriptions are as short and succinct as possible.

That is definitely not the case with this book which is stuffed chock full of gorgeous pictures. The maps are colorful and detailed. Full pages are spent on various attractions and excursions that in other guideboks are written up in a mere paragraph.

If you're looking for a hotel recommendation or a write up on a place to eat, this probably isn't the right book for you. But, if you want to know what to do aside from sleeping and eating, buy this book.

Excellent!!
Every page has a color picture on it! Divided by neighborhoods, it has great maps and walking tours. Excursions outside of Miami to National Parks and Fort Lauderdale are included. The different islands of the Keys are discussed in detail. There is also a section on hotels by price range and restaurants.

Never Let Them See You Cry: More from Miami, America's Hottest Beat
Published in Paperback by Berkley Pub Group (July, 1993)
Author: Edna Buchanan
Average review score:

Sometimes trite, but a compelling account of crime in Miami
Edna Buchanan's "Never Let Them See You Cry" is a fast-paced account of the author's life as a crime reporter at the Miami Herald. Buchanan weaves into her book many compelling anecdotes about her days on the job. Some stories are heartwarming, such as those contained in a chapter on good samaritans who came to the aid of fellow citizens in need. Others are horrifying, making the reader involuntarily shake his or her head at the inhumanity and senseless loss that occurs every day in this crime-ridden city. Although at times the writing is trite (Buchanan's constant use of certain phrases quickly becomes cliche), the author displays a true passion for her work and packs several concise stories into a fascinating and eye-opening piece of true-crime prose.

Sometimes, you can let them see you cry
Although this was Edna's second book about her escapades as police reporter in Miami, it was my first time reading her material. It definitely confirmed for me that investigation and police reporting is what I want to do. I generally agree with Ms. Buchanan's title "Never Let Them See You Cry," because in general, a woman has to be tough in this field. But I've also discovered a softer approach can sometimes elicit just as much information. You get really attached to police officers when you're on the beat (even though, as Buchanan did, I constantly had to write about them getting in trouble) and it's hard to keep objective when officers are hurt. But reporters are human too, and Buchanan and all other reporters can only make sure we get all sides of an issue and strive to be fair. Buchanan's description of the gruesome and the day-to-day humdrum of a newsroom is very well described in this book. Her descriptions of how police departments can cover up incidents for a long time is very accurate, as is her description of police informants to the press.

The Perez Family
Published in Hardcover by W.W. Norton & Company (September, 1990)
Author: Christine Bell
Average review score:

Multiple turning points
This book does not deserve to be out of print. Early on, an anecdote is told of a Cuban prisoner who is informed that he is about to die. He is taken to the place of execution, but then "spared:" the victim of a cruel joke. Afterwards, he becomes emotionally invulnerable, and even the guards fear him. Each of the characters in the book experiences a turning point. The characters are well-developed, the turning points are believable and not at all alike, and the surprises lead the reader to ponder the human condition.It didn't take long to read the book (one sitting, actually), but it has stuck in my mind.

Great book
The characters in the book are wonderful with all their quirks. You really care about them. The story is funny, but at the same time it's a little sad. I learned quite a lot about the Marielitos and about a culture that I knew very little of. The movie is good, but the novel is much better. Read the book first!

Robert Tolf's South Florida Restaurants: Over 600 Restaurant Reviews, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and All Surrounding Areas
Published in Paperback by Buchan Pubns (February, 1994)
Author: Robert Tolf
Average review score:

As new So.Florida resident I want new edition.
It is just what I want to use to try new restaurants, but I'd rather have a more current edition than 1994. Is it scheduled for publication

great for restaurants still open 5 years later
So many of the restaurants listed have either closed or moved that the guide as a whole is useless except for restaurants still around. Even then the chefs change ian, indeed, the cuisine. For the restaurants still in operation the guide is first class. It's a pity that many book stores still sell it without any indication of its vintage.

Body Language
Published in Hardcover by St. Martin's Press (25 August, 1998)
Authors: James W. Hall and Jim Hall
Average review score:

Memorable Characters
Miami-based Alexandra Rafferty's been on the run for eighteen years because she killed the neighbor boy who raped her and her father helped cover up the crime. These horrific events when she was eleven have overshadowed her entire childhood.

A police crime scene photographer, she's kept the world at bay with karate, "the art of deflecting human touch," but feelings can't stay submerged forever. Her marriage to a thuggish ex- jock is dying and her father's Alzheimer's is dragging her down. Everything blows up when her husband, a Brinks truck driver and true crime buff, plans a heist.

Readers will be intrigued to see the sparkling town in "The Truman Show"--Seaside, Florida--play a major role in the novel, but Hall's attempt at an Elmore Leonard or Carl Hiassen mix of crime and comedy doesn't always work. Still, Body Language is a well-written thriller, and Alexandra and her father make a surprisingly appealing pair. ...

Zany South Florida mystery that is one of the best

Forensic photographer Alexandra Rafferty buries herself in her gruesome work for the Miami police department as a means of forgetting the time she was raped as an eleven-year old. Recently, her father, a retired cop and the only person besides his daughter and the culprit who knows about that rape, is becoming forgetful due to Alzheimer's. Her spouse, a Brinks driver, is an idiot who robs an armored car.

As her personal life spins out of orbit, her professional life becomes more intense when a serial rapist-murderer takes front and center stage in Southern Florida. Before Alexandra realizes what is happening, she is on the lam with her father and the loot he stole from her spouse. Her husband, other crooks, and a vicious killer give chase as Alexandra heads to Seaside. Anyone of them is willing to eliminate Alexandra as a threat.

BODY LANGUAGE is as crazy as a tale gets without losing its sense of direction (from Miami north to the Panhandle). James W. Hall shows why he is one of the leading lights of the zany Southern Florida mysteries with a frenzied, yet exciting and detailed tale. The characters clearly make the show as all are fully motivated and a bit off-centered. Especially of note is three of the prime men in Alexandra's life: her father (his comments are dark comic relief), her spouse (using chaos theory to pull off his heist), and the killer (as bloody a rapist as one will read about). Mr. Hall continues to be one of the best mystery writers of non-stop thrillers.

Harriet Klausner

The Best Book James W. Hall has written!!!!
When I heard that James Hall had written another book, I was all set to read another adventure of the Key Largo Beach Bum, Thorn. I must admit I was a little disappointed when I learned that Thorn would not be appearring in Body Language, but nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

Think you got problems? Consider Alexandra Rafferty, Crime Photographer for the Miami Police Department.

She was sexually assaulted at age 11.

Her husband is not only having an affair, but he's also planning an armoured car heist.

Her best friend is on the hit list of every anti-Castro Cuban organization in Miami.

Her live-in Dad is sufferring from severe memory lapses due to Alzheimers Disease.

She's on the run from a pair of gun-toting Whack-O's, one who's built like a Rhino and the other keeps a cochroach as a pet.

With all that on her mind how can she possibly help the police to capture a serial rapist? James Hall spins a suspense filled tale that takes the readers from the seedy back streets of Miami to the white sandy shores of the Florida Panhandle.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat up to the final paragraph! If you've never read anything by James W. Hall, Body Language is a great place to start!

Livin' in Joe's World: Unauthorized, Uncut, and Unreal: The Memoirs of Joe Patane from the Miami Cast of MTV's The Real World
Published in Paperback by Joe Patane (June, 1998)
Author: Joe Patane
Average review score:

A decent, quick read for fans of the show
If you enjoy watching the Real World TV shows and you've ever thought about auditioning for the show, this book may make you think twice! Joe presents a look at what it's really like to have your privacy taken away, along with your personal freedom. But he does show that through it all he could come out with something positive to say. This book also includes some of the juicy behind-the-scenes info that die-hard Real World fans crave. Enjoy!

Livin In Joe's World....
I thought Joe's book was great, I really enjoyed reading it alot. Out of all the Real World Series, I think Real World Mamai was the best. His book said alot about what really went on in that house. I admire him alot for what he has done since the Real World. I am one of his biggest fans and I would recommend the book to anyone. I hope Joe comes out with a part two. I am really looking forward to learning more about Joe.

Livin' in Joe's World
Well i was looking forward to reading a book about "The Real World" from someone who lived it, so when Joe wrote his book I had to read it. I was glad to see that Joe was honest and informative about his time in Maimi. His book was an easy read and was full of details about the cast and the season. I have read the other books that have been written about the series but getting it from someone who lived it was the best! If you haven't read it yet go get a copy. How about a sequel Joe?

Related Vacation Book Subjects: Florida
More Pages: Miami Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20