Laugh out loud funny. A brilliantly funny exploration of the Sunshine State from the man who knows it best: Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times–bestselling author Dave Barry. He celebrates Florida from Key West at the bottom to whatever it is that’s at the top, from the Sunshine State’s earliest history to the fun-fair of weirdness that it is today. ( )

Having laughed through "Insane City" I'd hoped for a similar experience since the state of FL has been the butt of jokes for years. That plus the fact my best friend moved there years ago and for the life of me, I can't figure out why he remained..go figure.

That said, with the exception of the History chapter, Dave takes the reader on a tour of oddball tourist attractions complete with photos, etc. And while quirky, I found it dull, repetitive and snickered a couple of times. Not at ALL what I'd expected from an author known for his hilarious insights.

Regardless, I've decided to DNF this since its dull and read his fictional books instead with hopes there as funny if not funnier than Insane City. Enough said. ( )

I used to read a syndicated newspaper column penned by Dave Barry, and I fondly remember his brand of humor. In this book, written in 2016, he humorously and satirically captures my newly adopted home state of Florida in a most entertaining fashion.

Florida is known for attracting weirdness, and Barry chooses to visit and describe some places that are not only unusual but also provide outsiders with multiple opportunities to poke fun. While reading about Barry’s experiences, one can’t help but wonder whether there has been any logic or forethought in the development of some of Florida’s best-known communities and attractions.
I think some of the best comments in the book have to do with why people move to Florida in the first place, primarily sunshine and low taxes. I have many relatives who live in New York, and I appreciate Barry’s willingness to tell them to “shut up” about how wonderful New York is, especially when they have freely chosen to spend so much time in Florida. I also liked the section about Dave Shealy and how he lives the rough life of hunting and fishing in the Florida Everglades. The tales of the skunk ape are hysterically funny and so apropos to Florida mythology. The contrasts between Dave and the highrise areas where New Yorkers live show not only the new and old Florida but also the range of lifestyles still present as one travels from place to place in the large, diverse state of Florida.

The chapters about Key West, its bars numbering one for almost every citizen, and clothes-optional establishments exemplify the regulation-free mentality for which Florida is known. Regarding contempt for legal oversight, the chapter called “Lock and Load” about a place in Miami where one can rent machine guns and other war weapons probably rounds out Florida’s well-deserved reputation for being remiss about reasonable safety provisions.

Having experienced the Villages and observing some of the same things Barry did, I think some of his remarks are spot-on. Many retirees seek and find this Disney for adults, and the family that governs the Villages has undoubtedly produced a lucrative attraction. Speaking of attractions I have visited, Barry reports with great levity and honesty as he rates some wild and crazy places such as Gatorland and Spongearoma. Although they are still on my to-do list, I expect to have similar joy and cynicism as I plan to spend some future days at Weeki Wachee and Cassadaga. I don’t think I’ll ever step foot in LIV, the expensive, pretentious nightclub in Miami. I’ll believe his description and leave that for the younger crowd.

All in all, Dave Barry does a great job with his tongue-in-cheek defense of his home state.

https://quipsandquotes.net/2022/08/16/best-state-ever-a-florida-man-defends-his-... ( )

As a Florida resident for more than two decades, I consider myself an unofficial Floridian. I wasn’t born here but I’ve seen Central Florida grow from orange groves and trailer parks to a thriving, often underestimated destination for serious foodies and cultural tourists alike. So I love to get my hands on books about where I live to get both insider and outsider perspectives.

Barry’s book is like one big collection of tongue-in-cheek dad jokes. It’s a humorist’s love letter to the weirdest state in the union. Some of his one-liners are cringe-inducing because of their sheer corniness but most of his observations are typically spot on and hilarious. Barry goes on a tour of some of the weirder parts of Florida, most spots I’ve heard but would rather pretend they don’t exist. I think every Floridian should read this book – you’ll spend the whole time nodding and chuckling in agreement. ( )

What's to say? It's Dave Barry and it's Florida. Obviously it ( )