“A Florida Dance: Life Stories from the Sunshine State” by Doug Alderson

I have enjoyed all of Doug Alderson’s award-winning books, but I was truly blown away by his latest, A Florida Dance: Life Stories from the Sunshine State (Earthways Press 2026). I know Doug through Tallahassee’s writing community and consider him a friend, but the praise I’m offering here is fully earned. These stories are so […]

Books of Special Note for September

NonFiction Tent For Seven: A Camping Adventure Gone South Out West (Sandra Jonas Publishing 2023) by Marty Ohlhaut and Grace  Ly manages to be humorous and horrifying and suspenseful all at once. Two brave (or foolhardy) parents take their five children on a tent-camping trip to the Canadian Rockies. The Griswold’s vacation stories are tame […]

Books In Brief

“Nostalgic Florida: Iconic Art of the Sunshine State”  by Doug Alderson From bathing beauty postcards to toothy gator ashtrays, Alderson’s thoroughly researched, amply illustrated book takes readers on a rollicking ride through Florida history in an entertaining study of its artwork. This pictorial history offers sections on Romantic Florida, Funny Florida, Florida’s Bathing Beauties and […]

“America’s Alligator,” by Doug Alderson

Review by Phil Jason Author-adventurer Doug Alderson has had a lifelong love for nature, especially that of Florida and the American South. His several books attest to his knowledge and dedication to sharing it. This latest, on the American alligator, is filled with information and enthusiasm. Indeed, it has everything a non-specialist reader would want […]

“Bitten: My Unexpected Love Affair with Florida,” by Andrew Furman

Reviewed by Phil Jason This review originally appeared in Florida Weekly. Reprinted with permission. Florida is blessed with writers devoted to its natural splendors and to exploring the relationship between human endeavor, the environment all creatures share, and the severely threatened nonhuman creatures. I’ve had the privilege over the years to read and write about […]

Alderson fulfills spirit quest to increase environmental awareness

By Donna Meredith   By day Doug Alderson helps to coordinate Florida’s designated paddling trails, including the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. He also assists with a website for Visit Florida on all types of non-motorized trails. By night he moves away from the computer for a few hours to unwind in the cabin […]