2024 was a remarkable year for our Book Club, full of literary exploration and an overwhelming amount of community engagement. Thanks to all of our participants, we hosted hundreds of guests virtually and in person to share their love for Florida books and authors. We were thrilled to host a diverse range of events that sparked engaging discussions and celebrated the art of storytelling. Here’s a look back at our incredible lineup:
February 8 – Chef Kenny Gilbert in (Hosted in Jacksonville at San Marco Books): Our year kicked off with a unique blend of culinary inspiration and literary discussion, as Chef Kenny Gilbert took center stage in Jacksonville. His session on his latest cookbook “Southern Cooking, Global Flavors” set the tone for a year of innovative conversations, merging the flavors of Florida with the power of storytelling.
April 2 – Reef Road with Deborah Goodrich Royce (Hosted in Palm Beach at The Colony Hotel in collaboration with the Palm Beach Bookstore): Next, we journeyed to Palm Beach for our “Reef Road” event, where Deborah Goodrich Royce shared her insights on coastal narratives and the creative spirit of Florida. This event, hosted at the iconic Palm Beach Bookstore, captured the essence of Florida’s vibrant literary scene.
October 29 – The Marsh Queen with Virginia Harman (Hosted in Washington D.C. at Florida House): As autumn set in, we embraced the mystical allure of Florida’s wetlands with “The Marsh Queen.” Virginia Hartman led an evocative discussion that transported our guests into the heart of the marshlands, celebrating the rich tapestry of Florida’s natural and cultural heritage.
December 3 – Swamp Story with Dave Barry (Hosted in Coral Gables at Books and Books):To end the year, we discussed “Swamp Story” with Dave Barry. This lively and humorous session in Coral Gables explored a new side of Barry’s literary genius, blending wit with wisdom.
Each event in our Book Club series has enriched our growing literary community, creating spaces for dialogue, inspiration, and the celebration of Florida’s diverse voices. We are grateful to all the authors, hosts, and attendees who made this year so memorable. Stay tuned to our social media (@FloridaHouseDC) for updates on future events.