A Land Remembered

This is a kid’s book, which is not clear until you begin to read it. As a relatively new Florida transplant, I have read many books regarding the evolution (devolution?) of this crazy state and hoped this book would continue my education in this realm. I finally had to put it down when I realized the entire book is written in a trite, corny, simplistic manner. In short, it may be appropriate for a middle school student but is unbearably juvenile for adults. Much better are Last Train to Paradise, The Swamp, Tales of Old Florida. I am baffled by the awards, accolades and reviews of this book.

It was not what I expected, and I do not like to read where there is a lot of foul language

Florida in the 1800's was the way God made it! Man destroyed that beautiful, wild land when he turned it into a playground. I couldn't put this book down and shed several tears on my way to the final chapter. I wonder where Keith Tiger's people are now!

Wonderful stories and lessons that were non stop! Great development of characters that seemed so real and memorable! Passionately written tale that makes you feel like you were part of the story!

Kept my interest throughout. Some parts had me in tears. The characters really came to life for me. I highly recommend this book.

You will fall in love with the MacIveys as they go from living a hard scrabble life in Florida's pine scrub to witnessing (and helping to) change Florida's landscape.

I really enjoyed reading this book about a poor family living near the swamps of Florida. The story tells you about this specific family and how they grow with children and people to help run the cattle, then oranges to market. It was a very interesting story. I wasn't crazy about the end, but I won't give that away.

Recommended by a Floridians couple during a chance encounter at a hotel bar on a business trip. They wrote the title of the book on the back of my receipt along with their cell number so I could text them a thank you upon my completion of the novel. Downloaded it the next day and began reading it on the plane on my way home. 48 hours later I finished it and texted the thank you. Enthralling historical fiction that re-ignited my forgotten love of reading. Thank you Jimmy & Dianne from Tallahassee!

This book is different from much of what I would typically read. The prose is simple and in some cases, cliche and predictable. Character development is solid, but not what you would call sophisticated.

But still, I enjoyed the book very much. It is a simple story about an interesting time and location in American history. One develops an affinity for the main characters and that connection keeps the reader engaged.

All in all, recommended for light reading. It will make you think about what it took to live and thrive during the early stages of the great “American Experiment” with Florida as the backdrop.

If I could have, I would have given the book a 4-1/2 star rating.

Reading about FL from the early days was very interesting. Some of the things difficult to believe since I live in modern day FL. The snow sleet and freezing weather was surprising. On a few occasions the story moved slowly as it traveled from generation to generation.