 Guest post by Anna Franklin Four Books Set In Central Florida that Every Orlando Native Needs to ReadLiving in Orlando we hear plenty about all the tourist destinations and amusement parks, but sometimes we want to get away from it all... while also staying exactly where we are. It’s good to want to step out of your own head and away from your normal life. So why not read some fiction books? Some people use reading to get away from where they are physically, but sometimes reading about where you are can help you appreciate where you are at in life. This list is perfect for the reader who loves where they live and a good plot. Paper Towns by John GreenSince John Green grew up in Orlando, it makes sense that some of his writing is inspired by his previous home. Paper Towns follows the main character, Quentin, while he has an obsession with finding his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman after she goes missing. John Green has a habit of writing his female characters to be very “manic pixie dream girl”-esque. The book takes place at Winter Park High School where the main character then leaves to go pursue the girl of his dreams who, at the same time, doesn’t want to be found. As the reader, you can really see how the novel was influenced by John Green’s Orlando experience as a teen; the humid, sticky heat, and even a reference to Sea World. The plot seems like it’s going to focus on the love story, but the journey of discovering clues and the mystery of Margo’s disappearance is what captures the reader. Specifically, one plot point that made this book a favorite, is the cross-country road trip the unlikely friend group takes. Wait till you finish the book to make a decision on whether it’s your new favorite read! Float by Kate MarchantRecently, this novel has been made into a movie which will premiere on February 9th, 2024. It was originally published on Wattpad, which is a social media platform for publishing and reading original stories. The main character, Waverly Lyons, is shipped from her home of Alaska to Holden, Florida where her romance begins after meeting Blake. It’s a cold-weather-loving Alaskan girl meets a Florida lifeguard–it could not fit in more to the “opposites attract” book trope. With Love, From Cold World by Alicia ThompsonThis book is what made me want to write this list. It was the first book I read by Alicia Thompson and she did not disappoint. She’s a central Florida native who writes characters with such rich backstories; which is not so commonly found in romance books. This book is categorized as a contemporary romance book but it focuses on so much more than that- sexuality, the foster care system, the fear of vulnerability, and more. Two coworkers who are complete opposites who also work in a fake, run-down tourist attraction? Hilarious. The banter and interactions between the two love interests is what keeps the readers intrigued. Such a sweet, fun read while also shedding light on important subjects. I couldn’t recommend this novel more for my Orlando-native-romance-novel-loving-girlies! Hoot by Carl HiassenAlmost every person who was a kid in the 2000’s read Carl Hiassen. I feel like he’s one of the staple authors that we were either forced to read or recommended to read. I know this recommendation is technically a children's book but this book is truly for all ages. The story of these young, Florida kids who are determined to not let the construction company hurt the native Florida owl. It’s such a great, empowering story that will make you feel for all the relatable characters. Especially if you grew up in central Florida, you will understand what these kids go through. I mean a construction company making a mistake in Central Florida? Yeah, the grownup version of that is the eyesore on I-4.
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AuthorArielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing. Categories
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