University Press of Florida, 2021
from the publisher: “With perspective and empathy derived from his background as a gay man raised Southern Baptist, Gillespie shows how important it is to understand the diversity and complexity of Florida today. “It’s dangerous to meet our fears with fear,” he says as he confronts his own as well as the state’s monsters—invasive species, hurricanes, environmental destruction. He reminds us that Florida’s people and problems are vital parts of the nation’s future.
A fresh and engaging voice, Gillespie captivates with a snappy pace, sly wit, and crisp observations. As he weaves his childhood memories and personal experiences alongside the stories of the individuals he encounters, Gillespie reconciles with his home state. He finds Florida’s humanity, a beautiful mix of hopes, dreams, and second chances.”
"The Thing about Florida will change your mind about the Sunshine State.”—SALON
“Gillespie’s portraits . . . don’t stop at the news-bite surface. . . . His writing is witty, but never mean; he’s looking for the human beings behind the headlines, and he finds them.”—TAMPA BAY TIMES
“A personalized, amusing book about what makes the Sunshine State so unique.”—FOREWORD REVIEWS
“The collected interviews and observations give us some insight, perspective and, even better, welcome levity and wit.”—ORLANDO WEEKLY
“Add this to your Florida books list.”—BOOK RIOT
“Gillespie writes about the Florida that only locals know: messy, humid, chaotic, and deeply human. Ripe with history, packed with fascinating information about the interior of the state, The Thing about Florida is a personal look at a profoundly misunderstood place. A necessary read.”—KRISTEN ARNETT, author of Mostly Dead Things
“In this engaging, humorous, compassionate, and meticulous portrait, ‘the flamingo in the coal mine’ of America emerges as a gorgeously complex character, itself full of characters. In Gillespie’s eyes, we have a kaleidoscopic view of one of our strangest, wildest, and most beloved places.”—SARAH GERARD, author of Sunshine State: Essays and True Love
“Gillespie’s writing is fabulous, but his sharp-eyed observations about what it means to be a Florida man born and bred are even better. His book is hilarious, candid, and insightful, a great addition to the growing body of lit Florida literature.”—CRAIG PITTMAN, author of Oh, Florida! How America’s Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country