GATOR COUNTRY in The Washington Post, Nat Geo, NPR, and more
In today's newsletter: good book news, plus how you can show some love to what you love most about wild Florida.
Howdy Friends,
Every day, it seems like a new animal is taking over the Sunshine State. This time, it's actually good news. Read Rebecca’s latest article for National Geographic about how American crocodiles are spreading north in Florida and why that’s a good thing. The reptile, less aggressive than the American alligator, has been spotted 200 miles north of the Florida Everglades, suggesting it’s reclaiming its former territory.
Speaking of alligators, there’s more good Gator Country news to share! Gabino Iglesias reviewed Gator Country for NPR, saying:
“Alligators aren't cute. They don't inhabit places that are comfortable for outsiders to visit and they are often seen, as Renner points out here, as a "nuisance." However, they deserve the same love, respect, and protection as any other animal that has been in danger before and could be in danger again. Gator Country is an invitation to give them just that, and it contains everything people might need to feel informed. Renner's debut is self-assured and full of poetry, and it will change Florida in the eyes of everyone who reads it.”
Patrick Sauer also reviewed Gator Country for The Washington Post, saying:
“What lifts Renner’s work out of the true-crime muck is her devotion to presenting the natural world in all its glory — and humanity in all its frequent opposite of that. She never lets the thrill of the sting take away from the poverty-driven reality that poaching is usually a crime of sustenance.”
The good news continues! Gator Country was mentioned in Book Riot’s Mystery newsletter as the perfect book for “fans of history and true crime, not focused on serial killers!” About the book, they said:
Nothing exists in a vacuum, so while the crime of this book is alligator poaching, that's not the only thing this book is about. You also are immersed in the Florida Everglades and its history, power, and politics; get bits of Renner's life; meet the recruited Florida Fish and Wildlife officer tasked with investigating alligator poaching; and take a dive into learning the man vs the myth of Peg Brown — known as an alligator poaching legend.
Gator Country was also mentioned on air with WYPR this week, recommended by Marion Winik.
And finally, Bookpage listed Gator Country as one of their top 10 books for December!
Remember to follow Rebecca on all your favorite social media platforms so you don’t miss out on bonus content like this video of her reading from the first chapter of Gator Country.
That’s all for this week, folks. Thanks for reading!
Yours Truly,
Team Rebecca
What do you love most about the Florida outdoors? The incredible variety of wild species? The expansive waterways and unique landscapes? The endless recreational opportunities? Whatever it is, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is committed to helping you support it.
The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to protect Florida’s outstanding animals and plants and the lands and waters they need to survive. They work closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and many other public and private partners. Since their founding in 1994, we have raised and donated more than $71 million for conservation and outdoor recreation, including youth outdoor education.
In total, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida has raised and donated more than $71 million since 1994. The best part is that your donation goes to the cause of your choice. So pick a project. Choose a charity. Find a fund. And show some love to what you love most about wild Florida.
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I love all the good reviews you’re getting, it’s well deserved!