Gator Country Publication Month Recap
With so many high moments this month, we thought we’d recap all the incredible things Gator Country and Rebecca accomplished.
Howdy Friends,
November was a busy month for Rebecca with the publication of Gator Country followed by her book events at Zeppelin Books, the Miami Book Fair, Books & Books, and Tombolo Books. She traveled all around Florida and even took a trip to New York City to watch her cousin the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With so many high moments this month, we thought we’d recap all the incredible things Gator Country and Rebecca accomplished.
Here are some of the best Gator Country moments from November:
Gator Country is one of the best-reviewed books of the month according to Literary Hub and Bookmarks.
Amazon Editors named Gator Country one of the best books of 2023, a top 20 pick in nonfiction, and placed it in the top 100 overall.
The New York Times gave Gator Country a glowing review, saying that it, “explores the complexity of the nexus between humans and animals and the exploitation of the wild and considers the ambiguities of our fractured relationship to nature, morality and history.”
Scientific American also reviewed Gator Country, saying, “Filled with vivid descriptions of Florida's wild places and backcountry cultures, this well-paced account both celebrates and transcends its iconic swamps.”
Gator Country was People Magazine’s Book of the Week for the last week in November. Editors called the book “a high-def tale that ensnares you from the start.” They listed it as one of the Best New Books to Read in November!
The highlights continue:
Rebecca published a story with National Geographic about the Argentine black-and-white tegus, a dog-size lizard threatening the U.S. South. (She has another story coming soon!)
Rebecca also accepted an invitation to speak at the Key West Literary Seminar this January.
Library Journal reviewed Gator Country, saying, "Readers of this book are in for an adventure. It reads like a true-crime caper...Audiences of all types will appreciate this easy-to-read narrative as well as Renner’s knowledge of the area, her academic ability, her candor, and her insights into human nature."
Florida newspapers such as Tampa Bay Times and Orlando Weekly have given their stamp of approval on Gator Country.
And finally, Gator Country has been spotted in airport bookstores like Hudson News, displayed as a bestseller.
To celebrate the end of an excellent month, Rebecca hosted a giveaway for a $50 gift card to anyone who sent in a review of Gator Country. We’re excited to announce the winner of the giveaway, Joseph Crook, who said in his review:
“Gator Country transcends being merely a book about alligators, much like Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's works transcend being just about deer. It is a profound exploration of Florida's soul. Renner has created a book that is as enlightening as it is captivating, a must-read for anyone interested in Florida's natural and cultural heritage. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the creatures, people, and landscapes that define the state, deepening my appreciation for the place I once called home.”
Thank you to everyone who submitted a review, and thank you to everyone who picked up a copy of Gator Country this month. This is just the beginning!
Yours truly,
Team Rebecca
This week, Rebecca recommends The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Casey. The book is described as an awe-inspiring portrait of the mysterious world beneath the waves, and the men and women who seek to uncover its secrets. On Goodreads, Rebecca wrote:
“The Underworld is a fascinating look at the magnificent and mysterious world at the bottom of our planet's oceans. Casey weaves historical stories of the depths' exploration with myths and modern magazine adventure writing, creating a fun, informative read—one that also made me extremely sure I'm never going to the bottom of the ocean. Casey's descriptions were so good that I felt like I was there in the submarine with her—and very claustrophobic. And that's enough for me, thanks! I'll stick to the ocean's surface.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of deep-sea exploration, this book is perfect for you!
Jojo would like to remind you to follow Rebecca on all your favorite social media platforms @rebeccarennerfl. Thanks for reading!