Join us for a four-week deep dive into Lauren Groff’s Florida, a critically acclaimed short story collection that captures the state's storms, swamps, and unforgettable characters. Winner of the Florida Book Award and named a best book of the year by The New York Times, Florida offers a vivid portrait of the complexities of life in the state. Explore the themes, landscapes, and lives that define Florida in a fresh, thought-provoking way. Perfect for a summer staycation—no suitcase required! Please note, no PDFs are available; patrons will need to borrow from the library or purchase their own copies. Let’s come together to experience Florida’s unique beauty and depth through Groff’s masterful storytelling!

Lectures:

Week 1: Human Frailties & The Natural World in “Eyewall,”  “The Midnight Zone,” and “Snake Stories,”

Week 2: Family & Relationship Tensions in “Dogs Go Wolf,” “Flower Hunters,” and “Ghosts & Empties”

Week 3: Isolation & Disconnection in “For the God of Love, the Love of God,” “Above & Below,” and “At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners”

Week 4: Beyond Florida in “Yport” and “Salvador”

Christine Kassover is an Instructor and tutor at FAU and Palm Beach State College, specializing in English for Academic Purposes and verbal test preparation. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at FAU, where she also served two terms as president of the National Alumni Association.

"Ms. Kassover was prepared, a good communicator and encouraged friendly discussion with the group."- OLLI Patron