Books like Florida by Lauren Groff

In Florida, Lauren Groff’s short stories weave together the sun‑baked landscape, its storms, snakes and sinkholes, and the human dramas that unfold within. The collection follows a diverse cast—from abandoned sisters and a lonely boy turned man, to a restless childless couple and a searching, homeless woman—each confronting the emotional and psychological storms that shape their lives. Across decades and even centuries, Florida becomes both setting and character, its weather a mirror for the intense emotions the stories explore: loneliness, rage, family ties, and the passage of time. Groff’s sharp observation and keen humor illuminate the moments, decisions, and connections that give life its depth, creating a collection celebrated for its vitality and precision. ("Florida" was a finalist for the National Book Award, received the Story Prize, and the stories had appeared in Best American Short Stories, PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories, and more.)

First publish date: 2018