Fool's Paradise

Escape. For decades, Miami Beach has provided an escape: for snowbirds, to get away from the cold of winter; for gangsters, a place to get things done without much interference; for beautiful people, a place to show off with few inhibitions. Steven Gaines captures these and more in his book, Fool's Paradise: Players, Poseurs, and the Culture of Excess in South Beach. Gaines tells the story of the hoteliers, the Art Deco preservationists, the nightclub operators, gangsters, druggies, models and politicians. Fool’s Paradise is packed with interesting characters, and unlike the title, not nearly enough excess to please those readers who want to know even more than Gaines tells. If you’ve ever been to Miami Beach, you’re likely to enjoy this story of places and people that will be familiar. If you’ve not visited, here’s a way to experience the place vicariously and not get sunburned while you think about what you’re missing.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)
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