Swamp Story: Actual Florida Man Dave Barry Returns

Born on July 3, 1947, in Armonk, New York, Dave Barry displayed his comedic talents from a young age. While attending Haverford College, Barry found his calling in journalism, eventually becoming a columnist for The Miami Herald. It was during his time at the Herald that Barry honed his distinctive writing style, blending satire, sarcasm, and keen observations of everyday life.

Barry's rise to literary prominence began in the 1980's when he started publishing collections of his newspaper columns. His debut book, "Dave Barry Turns 40," became an instant hit, captivating readers with his humorous take on the ups and downs of middle age. The book's success propelled Barry into the national spotlight, setting the stage for a series of Best-Selling Works.

In 1988, Dave Barry achieved a remarkable milestone in his career when he was awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. The Pulitzer committee recognized his exceptional ability to blend wit and insight, making social and political commentary accessible to readers from all walks of life. The award solidified Barry's reputation as a master wordsmith and elevated him to the status of a literary luminary.

Dave Barry's literary prowess is exemplified by his numerous bestselling books that continue to resonate with readers of all ages. Among his most beloved works is "Dave Barry Does Japan," a hilarious account of his adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun. Through his unique lens, Barry managed to capture the essence of Japanese Culture, while simultaneously poking fun at cultural differences.

Another notable work is "Big Trouble," a crime novel that seamlessly blends comedy and suspense. This departure from his usual non-fiction work demonstrated Barry's versatility as an author and garnered critical acclaim. The novel's success even led to a film adaptation, further cementing Barry's place in popular culture.

Dave Barry's writing extends beyond humor, as he skillfully uses satire to shed light on contemporary social and political issues. In his collection of essays titled "Dave Barry Talks Back," he fearlessly tackles topics such as parenting, the environment, and the absurdities of modern life. Barry's ability to infuse serious issues with humor and wit is a testament to his profound understanding of human nature and his gift for connecting with readers on a personal level.

Have A Conversation
Dave Barry is back! Everyone’s favorite Florida Man has returned with Swamp Story: A Novel, his first book in a decade. On Friday, June 16th, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m., you will have an opportunity to have a conversation with Dave at the Broward Library.

"Before you open this book, ask yourself one important question: How hard do I want to laugh? Because (a) it’s Dave Barry, and (b) it’s Dave Freaking Barry. Of course Swamp Story is about greed, fraud, and viral fame, but there are also big-ass reptiles to keep the sketchiest characters on their toes. Everything that happens in this wild novel could easily happen in South Florida, and probably will. Read it here first. Dave’s version is always the funniest." — Carl Hiaasen

At this free event held at the flagship Main Library in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Dave and Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs will sit down for a spirited discussion of Swamp Story, a classic Florida caper filled with oddballs, criminals and Sunshine State schemers. A book signing will be held at the end of the event.

You can register for the FREE event at: https://broward.libnet.info/event/8341145