South Beach
Good Book Recommendations

Good Book Recommendations: South Beach

When Gabriel finds out that his trust fund has been squandered away by an Uncle who has gone and jumped off a building rather than spend the rest of his life poor, he realizes that his only real chance at survival is to move into the Venus de Milo Arms, the hotel in South Beach, FL that his grandfather left to him in his will. The only problem is that Gabriel has never been there and has no idea what to expect.

Upon arrival he quickly realizes that he's found something worth holding onto. In the first few minutes, many of his problems- like finances and shelter- are put to rest. He decides he will make the Venus his home.

South Beach is unlike any other place Gabriel has experienced, and he's experienced quite a lot in his life time. He meets the core group of residents at the Venus and they instantly work their way into his heart and soul. When Jesus floats ashore on a raft in the middle of the night, Gabriel adds the final member to his new family by giving him a place at the Venus.

Name the addiction and you'll find it in South Beach - drugs, sex, money, real estate, and love all happen simultaneously in "God's Waiting Room" where seniors and AIDS patients come to die.

The main question on the mind of every reader will be "how long can this lifestyle really last?"

Good Book Recommendations: South Beach Opinion

This book is shocking. At times it's crass and vulgar. At times it's sweet and sensitive. I would be lying if I told you that every person who picks it up will be able to read it. I will even admit that I couldn't recommend it to a book club because it may cause fainting in the less adventurous type.

That said, I found South Beach by Brian Antoni to be a breath of fresh air! Yes it's shocking and very "in your face" but at the same time it tells an extremely delicate love story between a group of people. The love story isn't just romantic either, it's just as much familial as well. Antoni's characters are honest and real and even if you've never met anyone quite like any of them, you will quickly grow to love them - flaws and all.

I was amazed, mostly, by the story of South Beach. What a place this must have been before "pop culture" took over! Perhaps most touching is the fact that many considered it "God's Waiting Room" as both the old and the sick sought refuge on its shores.

I hope we will see more from Antoni as he is an expert at his skill and the honesty with which he portrays life, even the darker side that nobody wants to admit exists, is hard to come by these days.

Good Book Recommendations: South Beach Discussion Questions

1. Does Gabriel seem like a "trust fund baby"? Why or why not?
2. What similarities can you find about Jesus, Mrs. Levy, and Skip's lives?
3. Do you sympathize with Pandora's situation?

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