When non-Floridians think of Florida, they usually envision palm trees, beaches and retirement communities (not to mention the occasional hanging chad). When Tim Dorsey writes about Florida, it more likely involves murder, heavy drinking and a rotating cast of psychologically disturbed characters. The acclaimed author of such novels as Florida Roadkill and Hurricane Punch has embarked on a signing tour in celebration of the release of his 10th and latest novel, Atomic Lobster. Florida's local satirist explores the state's endless eccentricities with his signature dark humor in the book, which features everybody's favorite psychopathic killer, Serge A. Storms, and plot twists so deranged that readers will need timelines and character maps just to keep up. If you like your Florida orange juice with a shot of vodka and a twist of irony, be sure to meet the man behind the madness this weekend. Thurs., Feb. 14, 7 p.m., Borders, 909 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa; Fri., Feb. 15, 7 p.m., Borders, 6999 Tyrone Square, St. Petersburg; and Sat., Feb. 16, 1 p.m., Borders, 12500 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 2:30 p.m. Waldenbooks, Westfield Citrus Park Mall, Tampa, and 4:30 p.m. Books-A-Million, 839 Brandon Town Center Mall, Brandon, timdorsey.com.
This article appears in Feb 13-19, 2008.