Why I Started the Cedar Key Book Club
I started this group because I wanted to bring together like-minded folks who are genuinely curious about the stories that shaped our islands. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are just passing through, there is always something new to discover about Cedar Key’s history and nature. Sometimes, the stories can get a little wild!
How We Roll:
When: Every other Thursday at 5:30 PM. Dates are posted in our Facebook Group.
Where: Usually at Sip & Sea, though we will occasionally head out on a “field trip” to see the sights firsthand!
The Pace: We choose our books as a group, and everyone reads at their own speed. We try to do one a month. This isn’t a race; it’s about enjoying the journey and the conversation. We read both fiction and non-fiction, so the stories can vary.
Join Us: If you’re a local, we’d love to hear your perspective on our latest read. If you’re a visitor, stop by to learn a little more about what makes this place so special.
Explore Cedar Key at Your Own Pace Want to dive deeper into our local history? Take a stroll down 2nd Street and visit the Cedar Key Public Library or the Historical Society. The library houses a fantastic collection of regional books in its reference department, while the Historical Society offers a curated selection of titles and exhibits that bring our past to life.
Can’t make it in person? Join our private Facebook Group to stay connected—just remember to introduce yourself and tell us what you love about Cedar Key!
Are you interested in what we have read so far?
The Cedar Key Book Club Reading List
1. A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf by John Muir
Description: This classic nature journal chronicles legendary naturalist John Muir’s 1,000-mile walk from Indiana to Florida in 1867. The final leg of his journey brought him directly to Cedar Key, where he recovered from a severe bout of malaria while working at a local sawmill. His vivid descriptions capture the wild, untouched beauty of post-Civil War Florida and provide a foundational look at the region's environmental heritage.
Buy it on Amazon here. (affiliate link) It is also sold locally at the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum.
2. Cedar Key Stories: Island Interludes by Gary Wadley
Description: A wonderful collection of stories imagined and historical sketches that captures the unique heart, character, and quirky charm of the island community. It dives into the lives of the residents, local legends, and the tight-knit culture that has defined this coastal town over the generations.
Buy it on Amazon here. (affiliate link) It is also sold locally at Mainstreet Mercantile and the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum.
3. Cedar Key in the 19th Century by Charles Fishburne, Jr.
Description: For the history enthusiasts, this book serves as an essential deep-dive into the island’s bustling past. It explores Cedar Key’s golden era in the 1800s, detailing its transformation into a major shipping port, the impact of the historic railroad, and the rise and fall of the 19th-century industrial pencil mill industry.
To purchase: you might find it on Ebay. It is only sold locally at the Cedar Key Historical Society and Museum.
4. Godspeed, Cedar Key by Michael Bobbitt
Description: Written by local author Michael Presley Bobbitt, this engaging pseudo-historical fiction novel is set against the backdrop of the nuclear warfare. It follows a compelling cast of characters—including many loosely based on locals—navigating the destruction of the town, offering a dramatic look at resilience, survival, and the spirit of the island.
Buy it on Amazon here. (Affiliate link.) It is also sold locally at Mainstreet Mercantile.
This article was written with the assistance of Claude and Gemini, an AI tool.