Kracker Flats

by Mario Iezzoni

Twisting the reluctant wedding band from her trembling finger, Marci Lindum's chest tightened; her stomach tumbled. To protect her son, she'd already acquiesced to doing the unthinkable. And before she could recant her next decision, to barter the solid gold ring, the arthritic seamstress snatched it away. Kracker Flats is Marci Lindum's tale of survival after Hurricane Kate, the most destructive hurricane ever, strikes Tampa Bay. Her brat daughter is missing. Her inept husband is attacked by an alligator. Hoarding neighbors are selfish, while others have gone crazy. To find her daughter and to seek help, Marci takes charge and ventures on a journey that leaves her stranded within a band of odd, and at times colorful, indigents-Krackers, who by design are remarkably well prepared. Marci pursues the most capable Kracker, the dominant male, Dale Carter, who can provide for her every need, including the safety of her son. She learns that Dale holds close to his broken heart a secret that only Marci could ever answer.

438 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2012

About the author

Born in the coal regions of Pennsylvania, Mario Iezzoni wrote nearly his entire life.

A geography major, often Mario submitted editorials to the college and local newspapers.

Working as a whitewater river guide after college, he developed the idea for his first novel, The Postulant, 2007, a story of a young girl considering a life of celibacy. A second edition will be released in Fall 2013.

In 2013, he published his second novel, Krakcer Flats, a story of a family trapped in a deed restricted community after a devastating hurricane strikes. Some say this novel is better than Carl Hiassen's work, another Florida writer.

He is currently working on his third novel, Voodoo Cruise, a story of a newscaster uncovering a plot by a Haitian Village to sink a cruise ship that has destroyed its peaceful lifestyle.

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Kracker Flats by Mario Lezzoni as a Goodreads First-reads giveaway winner. The book is about two different groups of people living in Florida, and their lives prior to, as well as, after a devastating hurricane. These groups are basically the "haves" and the "have-nots." Mario Lezzoni is a very descriptive writer who tells a story of survival. It is, at times both tragic and witty, but always captivating. At times it was intense, suspenseful and a bit creepy. I enjoyed the unique characters of Kracker Flats. Overall, the book is highly entertaining.

[Jane Thoele · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I had a problem with the authors excessive use of adjectives and sentence structure, but I since this was a giveaway gift I decided to try and ignore those problems and see how the story progressed. I am glad I did. The characters are funny & very colorful. The author did an excellent job of portraying the various dysfunctions of two different communities. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to laugh a lot because it is very funny.

[Keith Gerlach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place in my town. This is a good take on "The Big One" hurricane that we will get someday.