Waterproof: Evidence of a Miami Worth Remembering

by Mario Alejandro Ariza (Editor)

Waterproof: Evidence of a Miami Worth Remembering is a collection of micro-elegies to Miami places. We asked Miamians, “What will you miss when Miami is gone?” These are their answers: 197 pieces from 165 writers and artists, ranging from high schoolers to retirees and hailing from all corners of Miami-Dade County.

431 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2021

Reviews

[Nicole Viloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Waterproof: Evidence of a Miami Worth Remembering” helped me to see Miami with new eyes, through many other Miamians’ eyes! I looooved this experience because it really makes you think of all the things you take for granted in Miami. I have been living here for almost 5 years 🫢😅and there were many places I didn’t know of, so it felt like getting a private tour into people’ favorite spots! It’s a love letter to Miami and I just felt so much when reading it!!! You guys have to read it! @omiamifestival is amazing and this initiative is superb💕💕💕💕💕📚📚🤓

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me nostalgic for a Miami childhood I never knew, and taught me a lot about the privilege of my own.

Learning through these heartfelt vignettes about the city I’ve adopted as my home was a voyeuristic honor of the highest degree.

I loved learning about this city-state and the niche intangibles that people hold dear— the places that serve as cultural pillars for the three or so generations that have set up camp in this swamp.

This is excellently laid out, and kudos are in order for the way it has encapsulated the entirety of Dade county, as well as its glowing representation of its residents.

MIAMI I LOVE YOU!

[astro hottie gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

an enthralling window into the diasporic landscape of Miami through the eyes of people throughout different decades ranging as far back as the 80s to the modern day.
an intriguing glimpse into how nature and consumerism are both embedded into the spirit and culture of Miami.
a beautiful time capsule and reflection of Miami in the face of climate change.

and absolutely not biased because I have a piece in it hehe (ode to Cypress Gardens Florists on page 333)

[isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

an anthology of my home, what more can be said than i adored it all 💗

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

Loved this little book of short stories about my city. Would highly reccomend for those in Miami, lots of local lore and perspective that is so unique to our part of the world.

[anabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

i told you so (an ode to westchester) brought me to tears. i love you, miami.

[angeopolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

a thoughtfully curated anthology of the tiny, hidden, forgotten places that miamians loved, before the bitcoin bros and snowbirds took over whatever isn't going to be underwater. as a shameless self-plug: check out my piece, ode to chico's.