Description
Book Synopsis: In Susan Orlean's mesmerizing true story of beauty and obsession is John Laroche, a renegade plant dealer and sharply handsome guy, in spite of the fact that he is missing his front teeth and has the posture of al dente spaghetti. In 1994, Laroche and three Seminole Indians were arrested with rare orchids they had stolen from a wild swamp in south Florida that is filled with some of the world's most extraordinary plants and trees. Laroche had planned to clone the orchids and then sell them for a small fortune to impassioned collectors. After he was caught in the act, Laroche set off one of the oddest legal controversies in recent memory, which brought together environmentalists, Native Amer-ican activists, and devoted orchid collectors. The result is a tale that is strange, compelling, and hilarious.
New Yorker writer Susan Orlean followed Laroche through swamps and into the eccentric world of Florida's orchid collectors, a subculture of aristocrats, fanatics, and smugglers whose obsession with plants is all-consuming. Along the way, Orlean learned the history of orchid collecting, discovered an odd pattern of plant crimes in Florida, and spent time with Laroche's partners, a tribe of Seminole Indians who are still at war with the United States.
There is something fascinating or funny or truly bizarre on every page of The Orchid Thief: the story of how the head of a famous Seminole chief came to be displayed in the front window of a local pharmacy; or how seven hundred iguanas were smuggled into Florida; or the case of the only known extraterrestrial plant crime. Ultimately, however, Susan Orlean's book is about passion itself, and the amazing lengths to which people will go to gratify it. That passion is captured with singular vision in The Orchid Thief, a once-in-a-lifetime story by one of our most original journalists.
Details
Are you ready to dive into a mesmerizing world of beauty, obsession, and excitement? Introducing "The Orchid Thief" by Susan Orlean - a true story that will captivate your heart and soul. Join the journey of John Laroche, a renegade plant dealer with an irresistible charm, despite his unconventional appearance. Witness as he embarks on a daring adventure to steal rare orchids from the wild swamps of Florida, only to ignite an uproar among environmentalists, Native American activists, and orchid fanatics.
Get ready to explore a whole new world of intrigue and intrigue. Susan Orlean takes you through the enchanting subculture of Florida's orchid collectors - a group of aristocrats, fanatics, and smugglers whose passion for plants knows no bounds. Immerse yourself in the odd patterns of plant crimes and the history of orchid collecting, as you journey alongside Orlean in her quest to unravel the bizarre and hilarious mysteries surrounding this captivating tale.
Prepare to be amazed as you uncover astonishing stories and startling revelations on every page. Discover the peculiar tale of a famous Seminole chief's head displayed in a local pharmacy's front window. Uncover the shocking truth behind the smuggling of seven hundred iguanas into Florida. And be astounded by the account of the sole extraterrestrial plant crime ever recorded. "The Orchid Thief" will keep you hooked with its unrivaled combination of fascination, humor, and utter peculiarity.
Ultimately, "The Orchid Thief" is a testament to the power of passion itself. Susan Orlean masterfully captures the lengths to which people will go to fulfill their desires, and the consuming nature of obsession. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime story, written by one of the most original journalists of our time. Immerse yourself in the world of "The Orchid Thief" and experience the extraordinary - click here to order your copy now!
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