Dead Men Talking

Author Philip Smith grew up in a world most Americans can’t understand: Miami, specifically 1960s Miami, a time of heightened racial tension and bad city planning. Even weirder, one day Smith’s dad, a decorator (it’s Miami!), realized he had a gift for healing the sick and communicating with the dead...

By P. Scott Cunningham

October 29, 2009

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Author Philip Smith grew up in a world most Americans can’t understand: Miami, specifically 1960s Miami, a time of heightened racial tension and bad city planning. Even weirder, one day Smith’s dad, a decorator (it’s Miami!), realized he had a gift for healing the sick and communicating with the dead. Not your typical midlife crisis, but again, it’s Miami.

Smith’s debut memoir about the experience, Walking Through Walls (Atria, $24), has been described as Running With Scissors meets Bewitched, but for those who live here, it’s much more — a love letter to the crazy/beautiful city we call home. Smith will read at Books & Books on South Beach this Wednesday at 7 p.m. The event is free, but get there early because seating is limited.
Wed., Nov. 4, 7 p.m., 2009

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