Review of Where To Unpack The Crazy

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Where To Unpack The Crazy" by Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D. (Angelina, the Polka Queen).]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Have you ever spent time in Gainesville, Florida, to work, attend a university, or take a vacation? Did you know that Gainesville has a great music scene? Are you interested in learning about famous people who have lived or are living there? Would you like to discover interesting places to visit in Gainesville? If these questions piqued your curiosity, let Angelina, the Polka Queen, tell you all about Gainesville in her book Where to Unpack the Crazy.

The author moved from Youngstown, Ohio, to Gainesville, Florida, in the 1980s. She was a student at the University of Florida and worked as an entertainer when she wasn’t studying. Her stage name was Angelina, the Polka Queen. She played the accordion and sang. She felt like she had landed on another planet when she arrived in Gainesville. Everything was different. She decided to write a book about her experience of living in Gainesville, a place she had grown to love. She shared information about famous people from Gainesville and others who visited Gainesville as entertainers or lecturers. She wrote about her memories of notable local people in Gainesville. They included a person seen running every day, a university bus driver who greeted every passenger and knew them by name, and a street vendor with cerebral palsy, to name a few.

The author gave vivid descriptions of popular places where people would go to eat, get entertained, and sightsee. She also recounted stories about friends she had made in Gainesville, some of whom were transplants from other parts of the USA.

The author told great stories. This book was full of short, interesting anecdotes about her experiences, the climate, places to visit, and the people with whom she shared the town of Gainesville. I learned about historical places, local foods, and traditions in the arts. There were tales about delightful people and notorious people. Some of the stories made me laugh and smile. Others were intriguing and horrifying.

This book was professionally edited and easy to read. Many of the tales were amusing. While I was reading, I felt like I was visiting Gainesville; the author’s descriptions were so vivid. I learned that Tom Petty, one of my favorite rock stars, was from Gainesville. Can you guess where Gatorade was invented? Because of this book, I am thinking about visiting Gainesville. I did not find anything to dislike in this work of literature. Therefore, I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Where To Unpack The Crazy
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[Priya Murugesan]

I strongly believe I will enjoy this book! I wish to learn more about Gainesville in an interesting way. Thanks for your wonderful review, Gerry!

[Julie Basil]

I'll admit that I haven't ever thought much about Gainesville, Florida. I have visited Florida many times, but generally visit other parts of the state because I have extended family that lives there. I am glad to hear that this book was well-written and that it contained many amusing and intriguing anecdotes about the author's life.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

From the title, I thought this would be a self-help book, lol, one that I need to read . So is the author suggesting that some people in Gainesville are crazy? I think I might have missed something.

[Gerry Steen]

From the title, I thought this would be a self-help book, lol, one that I need to read . So is the author suggesting that some people in Gainesville are crazy? I think I might have missed something.

[Anu Anand]

The stories, local charm, and vivid memories sound really engaging. I’m now looking forward to reading it and exploring Gainesville through the author’s eyes. Thank you for the insight!

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Great review again, Gerry! Keep them coming! I never would have imagined that Gainsville, Florida was a mega for music. I had never even heard of Gainsville, and I have been to Florida several times. I will definitely have to pick up this book and read it. Thanks for the wonderful review!

[Neha Panikar]

Like Stephen, I was expecting something very different basis the title. Does the book explain the unique title in some way?
I like the premise of the book, and that it has been written well. Thankyou for the wonderful review!!

[Arshadq]

I would love to know more about Gainesville. As a big fan of tourism myself, I like to know more about places I want to visit. And your review has intrigued me, to say the least. I will add this book to my reading list; I am sure it will convince me to visit Gainesville. Thank you for your review.

[Gerry Steen]

From the title, I thought this would be a self-help book, lol, one that I need to read . So is the author suggesting that some people in Gainesville are crazy? I think I might have missed something.

Hi, Stephen. If crazy can mean strange, irrational, or enthusiastic, Angelina uses this adjective to describe herself, the comparison between her town of birth, Youngstown, Ohio, and Gainesville, Florida, some quirky people she met in Gainesville, and some scandals in Gainesville. Gainesville is a university town- University of Florida; which makes the town young and vibrant with lots of crazy things going on.

[Gerry Steen]

Like Stephen, I was expecting something very different basis the title. Does the book explain the unique title in some way?
I like the premise of the book, and that it has been written well. Thankyou for the wonderful review!!

Hi, Neha. The main title of the book was followed by : Quirks, Crimes, and Curiosities of Gainesville, Florida. As I responded to Stephen, if crazy can mean strange, irrational, or enthusiastic, Angelina uses this adjective to describe herself, the comparison between her town of birth, Youngstown, Ohio, and Gainesville, Florida, some quirky people she met in Gainesville, and some scandals in Gainesville. Gainesville is a university town- University of Florida; which makes the town young and vibrant with lots of crazy things going on.

[Amy Luman]

I thought that this would be about something different, too. Moving to an area that you are not familiar with is almost always a strange experience. I’m glad that Angelina is able to see the humor in her situation. Thanks!

[Neha Panikar]

Like Stephen, I was expecting something very different basis the title. Does the book explain the unique title in some way?
I like the premise of the book, and that it has been written well. Thankyou for the wonderful review!!

Hi, Neha. The main title of the book was followed by : Quirks, Crimes, and Curiosities of Gainesville, Florida. As I responded to Stephen, if crazy can mean strange, irrational, or enthusiastic, Angelina uses this adjective to describe herself, the comparison between her town of birth, Youngstown, Ohio, and Gainesville, Florida, some quirky people she met in Gainesville, and some scandals in Gainesville. Gainesville is a university town- University of Florida; which makes the town young and vibrant with lots of crazy things going on.

That makes sense!! Thanks for explaining, Gerry!!

[fozia noshin]

**Book Review: *Where To Unpack The Crazy* by Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D. (Angelina, the Polka Queen)**

Angela V. Woodhull, Ph.D., affectionately known as *Angelina, the Polka Queen*, delivers a whirlwind of wit, wisdom, and wild tales in her vibrant memoir *Where To Unpack The Crazy*. With a title that teases readers into a world of chaos, catharsis, and comedy, this book is a rare gem that artfully blends humor with heartfelt vulnerability. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a dance with life’s eccentricities.

From the first page, Woodhull’s writing pulses with energy. She takes readers by the hand and leads them through a technicolor journey of personal trials, academic triumphs, and hilariously bizarre life encounters. Imagine a polka tune playing in the background as she recounts misadventures that include quirky family dynamics, awkward social situations, and academic drama, all handled with sharp intellect and a generous dash of sass.

What sets *Where To Unpack The Crazy* apart is its fearless authenticity. Woodhull doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of life—instead, she embraces them, spins them into comedy gold, and invites readers to laugh, cry, and reflect. The book’s structure feels like a patchwork quilt of experiences, stitched together with honesty and unapologetic individuality. Each chapter is a suitcase bursting with stories, and with every page, she unpacks a little more of the “crazy” that makes her who she is.

There’s a dazzling stylishness to Woodhull’s prose. Her voice is unmistakably her own: bold, brilliant, and unapologetically eccentric. She’s part philosopher, part storyteller, and part stand-up comedian. But beneath the sparkle and sass is a powerful message about resilience, identity, and the importance of owning one’s story—no matter how wild it may be.

What’s especially heartwarming is Woodhull’s ability to find joy in chaos. Her playful tone never diminishes the depth of her experiences; instead, it adds a layer of humanity that makes her narrative all the more relatable. Whether she’s writing about academic hurdles or unexpected detours in life, she does so with a voice that says, “Hey, life’s weird—but you’ve got this.”

*Where To Unpack The Crazy* is more than a memoir—it’s a celebration of life’s imperfections. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, overwhelmed, or just a little bit offbeat. Woodhull’s work reminds us that it’s okay to carry emotional baggage—as long as we learn when, where, and how to unpack it with grace, laughter, and a little polka music in the background.

This book is a stylish, smart, and spirited ride that proves one powerful truth: it’s not about escaping the crazy—it’s about embracing it. And when you do, you might just find your own rhythm in the dance of life.

[NetMassimo]

I'm not sure I even knew that Gainesville existed! It seems like it was my loss, as the town has so much that can be interesting, including people. I don't know if I'll ever go to Gainesville, but if that ever happens, I know what to expect. Either way, this book is certainly intriguing. Thank you for your great review!