Originally from Mississippi, Smith once ran a car dealership and cattle ranch. He moved to Florida in the 1960s and worked in the public relations department of several colleges, including Brevard Community College. He lives with his wife, Iris, on Merritt Island. His books champion underdogs. Forever Island tells the story of what happens to an old Seminole Indian family when a section of the Florida Everglades is destroyed by development.
Angel City is about slavery among modern-day migrant workers.
Smith lived in migrant camps to research the novel. He will be at the downtown branch on April 25 and the College Hill branch on April 26. Miller, who now lives in Washington, D.C., grew up in the South Bronx in the 1950s. His mother used to leave him and his siblings at the local library while she went grocery shopping. Miller fell in love with books.