“Miami has always been a tale of (more than) two cities: haves and have-nots, natives and immigrants, past and future, paradise and swamp. That dichotomy, tribalism, and allure are captured vividly, vibrantly, and occasionally, tragically by Alessandro’s penetrating eye” notes Cocaine Cowboys filmmaker, Billy Corben. 

Jungleland also features stories and commentary from notable Miami residents including fashion icon Bárbara Hulanicki and celebrity restaurateur Michelle Bernstein who says “this is an epic tale of a fascinating city-our city-and its evolutionary narrative. His images flood my senses with memories and every decade of my life here in South Florida.”

The book’s foreword is written by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation president, Alberto Ibarguen. “Jungleland made me smile” says Ibarguen. “It’s a work of art by a photographer of unusual talent, a pleasure. I recognized my town and saw the jungle we came from and the ones we’ve layered on top. And then it struck me that it’s as much a work of anthropology as photography.” 

Adding to Jungleland’s narrative is poetry by Presidential Inaugural Poet, Richard Blanco and The Biscayne Poet, Oscar Fuentes whose mesmerizing verses will illicit nostalgia from anyone who has ever spent time within the Magic City. “You won’t find all the iconic and most known tourist places”, says Sarno. “On the contrary, it’s a book about the authenticity of everyday life scattered throughout Miami’s vibrant and colorful neighborhoods; what you see in one moment is gone the moment after.”