What are you reading about, Ohio readers? And what are you reading that's about Ohio, readers?
I’m super excited about several Ohio-related titles on my TBRP at the moment.
About that acronym: Yeah, I know it’s supposed to be a list, but I have a to-be-read pile. Actually, if I was more forthcoming I would type, to-be-read shelves, but that sounds a bit overwhelmi-- um, ambitious.
So, let's forget about my addiction to books and move on. Do you wanna be virtual book buddies and read some works by Ohio authors, or on Ohio subjects, together? What's that?
I think I heard a “yes.” Great! My list is below.
Let me know if you’re reading another Ohio-centric title (or author) and I’ll add it to my list. Um, pile. Ok, shelves…
Ohio Books on my TBRP
Although the author has published quite a few short stories, Buckeye is Patrick Ryan’s first novel. Ryan created the fictional town of Bonhomie for this 2025 release. The Guardian called it “a tender 20th-century saga of wounded souls and small-town secrets.” 📖 Update: I just started Buckeye, and the prose flows so it’s a quick read. So far, I like it, although I feel like it glosses over some important events…would love to hear your thoughts, readers! 📖 📖Update no. 2: Since finishing Buckeye, some of the characters and scenes have been lurking in the back of my mind. I think this is one of those titles that will stick with me for a while...
Meanwhile, the graphic novel Fire on the Water by Scott MacGregor and Gary Dumm sits near the top of my TBRP and it...is still there. I have good intentions to pick it up soon! The book takes its inspiration from one of the nation’s earliest man-made ecological catastrophes: the 1916 East Ohio Gas explosion in Cleveland. The book was first published in 2020. I expect to be incensed when I read it. Of course I'll update you when I get a round tuit.
I read The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio years ago, and I’ve been recommending it ever since. I’m a huge Erma Bombeck fan, but Erma had nothing on Evelyn Ryan. IYKYK. Prize Winner is now a movie showing on Netflix and Apple TV. But read it.
Living Proof is a beautiful biography about hereditary cancer - yes, it’s all of those things in one book. It was written by Ohio resident Tiffany Graham Charkosky, who I had the pleasure to meet a couple of years ago, when she didn't even mention that she was writing a book! (Tiffany, I understand and definitely don't hold it against you. But the next time I see you, I'm gonna bring it up!)
The 2025 release has been very well-received in the medical community, in addition to winning over countless readers of the “regular people” variety, like me.
So which one should we read first? I know, let’s think it over while we’re ~~~shopping Ohio bookstores!!
Where Are You Shopping at Ohio Bookstores?!
Lucky for us, Ohio has plenty of good bookstores, so we don’t have to drive very far to find one. But for the record, I will drive hours to visit a new-to-me bookstore…and new bookstores keep opening ~ so, yay! It must be because there are lots of readers in Ohio.
Annnnd I know I’m not the only one with a great, big TBRP. Hey, it’s good to have a little ambition. If you’re afraid your pile is dwindling - or you want to make sure you looked all. over. the. state for the perfect title for a gift, here are a few stores I’d urge you to visit.
Lake Erie Book Company in Geneva is a great full-service book store that also serves inspired soda flavors from behind its beautiful bar.
Recently opened in Ravenna, Books a Go Go has a small-but-mighty-sweet T-shirt and sweatshirt collection (If you read, and wear shirts, you’ll love it.) It also has a super-cute logo. Oh, and books of course. (I recently picked up The Correspondent there.) When the owner opened Books a Go Go, it was the only independent full-service bookstore in Portage County - and as far as I know, it still is. (Chime in if you know otherwise)
Last summer, I made my way to the Sandusky Book Bar to enjoy a beverage and lots of book browsing. I left with a like-new used title and a plan to return…
Somehow on my west-side wanderings I missed a stop at Ship to Shore in Lorain. (Have you shopped there?)
I’ve been shopping The Browsing Room Bookstore in the Galleria (downtown Cleveland) since it opened almost two years ago. This time of year, the store is nearly eclipsed by the Galleria’s gigantic Christmas Tree - which is a great way to convince even your not-very-bookish friends to go with you. After oh-ing and ah-ing at the tree. find your way into the store for excellent coffee and snacks, an amazing collection of cookbooks from all over the world, and an impressively well-rounded inventory, particularly of non-fiction titles.
In Medina, Black Cat Books & Oddities has a fabulous selection of stationary items (and books!), just about a block from the town’s charming square.
In Columbus - where we all know about the storied Book Loft!- the newer, smaller Prologue Bookshop on S. High Street is definitely worth a visit. I’ve only been in twice, but I think Prologue might have the most well-read staff of any store where I’ve shopped. Ask anyone there for a recommendation and you're likely to be both surprised and delighted with their response.
A friend and fellow writer (hi, Lisa!) had this to say about Clintonville Books:
One of my favorite bookstores is Clintonville Books. This Columbus bookstore has such a great curated variety of new, used and rare books. The staff is friendly and helpful. I love that this bookstore is in my neighborhood. I always find something amazing I wasn't even looking for. Lisa Lopez Snyder
Meanwhile, back on Cleveland’s east side, Mac’s Backs in Coventry also has an exceptionally well-read staff, and I believe the store deserves special mention for its cool backstory and steady support of causes that matter to its customers and Ohio neighbors.
What’s your favorite bookstore in Ohio? I’d love to hear about it - drop a note to let me (and others) know.
Of course, even if your favorite Ohio bookstore is more than a short drive away, most of those listed above have online shopping at their own website or through Bookshop.org.
If you don’t already have a deep and abiding love for Bookshop.org, you will after you learn a bit about the site and the organization. My favorite thing feature: you can shop online and support any bookstore listed on the site.
OK! Enough talking about books. Let’s read! 📚
# #