From Rainy Morning to Bestseller: Welcoming Patrick Ryan and Buckeye to the Buckeye Book Fair
It was a quiet, rainy March morning when I opened the New York Times and read that a new novel titled Buckeye by Patrick Ryan would be released in September 2025. The moment I saw the cover, I wanted to read it and I recognized it was going to be a fantastic story, one that belonged at the Buckeye Book Fair. I reached out immediately. From there, our team made it a goal to bring Patrick Ryan to Wooster.
That wish came true.
Since its release, Buckeye has become one of the most celebrated novels of the year, earning widespread critical and popular acclaim. It debuted as a New York Times Bestseller and was named the Barnes & Noble National Book Club Pick and Read With Jenna selection for September 2025. It was also chosen as an Indie Next pick, confirming its impact among independent booksellers across the country.
Critics have been consistent in their praise. Tom Perrotta called it “a small-town novel of epic proportions.” Publishers Weekly described it as “a stirring paean to the joys and sorrows of family” in a starred review, while Booklist called it “quietly affecting and nuanced.” Kirkus Reviews highlighted Ryan’s ability to explore emotional vulnerability and create empathy for his characters. Author Ann Patchett expressed her admiration, saying, “I have a feeling that with this book, he’s going to be everyone’s favorite writer.”
Tom Hanks called it “wise and epic,” connecting readers across generations.
Buckeye follows the intertwined lives of two Ohio families over six decades, examining themes of love, loyalty, and the legacy of secrets. Ryan’s work continues his hallmark focus on small-town life, family dynamics, and the passage of time, subjects he previously explored in Send Me and The Dream Life of Astronauts.
Beyond his fiction, Patrick Ryan serves as the editor-in-chief of the literary magazine One Story and previously worked as the associate editor at Granta. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Florida, he holds degrees from Florida State University and Bowling Green State University and now lives in New York City.
Today, we are proud to welcome Patrick Ryan to the Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, Ohio. Seeing him here meeting readers, signing books, and sharing insights about Buckeye feels like a full-circle moment. Who knew that a headline on a dreary March morning would lead to one of the most talked-about author appearances of our year?
Join us today, Saturday, November 1st from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Greystone Event Center to meet Patrick Ryan and celebrate the success of Buckeye, a story that captures the heart of Ohio and the enduring power of storytelling.
The 2025 Buckeye Book Fair being tucked in for a good sleep. It’s a BIG DAY tomorrow!
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