By Maggie Butler
Posted On: Apr 24, 2020
With warmer weather coming, now is the perfect time to sit outside with a good book. Check out these books set in Ohio to keep you entertained!
"Eligible" by Curtis Sittenfield
This novel is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Cincinnati. Follow this version of the Bennet family and Mr. Darcy as they interact with one and other (and even visit Skyline Chili a couple of times).
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison
This 1987 novel set after the Civil War and inspired by the life of Margaret Garner, an African American who escaped slavery, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1987. Travel back to 1873 Cincinnati and journey with the protagonist Sethe during the Reconstruction Era.
"The Daughters of Erietown" by Connie Schultz
A New York Times best seller, this book is sure to pull on your heart strings. The setting is in 1957, Clayton Valley, Ohio following high school brainiac, Ellie, through her rigorous relationship with basketball star Brick McGinty. But plans change. And in a small town where everyone knows everyone, secrets erupt through this novel page by page.
"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
Read the Goodreads Choice Awards winner for best Fiction that is set in Shaker Heights, Ohio. After finishing the book, be sure to check out the first season of the Hulu series of the same name.
"True Biz" by Sara Novic
At River Valley School for the Deaf, people's actions speak volumes. Follow along as high school students Charlie and Austin battle their own personal relationships and struggles, while also dealing with the typical high school drama. Along with hearing headmistress, February, who must worry about keeping the school open and her marriage together. Read as their lives intertwine and leave them all changed forever. An unforgettable novel into the lives of the deaf community and shared human connections.
"A Simple Plan" by Scott Smith
If you're looking for a book that'll make your heart race, check out A Simple Plan by Scott Smith, which The New York Times review said had "an emotional accuracy with an exceptionally skilled plot." Three men find an airplane crashed in a rural Northern Ohio forest, and chaos ensues.
"Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
Out of My Mind, by New York Times bestselling author Sharon M. Draper, follows a 10-year-old living in Ohio with cerebral palsy. Although this book is written for a younger audience, the inspiring story resonates with readers of all ages.
"Indignation" by Philip Roth
Set in America after the second year of the Korean War, Indignation details Marcus Messner's sophomore year at Winesburg College in Ohio. A film adaptation of the novel was made in 2016, with big names such as Logan Lermen, Sarah Gadon and Tracy Letts playing characters.
"Ohio" by Stephen Markley
Set over the course of single evening, Ohio follows four former high school classmates as they return to their hometown in northeastern Ohio. NPR called Ohio a "wild, angry, devastating debut" by author Stephen Markley.
"Captain Underpants" by Dav Pilkey
This illustrated series was a staple for many kids growing up. Two fourth-graders from Piqua, Ohio are stunned to find their imaginary superhero "Captain Underpants" has come to life! For even more adventure, you can check out the TV series based off the books (streaming on Netflix) or watch the 2017 movie, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (available to buy or rent on most streaming platforms).
For more literary fun, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
