Buckeye: A Read with Jenna Pick Audiobook By Patrick Ryan cover art

Buckeye: A Read with Jenna Pick

A Novel

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Buckeye: A Read with Jenna Pick

By: Patrick Ryan
Narrated by: Michael Crouch
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • “A glorious sweep of a novel” (Ann Patchett) that weaves the intimate lives of two midwestern families across generations, from World War II to the late twentieth century.

“Mesmerizing.”—People
“Captivating.”—The New York Times Book Review
“A once-in-a-decade novel . . . I fell in love with these characters.”—Jenna Bush Hager

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, NPR, People, Minnesota Star Tribune, New York Post, Chicago Public Library

LONGLISTED FOR THE JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE

That, as he saw it now, was his life’s work: trying to make right what he’d gotten wrong. Wasn’t that a fair measure of a person, what they did with their mistakes?

In the jubilant aftermath of the Allied victory in Europe, Cal Jenkins, a man wounded not in war but by his inability to serve in it, shares a single, life-altering moment with Margaret Salt, a woman determined to outrun her past. Cal is married to Becky, whose spiritual gifts help the living speak to the dead, while Margaret’s husband, Felix, is serving at sea, believed to be safe—until a telegram suggests otherwise.

What begins as a fleeting transgression becomes a complex secret that irrevocably binds all four of them in unexpected ways. As their small Ohio town remakes itself in the postwar boom, the Salt and Jenkins families remain in each other’s orbit, and the consequences of choices made long ago begin to emerge, reshaping their lives in ways that will forever impact the next generation.

Sweeping yet intimate, resplendent with moments of deep emotion and unforgettable characters, Buckeye is a transportive story of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Accolades & Awards

Best of 2025
Most Popular
20th Century Best of 2025 Family Life Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Marriage Heartfelt War
Beautifully Crafted Saga • Rich Character Development • Historical Authenticity • Emotional Depth • Authentic Voice

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I had to stop listening to this terrific book and rely on a printed version, since the reader's habit of trailing off at the end of most sentences was ruining the story for me. I'm trying to return it.

Terrible, annoying narration

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The set up of the complex characters and intertwined relationships never failed to keep interested. I was sorry when it ended but felt richer for having read it.

Excellent writing. Fabulous delivery!

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I loved how the truth was always on the tip of their tongue yet so is protection their own their children. That it's always better to reveal your true self to someone. Gully enjoyed the narrator, sometimes when a narrator is reading a book you just want to fall asleep and then this case I was just so engaged. Great book it needs to be a movie but not a movie of 2 hours I think it needs to be a short story of five consecutive days to get each person's character fully exposed on the screen

Acceptance

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If only we could see the end - no - if only we could slow down - build your life carefully

Life is brief, complex, lovely

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Good book, good story and good plot. Other than that, it was ok. Not my first pick but it was ok.

Good Book.

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