In September, I read Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. We start with a date—1920—a name, Cal Jenkins, and an issue: one of Cal’s legs is two inches shorter than the other. Also, a place: Bonhomie, Ohio. Gradually we meet the other characters who vibrate like stars in this novel’s universe. The scope, the exceptional prose, the brilliant metaphors made me realize early on that Buckeye would be a memorable read. In fact, it was one of the best books I’ve read in my life. I knew of the author from his work at One Story. I had no idea that he could create characters that feel familiar, characters you feel like you know. Check out the praise from other authors on Ryan’s website. I also should mention the history that is woven in so that Cal, his wife Becky, Felix and Margaret, as well as their sons comment on what has happened nationally and globally without Ryan lifting the pedal on the story he is telling. We meet Margaret on page 89 and find out she’s an orphan dropped off in the middle of the night at the Open Arms Orphanage. Her striking red hair and jade green eyes make her stand out. She meets Felix page 117 and three pages later, in 1937, they marry. We get no clue at first that Felix has an important secret. We experience World War I through Cal’s dad and the World War II through Felix who participates and barely makes it home, and the Vietnam War through Cal’s son who enlists. There’s a scene toward the end that is not maudlin although from a less skillful author, it probably would have been. Buckeye is one of those books you don’t want to end and feel tears well up when it does.
In October, I read Etna. Now, I’m not a dog-person, preferring cats, but I was absolutely charmed by this novel by Paul Yoon, who manages to make readers believe a dog named Etna is telling this war story.
