Read Around Ohio

Ohio’s rich literary heritage stretches back well over 150 years. Many Ohio authors have been lauded nationally and internationally and recognized with honors such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and National Book Award. It can be difficult to know where to start if one wants to explore the depth and breadth of Ohio’s contribution to the world of literature. The Ohio Center for the Book is happy to help by presenting this inaugural edition of Read Around Ohio.

We’ve compiled a list of forty titles written by a diverse array of authors from all regions of the state to provide readers with an introduction to the best Ohio has to offer. Here you’ll find books for children, teens, and adults that span time and genre. From romance to science fiction, from short stories and poetry to nonfiction and journalistic works, Read Around Ohio has something for everybody.

Click on the titles in the list below to go to the brief introduction to each book, including a link to WorldCat to find it in a library near you. In addition to the 40 titles highlighted, well over 100 “side trips” are provided to further your reading exploration around Ohio!

Did we leave out your favorite book? Let us know! We will present new editions of Read Around Ohio in the future. If you’d like to suggest an author or title for inclusion, contact us at ohiocenterforthebook@cpl.org.

We hope you enjoy your Read Around Ohio!

The 3-C Highway (Ohio State Route 3)

Interstate 75

Ohio State Route 7

Ohio Turnpike