Buckeye

Buckeye is one of those books that feels small at first, then suddenly hits you in the chest. Patrick Ryan writes in a way that feels easy and real—like someone quietly telling you the truth while you’re both sitting on a porch swing.

The story follows Jack, a kid trying to make sense of his family, his town, and all the confusing, tender parts of growing up. Nothing in the book is over-the-top. It’s the little moments—awkward conversations, things left unsaid, the way kids notice more than adults think—that end up sticking with you.

Ryan has a great sense of timing and lets the story unfold naturally. Jack’s world feels lived-in, and the people around him are imperfect in ways that feel familiar. There’s humor, there’s heartache, and there’s a quiet kind of wisdom that sneaks up on you.

If you like character-driven stories that feel honest and emotionally grounded, Buckeye is a charming read. It’s gentle, thoughtful, and unexpectedly moving in that understated way that stays with you afterward.