Good Roots: Writers Reflect on Growing Up in Ohio

by Lisa Watts (Editor), Mark Winegardner (Afterword), R.L. Stine (Foreword by)

Winner of the Ohioana Library’s 2008 Ohio Legacy Citation
2014-2015 Choose to Read Ohio selection “A good place to be from.” That’s how some people might characterize the Buckeye State. The writings in Good Writers Reflect on Growing Up in Ohio , are testimony to the truth of that statement. By prominent writers such as P. J. O’Rourke, Susan Orlean, and Alix Kates Shulman, these contributions are alternately nostalgic, irreverent, and sincere, and offer us a personal sense of place. Their childhoods are as varied as their work. Some were raised in urban Cleveland, Akron, and Cincinnati, others in the small Ohio towns that typify the Midwest, and still others in the countryside. Yet what they have to tell us about their roots resonates with a shared heritage, a sense of what is universal and enduring about growing up in the heartland.

Their collective résumé reads like a literary Who’s Who, including four Pulitzer Prizes, several National Book Awards, and many prestigious fellowships. Good Roots is also plain good reading from some of our country’s most accomplished contemporary writers.

Contributors include : Jill Bialosky, Dan Cryer, Michael Dirda, Elizabeth Dodd, Anthony Doerr, Rita Dove, Ian Frazier, Dale Keiger, Andrea Louie, Kathleen Dean Moore, Mary Oliver, Susan Orlean, P. J. O’Rourke, Julie Salamon, Scott Russell Sanders, Alix Kates Shulman, Jeffery Smith, James Toedtman, and Mark Winegardner.

Genres: Nonfiction

201 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2006

Reviews

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and what life in Ohio is really like. As you read each of their stories, they are very touching to read. The old photos of the author's childhoods are cute to look at.

[Paul Reiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the type of book I usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book of essays (and some poems) about growing up in Ohio. The writing was wonderful, capturing the beauty and heartbreak of looking back into one’s Ohio past. I was planning to only read a few essays by authors I’ve enjoyed previously or about Ohio locations for which I have a personal connection, but I could not put the book down. I highly recommend this collection of thoughtful and beautifully written essays.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made be proud to be a Buckeye. The authors reminded me what is good about being an Ohioan and why we are special, even though we are in the middle of flyover country.

I did not realize how many famous authors are from Ohio, and this book only covered 20. Ian Frazier, P.J. O'Rourke, Mary Oliver... And I discovered several authors I was not familiar with whose books I now want to read!

[Stephen B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Ohioan with a BFA in creative writing, I couldn't pass this one up at the used book store. Some great tales live here, even if several authors mention they only spent a few formative years in Ohio. It's definitely work a look for those interested in how the Midwest fosters a fertile environment for the creative mind.

[Kathryn]

Marked for a potential Christmas gift for the aunts!

[Ada Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent anthology of essays and poetry by Ohio writers, capturing many essences and flavors of what it was like growing up a Buckeye.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essays by Ohio writers about growing up. I particularly enjoyed Dan Cryer's "Preacher's Kid" and Mark Winegardner's "Decoction."

[Gayle Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my same publisher, the editing is wonderful! While I like some of the stories better than others, all are engaging and well written. As an Ohio native, I love the theme, as well.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great Ohio authors. So many wonderful essays, from hilarious to painfully nostalgic. And all spot on in regard to Ohio, living there, and leaving.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you grew up in Ohio, even during the 80s and 90s, this book hits home.