Patrick Ryan’s novel, Buckeye, a powerful narrative exploring family secrets and societal pressures, has transcended its origins as a Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club pick to become a finalist for the prestigious Barnes & Noble 2025 Book of the Year award, solidifying its place as a literary standout.
The world of literature is abuzz with the news that Patrick Ryan’s compelling novel, Buckeye, a distinguished Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club pick, has earned a coveted spot as a finalist for the Barnes & Noble 2025 Book of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the book’s profound narrative and its ability to resonate deeply with readers, confirming the discerning eye of Jenna Bush Hager and the passion of the book club community.
The Enduring Influence of “Read With Jenna”
Since its inception in March 2019, Jenna Bush Hager’s Read With Jenna Book Club, a popular segment on NBC’s The Today Show, has emerged as a powerful cultural arbiter in the publishing world. Each month, Bush Hager introduces a new title, fostering vibrant discussions among readers and authors alike. Her selections frequently catapult books onto bestseller lists, introducing a diverse range of stories and voices to a broad audience. The book club’s influence extends beyond mere recommendations, often creating a fervent community of readers eager to delve into the chosen narratives and share their insights.
Buckeye’s Meteoric Rise to Acclaim
Published in September 2025, Buckeye swiftly made its mark, debuting at No. 4 on the New York Times Bestseller List, a significant achievement for any new novel. The book’s journey from a lauded book club selection to a prestigious award finalist highlights its universal appeal. Jenna Bush Hager herself praised the novel, calling it “a moving story about family, secrets, and the ties that bind us to where we came from,” as reported by Parade. Ryan’s novel is an epic tale spanning from the end of World War II through the close of the 20th century. It intricately weaves together the lives of two fictional couples in Ohio, exploring universal themes of hidden truths, societal expectations, and the far-reaching consequences of a single impulsive act. The book’s depth and emotional resonance have garnered widespread praise from readers, with many hailing it as their “absolute favorite book of the year,” reinforcing its critical and popular success.
Patrick Ryan: A Master Storyteller’s Legacy
Author Patrick Ryan has a rich history of crafting engaging narratives that delve into complex human experiences. His previous critically acclaimed works include:
- Saints of Augustine
- In Mike We Trust
- Gemini Bites
With Buckeye, Ryan once again showcases his profound ability to tackle intricate emotional landscapes and significant historical scope, solidifying his reputation as a formidable voice in contemporary fiction. His meticulous character development and immersive storytelling draw readers into the heart of his narratives, making each page a profound discovery and connection.
The Significance of the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year Award
The Barnes & Noble Book of the Year award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the retail book industry, recognizing titles that have deeply impacted readers and demonstrated exceptional literary merit. Being named a finalist places Buckeye among an elite group of books that have captivated critics and the reading public alike. This recognition not only celebrates Ryan’s exceptional literary achievement but also brings increased visibility to a novel that has already touched many lives through the Read With Jenna Book Club. The full list of finalists for 2025, which includes Buckeye, can be explored on the Barnes & Noble blog, offering readers a curated selection of the year’s standout titles.
Other Distinguished Finalists for 2025
The competition for the 2025 Barnes & Noble Book of the Year is fierce, with Buckeye joining an impressive roster of literary talents that represent the best of contemporary literature. The fourteen finalists reflect a diverse range of genres and storytelling styles, each a compelling work in its own right. Among these celebrated books are:
- Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (notably, a Reese’s Book Club pick and acclaimed by Reese Witherspoon as her personal favorite book of 2025)
- Mona’s Eyes by Thomas Schlesser
- Maggie; or a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee
- The Land of Sweet Forever: Stories and Essays by Harper Lee
- The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
- Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman
- Circle of Days by Ken Follett
- What We Know: A Novel by Ian McEwan
- Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon
- We Do Not Part: A Novel by Han Kang
- The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds
- The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny: A Novel by Kiran Desai
This comprehensive list highlights the rich tapestry of stories and voices that defined the literary landscape of 2025. The ultimate winner of the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year is traditionally announced in mid-November, an event eagerly anticipated by readers and authors worldwide, as it spotlights exceptional literary achievement.
A Collective Triumph for the Reading Community
For fans of the Read With Jenna Book Club and devotees of compelling fiction, Buckeye’s nomination is a moment of collective celebration. It underscores the power of a well-told story to transcend individual reading experiences and become a shared cultural touchstone, fostering discussion and connection among a diverse readership. As the anticipation builds for the final announcement of the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year, readers continue to reflect on the enduring impact of Patrick Ryan’s work and its significant place within the vibrant literary landscape of 2025, a year marked by exceptional storytelling.
