This novel tells the story of a former African-American slave woman who, after escaping to Ohio, is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. The protagonist is forced to confront her repressed memories and the horrific realities of her past, including the desperate act she committed to protect her children from a life of slavery. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the physical, emotional, and psychological scars inflicted by the institution of slavery, and the struggle for identity and self-acceptance in its aftermath.

This renowned novel provides a harsh critique of American slavery through the story of Uncle Tom, a long-suffering black slave. The narrative follows Tom as he is sold and transported to the harsh South, encountering a variety of characters, both kind and cruel. The novel powerfully explores themes of faith, the immorality of slavery, and the concept of humanity, ultimately contributing to the abolitionist cause and leaving a significant impact on the American perception of slavery.

"Winesburg, Ohio" is a collection of interconnected short stories that paints a picture of life in a small town in the early 20th century. The book captures the hopes, dreams, and despair of the inhabitants of Winesburg, focusing on a young reporter as he interacts with the townspeople. Each character's story reveals their inner struggles, loneliness, and search for understanding and connection, providing a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of life in a small community.

The novel is a poignant tale of an African American girl named Pecola Breedlove who grows up during the years following the Great Depression. Living in a society that values beauty in terms of light skin and blue eyes, Pecola develops an inferiority complex and wishes for blue eyes, believing that it would make her beautiful and loved. The story explores themes of racial self-loathing, the standards of beauty, and the dynamics of power and oppression.

The novel is a poignant tale of two African American girls, Nel and Sula, growing up in the racially segregated town of Medallion, Ohio. The narrative explores their friendship, personal struggles, and the societal expectations imposed on them. Sula, the more rebellious of the two, leaves town to live a life of freedom and independence, while Nel chooses to conform to societal norms, marrying and raising a family. When Sula returns, their friendship is tested due to a betrayal, and the town labels Sula as evil. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, individuality, and the societal roles of women.

"A Simple Plan" by Scott Smith is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the lives of three ordinary men who stumble upon a crashed plane containing a large sum of money. As they decide to keep the money for themselves, their lives quickly spiral out of control, leading to a series of devastating consequences. Filled with suspense and moral dilemmas, the book explores the dark depths of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets.

The book revolves around the Richardson family and the mysterious mother-daughter duo who move into their rental home in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The lives of the seemingly perfect suburban Richardson family become intertwined with the lives of Mia Warren, an enigmatic artist, and her daughter Pearl. As the children of both families form relationships, secrets are uncovered, leading to a dramatic climax. The novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the moral complexities of following rules versus following one's instincts.

The book is a collection of interrelated poems that tell the semi-fictionalized story of an African American couple's life together in the early to mid-20th century. Through a series of lyrical narratives, the reader experiences the couple's journey from their courtship and marriage, through the trials and tribulations of the Great Migration, to their old age. The poems are divided into two parts, with the first half focusing on the husband's perspective and the second half on the wife's. The work explores themes of love, resilience, and the African American experience, capturing the nuances of their individual and shared lives against the backdrop of a changing America.

"During the Reign of the Queen of Persia" is a novel that explores the lives and experiences of a group of young cousins growing up in rural Ohio during the 1950s. Narrated from the collective perspective of the girls, the story delves into their complex family dynamics, particularly focusing on the influence of their grandmother, a formidable and charismatic woman. The narrative captures the nuances of childhood and adolescence, weaving themes of identity, femininity, and the transition from innocence to awareness against the backdrop of a changing America. The novel poignantly portrays the bonds of family and the pains of growing up, offering a rich and textured glimpse into the intricacies of rural life and the enduring impact of matriarchal figures.

"The Short Fiction" is a collection of narratives that delve into the complexities of racial identity, social structure, and moral dilemmas in the post-Civil War American South. Through a series of stories, the author explores the lives of characters who navigate the blurred lines between black and white communities, often confronting the entrenched prejudices and injustices of their time. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, the stories offer a poignant and critical examination of the social fabric of an era marked by profound change and the struggle for equality.

This novel follows the emotional journey of a young girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who travels across the United States with her eccentric grandparents to visit her mother's final resting place in Idaho. Along the way, Sal tells the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom, whose mother also disappeared. Through these intertwined tales of mystery, loss, and love, the protagonist grapples with her own grief and learns the importance of understanding and forgiveness. The narrative beautifully weaves themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately delivering a poignant message about the journey of healing and the power of storytelling.

"Everything I Never Told You" is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of a Chinese-American family living in 1970s Ohio. When their daughter Lydia goes missing and is later found dead, the Lee family is shattered by grief and forced to confront their own secrets and insecurities. As they navigate through their individual struggles, the novel explores themes of identity, race, and the pressures of societal expectations, painting a poignant portrait of a family on the brink of collapse.

"The Thurber Carnival" is a delightful anthology that showcases the wit, humor, and imagination of its author, featuring a collection of essays, short stories, and cartoons. This compilation includes some of his most beloved works, offering a satirical look at everyday life and the human condition. The author's unique blend of humor and insight, often focusing on the quirks and absurdities of both people and animals, makes this book a timeless classic, appealing to readers who appreciate a sharp, whimsical critique of social norms and personal foibles.

"The Dead of the House" is a coming-of-age novel that explores the deep connections between past and present through the eyes of its young protagonist, Vanessa, as she grows up in Ohio. The narrative weaves through Vanessa's experiences and memories, focusing particularly on her relationship with her grandfather, exploring family histories, and the stories that bind them across generations. Rich in detail and evocative prose, the novel captures the intricate dynamics of family life and the ways in which personal identity is deeply entwined with ancestral heritage.

"Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

"The Devil All The Time" is a dark and gritty novel that weaves together the lives of several deeply flawed characters in a small town in Ohio. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows a troubled young man named Arvin Russell, whose path intersects with a corrupt preacher, a serial killer couple, and a corrupt sheriff. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores themes of violence, religion, and the consequences of one's actions, ultimately painting a disturbing portrait of the human condition.

"Ducks, Newburyport" is a sprawling and ambitious novel that explores the inner thoughts and experiences of an Ohio housewife as she goes about her daily life. The narrative is presented in a stream-of-consciousness style, with the protagonist's mind constantly jumping between various topics, memories, and anxieties. Through her musings, the novel delves into themes of motherhood, love, politics, and the anxieties of modern society, offering a unique and intimate portrait of one woman's existence.