Patrick Ryan Books In Order is your guide to the published works of acclaimed American author Patrick Ryan, whose writing spans short story collections, novels, and compelling literary fiction.
Known for emotionally rich narratives and vivid character development, Ryan’s work includes his first story collection, Send Me, the linked tales in The Dream Life of Astronauts, the young adult novel Gemini Bites, and his sweeping adult novel Buckeye, a New York Times bestseller. This reading list presents his books from earliest to latest, allowing fans and new readers alike to follow his evolving voice, themes, and craft in the best sequence.
Patrick Ryan Biography
Patrick Ryan’s Biography introduces an American author celebrated for short stories and novels that explore human experience through vivid characterization and emotional depth. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Florida, Ryan began his literary career with Send Me, a linked short‑story collection chosen for Barnes & Noble’s Discovery Series.
He followed with acclaimed works like The Dream Life of Astronauts and several young adult novels before publishing Buckeye, a New York Times bestseller in 2025. Educated at Florida State University and Bowling Green State University, he has worked as an editor and is currently editor‑in‑chief of the literary magazine One Story.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Saints of Augustine | (2007) | Buy Now |
| In Mike We Trust | (2009) | Buy Now |
| Gemini Bites | (2011) | Buy Now |
| Buckeye | (2025) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Send Me | (2006) | Buy Now |
| The Dream Life of Astronauts | (2016) | Buy Now |
| Red Flagged | (2024) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Exploring the States Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| New York: The Empire State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Tennessee: The Volunteer State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Washington, D.C. | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Utah: The Beehive State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| North Dakota: The Peace Garden State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Mississippi: The Magnolia State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Nevada: The Battle Born State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Oklahoma: The Sooner State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Arizona: The Grand Canyon State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Florida: The Sunshine State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Indiana: The Hoosier State | (2013) | Buy Now |
| Iowa: The Hawkeye State | (2013) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Countries: Faces and Places Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | (1997) | Buy Now |
| South Africa | (1997) | Buy Now |
| South Korea | (1998) | Buy Now |
| The Bahamas | (2003) | Buy Now |
| Greece | (2003) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Anthologies
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Tales of Two Cities: The Best and Worst of Times In Today’s New York | (2014) | Buy Now |
4 Patrick Ryan Books In Order: Short Summary
1] Send Me
Send Me is Patrick Ryan’s debut novel, a linked collection of stories that follows a dysfunctional family across four decades in Florida. The narrative centers on Teresa Kerrigan and her four children, each navigating the consequences of past choices, love, loss, and longing.
From sibling rivalries to personal reinvention, the book combines sharp observation with emotional depth, exploring how familial bonds fracture and heal over time. With wry humor and compassionate insight, Ryan crafts a richly layered portrait of family life and the complexities of forgiveness and hope.
2] Gemini Bites
Gemini Bites is Patrick Ryan’s young adult novel that tells the story of fraternal twins whose lives are upended when a goth boy moves in with their family. As they navigate adolescence, identity, and romantic feelings, sibling rivalry and self‑discovery take center stage.
The novel blends humor and heartfelt moments to explore teenage life with authenticity and emotional resonance. With keen insight into young adulthood and family dynamics, Ryan crafts a story that speaks to both teen and adult readers alike.
3] The Dream Life of Astronauts
The Dream Life of Astronauts is a collection of nine interconnected short stories set in and around Cape Canaveral, Florida, during key moments of the American space program. From the first moon launches to later shuttle missions, everyday characters confront love, regret, and longing against a backdrop of cosmic ambition.
Ryan’s stories illuminate ordinary lives with humor and compassion, revealing how personal dreams and heartbreaks play out, shadowed by extraordinary events. The collection highlights his gift for nuanced character portrayal and emotional depth.
4] Buckeye
Buckeye is a sweeping adult novel and New York Times bestseller that weaves together the intimate lives of two Midwestern families from World War II through the late twentieth century.
In the small town of Bonhomie, Ohio, deep‑seated secrets and connections draw Cal Jenkins and Margaret Salt together, setting in motion a story of love, loss, and legacy. Through richly drawn characters and multigenerational narratives, Ryan explores themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of human connection. This epic tale combines historical breadth with emotional intimacy.
Top FAQ on Patrick Ryan
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Who is Patrick Ryan?
Patrick Ryan is an American author known for his short stories, young adult novels, and adult literary fiction. He is recognized for emotionally rich narratives, strong characterization, and explorations of family, identity, and personal growth.
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What is Patrick Ryan’s most recent book?
Patrick Ryan’s most recent book is Buckeye, published in 2025.
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What types of books does he write?
He writes literary fiction, short story collections, and young adult novels, often blending humor, emotional depth, and nuanced portrayals of everyday life.
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