BARNSTORMING OHIO To Understand America

Journalist David Giffels's terrific new book is a thought-provoking and poignant examination of the election bellwether state of Ohio. The Akron native and bestselling author is an adept narrator of his own work, with a friendly, everyday-Joe sort of voice and a professional's understanding of pace and tone. Seeking to understand his Rust Belt state, which swung to Trump in 2016, Giffels drove more than 4,000 miles and interviewed seemingly everyone--auto workers, politicians, professors, farmers, suburbanites, inner-city ministers, rich folks, and single moms who work two jobs while going to community college. Blending his own story with those of the people he meets, Giffels writes with an open heart and mind. In so doing, he has produced a timely and timeless portrait of the American heartland. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2020]