Open Book

Growing up in rust-belt Ohio, Michael Dirda's memoir captures his deep passion for reading against the backdrop of a working-class family. He reflects on his childhood experiences in Lorain and at Oberlin College, intertwining memories of family, friends, and the literary figures that inspired him, from Green Lantern to Proust. This nostalgic narrative celebrates the joys of small-town life and the profound impact of literature, portraying a heartfelt homage to an era when reading was a cherished pursuit.