Grandma Joy and Brad Ryan Launch National Book Tour at John McIntire Library

Interviewed by WHIZ reporter Gabe Hutton

A beloved local grandmother-grandson duo known for visiting all 63 U.S. national parks together returned to their roots this week as they launched their nationwide book tour at the John McIntire Library.

Duncan Falls natives Grandma Joy Ryan and her grandson, Brad Ryan, kicked off the tour for their new book, Grandma Joy and Me, with a community question-and-answer session that highlighted their remarkable journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

The event drew a large crowd of supporters eager to hear stories from the pair’s travels and celebrate the release of the book. Following the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to purchase copies and meet the authors during a book-signing session.

Sean Fennell, Marketing and Communications Director for the Muskingum County Library System, said the event was about much more than a book launch.

“We just had a great conversation on stage and answered lots of questions from our community,” Fennell said. “What was so wonderful about it is that, in many ways, yes, it’s definitely a book launch, and there’s lots of energy and excitement. People are in line getting books signed by the author and Grandma Joy. I love seeing high school English teachers and people from the community asking questions and engaging.”

For Brad Ryan, beginning the tour in Muskingum County held special significance.

“The journey with Grandma Joy to all the national parks began in Duncan Falls, Ohio,” Ryan said. “We started right here, and to start the book tour in our hometown just felt perfect. There’s no other place we would rather be than here, right now, in this moment.”

Ryan said the support from the local community exceeded his expectations.

“You can feel the collective pride and joy from everyone here, and it’s just been beautiful,” he said. “This exceeded my expectations in every way. There was so much love in the room. We’ve traveled all over the country, but there’s just nothing better than coming home and feeling this love.”

Following the Q&A session, hundreds of books were sold and signed as readers of all ages shared how the duo’s story had inspired them.

Ryan said one of the central messages of the book is that adventure and purpose don’t have an age limit.

“The reality is that we are all on the same conveyor belt of time. We are all getting older by the second,” Ryan said. “I think everybody wants to see an example that if I’m lucky enough to be 85 or 96, I can still write a chapter of my life that is full of adventure. I’m not going to be left behind, I’m not going to be forgotten, and I can continue to make more memories.”

Ryan also shared a piece of advice he recently received from one of his former teachers that perfectly captures the spirit of the book.

“My high school AP English teacher, Mrs. Corbett, was here today, which was very touching,” Ryan said. “She told me, ‘If you’re not dead, you’re not done.’ And that’s the message.”

The launch at John McIntire Library marked the first stop of what will be a nationwide book tour for Grandma Joy and Me. Those who were unable to attend the event can learn more about the book and follow the tour through Grandma Joy’s Road Trip on Facebook.