12 Good Reads About Buffalo
You may think you know Buffalo’s story but like many things in life, there’s always more to learn. So why not dive in nose first to discover some amazing under-the-radar stories about our hometown? To make it easy, our friends at the Buffalo & Erie County Library have put together a list of Buffalo books for you to crack open. So when the time comes to get out explore our city, you’ll be armed with more knowledge about Buffalo’s past and a to-do list for the present.
Here’s a starting list of books all about Buffalo – Happy Reading!
The Electrifying Fall of Rainbow City, Margaret Creighton
Available via: Library downloadable, Talking Leaves, Kindle
Buffalo’s 1901 Pan-American Exposition: very engaging read on the people and attitudes of the day behind the Exposition. Author is a Buffalo native who conducted her research here.
City on the Lake, Mark Goldman
Available via: Talking Leaves, Kindle
Early discussion of Buffalo’s recent history of decline leading to current resurgence.
City of Light, Lauren Belfer
Available via: Library downloadable, Talking Leaves, Kindle
Often discussed novel on Buffalo during the Pan-Am period, with many known landmarks and historical figures.
100 Things to Do in Buffalo Before You Die, Elizabeth Licata
Available via: Talking Leaves, Kindle
Great aspirational list of places and attractions once we get to leave our houses again.
Buffalo Style Gardens, Sally Cunningham & Jim Charlier
Available via: Library downloadable, Talking Leaves, Kindle
Garden inspirations/best available substitute for in-person Garden Walk.
Big Russ & Me, Tim Russert
Available via: Library downloadable, Talking Leaves, Kindle
Delightful read about a man, a family and the culture of South Buffalo.
Color Buffalo, NY, Annette Trabucco
Available via: Talking Leaves
Coloring book for adults about Buffalo architecture – stress relief while learning!
Buffalo from A to Z, Come Take a Tour With Me, Brigette Atlas Callahan
Available via: cityoflightpublishing.com
Children’s book on local architecture, but a good primer for anyone.
B is for Buffalo, Christopher Hyzy
Available via: cityoflightpublishing.com
Beautiful aerial photography highlighting local sites from A to Z.
The Last Fine Time, Verlyn Klinkenborg
Available via: Talking Leaves
A beautifully-written non-fiction account of a family-owned restaurant in East Buffalo in the years following World War II.
Buffalo Everything: A Guide to Eating in the Nickel City, Arthur Bovino
Available via: Talking Leaves, Kindle
From beef on weck to Buffalo-style pizza, this is perhaps the most comprehensive book ever written about Buffalo best eats. Psst, there’s a cookbook, too.
Available soon:
Olmsted’s Elmwood: The Rise, Decline and Renewal of Buffalo’s Parkway Neighborhood, Clinton Brown, Faia & Ramona Whitaker
Available via: cityoflightpublishing.com, Talking Leaves
Check out all of the free options to access books, music and more via the City of Buffalo Library’s website BuffaloLib.org. Sign up for your FREE eLibrary card while you’re at it too!
