Dive into the heart of Colorado with these captivating books set in our beloved state.
1Defensible Spaces
by Alison Turner
This collection of short stories set in Clayton, Colorado, delves into the profound impact of forest fires on small towns. Through the eyes of a bus driver, local children, a fire mitigation worker, and other subtly colorful characters, we witness the intricate dependencies within a small-town community. As the effects of one story ripple into another, we see homes and lives already consumed by flames, relationships still smoldering in the aftermath, and individuals coming together to rebuild safe spaces amid the devastation.
2Anyone But Her
by Cynthia Swanson
Always fascinated with Denver’s history and haunted legacy, local author Cynthia Swanson releases a brand-new novel set in our city but toggling two timelines. Jumping between the ghosts of her 1979 childhood and the realities of her 2004 life, the protagonist uncovers chilling truths about her family’s hidden past that might just determine their future. This psychological suspense novel is masterfully crafted, distinctly Denver, and a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping, edge-of-your-seat mystery.
3Go As A River
by Shelley Reed
Set in a historic town near Crested Butte, this touching comingof- age story follows a young woman grappling with the ugly realities threatening her beautiful home. Racism and an impending dam development endanger both her love and her family’s cherished peach orchard, forcing her to flee in search of a future, learning along the way to persevere through challenges like a flowing river. Readers of this book will find themselves smiling, laughing, crying, and longing for a juicy taste of Palisade peaches.
4Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns and the Future of Chasing Snow
by Heather Hansman
A veteran ski journalist and former ski bum offers a comprehensive journey through the world of skiing, from mom-and-pop hills to the heights of Vail Resorts and the uncertain future of snow sports. Her firsthand account moves the nonfiction narrative along at an engaging pace, balancing epic descriptions of ski descents with detailed insights into the industry’s decline. Hansman sees all sides of the equation, resulting in a must-read for any winter sports enthusiast.
5Deep Creek
by Pam Houston
The author’s love of cowboys is no secret (she titled her debut novel Cowboys Are My Weakness), but in this book, she doesn’t just fall for one—she becomes one. Houston whisks us away to her rustic ranch in Craig, Colorado, where every hardship doubles as a testament to the true meaning of home. From fires that threaten to burn her safe haven to a dog that never loses faith in her ability to protect their home, it’s a heartwarming narrative brimming with insights about what it takes to thrive as a cowboy in Colorado.
