For most Coloradans, the start of a new year comes with setting new goals. Typically, that means making New Year’s Resolutions, with one of the most popular declarations of change being a commitment to read more. Knowing where to begin and what to read can be tricky, so here’s a helpful guide to some Colorado-related books to kick off your literary journey in 2023.
Books Set in Colorado
There’s no shortage of reading material that takes place among the beautiful vistas of our great state. Be it fictional characters whose lives are set here, or accounts from/about notable real-life folks from our neck of the woods, Colorado serves as a wonderful backdrop in some amazing stories.
“The Shining” by Stephen King
No list of books set in Colorado is complete without mention of Stephen King’s horror classic “The Shining,” which draws direct inspiration from the historic Stanley Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. The novel is notably famous, in large part because of Jack Nicholson’s career defining performance as Jack Torrance in the 1980 film adaptation. Even if you’ve seen the movie, the novel is still worth your time, as it offers additional nuance and background that can only come from the written word.
Historical Nonfiction From Colorado
History buffs will find plenty of interesting material that highlight Colorado’s long and storied journey throughout American history. In general, books and stories about the American west have always been compelling reads, but few states can boast having a history that’s as rich as ours. Colorado has tales from trailblazing pioneers, daring explorers, and much more that’ll fascinate and inform any reader looking to learn more.
“Wild Life on the Rockies” by Enos Mills
Despite having moved west from Kansas as a young man in 1884, Enos Mills’s dedication to protecting land in Colorado helped make him a local legend. In fact, most consider Mills the spiritual founder of Rocky Mountain National Park. Their account of life in the Rockies remains an enlightening read some 113 years after its original publication.
Books Written in Colorado
Many talented writers have called our state home, helping Colorado become the literary birthplace of several extraordinary works over the years. Even if the book isn’t about the state specifically, Colorado has proven to be a great place to write a good book. It’s no wonder, as our state has a lot to offer writers looking to find an environment that sparks creativity.
“Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch
While he’s not a native son of Colorado, Blake Crouch does all his creative work here in the Centennial State. If you have an interest in all things sci-fi thriller, Crouch’s 2016 breakout novel remains a worthy read. It’s a compelling page-turner involving time travel and parallel universes that’ll keep you guessing until the last page.
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