Colorado… in books

As part of Read Yourself Happy’s America…In Books feature, here are some of the best books set in Colorado.

The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining was the very first book that popped into my head when I was preparing for this article. Set in a remote hotel in the mountains of Colorado, this horror novel will keep you up at night.

Plainsong by Kent Haruf

This contemporary novel is set outside of Denver and deals with what it means to be family.

Kings of Colorado by David E. Hilton

Set in a reformatory, this novel follows 13-year-old William Sheppard after he stabs his father. It’s a coming-of-age story with horses and self-reflection.

Coyote Valley: Deep History in the High Rockies by Thomas G. Andrews

For our first non-fiction pick, this book examines the history of Colorado’s landscape, from the ice ages to today. If you’re a naturalist, you’ll love this book.

Rough Beauty: Forty Seasons of Mountain Living by Karen Auvinen

Karen Auvinen’s memoir is about her experience living in a primitive cabin in the Rocky Mountains. This is something that I frequently dream about but know that I would never actually do, so I’m glad that Auvinen did it so that I can live vicariously through her writing.

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

This novel is set in Denver, CO in 1962 and follows Kitty Miller, who runs a bookshop. When she sleeps at night, she imagines a whole other life for herself, the one she’s always wanted. This book has magical realism qualities, and it’s one that I definitely want to read.