Something to read for Spring Break……

For everyone: Pick up a copy of Dog Stars, by Colorado author Peter Heller.  You’ll be passing it around as soon as you’re finished, because this is one good story. You might as well buy a copy, because there are long hold lists in the libraries. If you’ve never read a dystopian novel, you can always start with this one. Okay—it’s about the end of the world; but what wiped out most of mankind wasn’t a bomb, it was a virus, so the world is still beautiful, and the sun still comes up. It’s just that most of the people are dead, which means roving bands of starving men, and quick flashes of violence as the survivors protect themselves behind bunkers. The beauty of the story is the lyrical nature writing, and the added pleasure of having the narrator fly a small plane. Western Colorado even figures in the story, and you’ll enjoy the description of flying over Carbondale. Lighter fare than ” The Road ” by Cormac McCarthy, it’s still a compelling story.

Or, you can always read ” The Road “, one of the best books every written. Heck, take it on vacation. When you meet someone else who’s read it, you’ll have plenty to talk about!

” The Language of Flowers ” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, a book for women ( although not chic-lit ) is a believable story about the effects of a lifetime of foster care on an unloved young girl.  The decisions made by this young woman reflect the world she lived in growing up. While not depressing, it’s a little deeper story than the ususal beach book. While never really a street person, her struggle to make her way is realistic. Give it a try.