Who would know that Sandra Dallas has a serious yet witty and humorous approach to fiction writing and to book talk appearances. Our thanks to Sandra for a wonderful…truly perfect evening in August. More than 45 people came for the launch of our “Marvelous Mondays” series…with Sandra as our speaker. We have all of her titles, and cannot thank everyone enough for the fun evening. As one patron said…”it was a late summer soirees…perfect speaker, guests, food and everyone loving Sandra and her books!”

Popularity: 25%

This is our second year with Leanna’s Closet….and the pleasure is all ours! Leanna was a friend of mine during college and well beyond, as our sons played baseball together on Go-Jo’s Legion A baseball team in the late 90’s. Leanna’s friends have worked hard to make ‘Leanna’s Closet’ part of our community as they help women who are entering the workforce. We will donate a percentage of our September profits to this deserving organization…alldone with the help of volunteers and the donations of others.
(READ MORE)

Popularity: 21%

We are excited to once again be a part of the District Six’s Battle of the Books program. As your student joins a “battle team” come by and find the books he/she needs to read…right on our shelves. If you are a coach, receive a 20% discount for your kiddo!

We have great “school-related” titles for kindergarten through high school. On our front table, find early readers ON SALE, with a buy two get one free incentive.

Are you a junior and taking college placement tests? Make sure you look at two titles in our Young Adult section:

* CRACKING THE ACT, 2008 PRINCETON REVIEW EDITION

An updated guide to scoring high on the ACT offers readers tips on the various sections of the exam, as well as science reasoning, sample tests, helpful explanations, test-taking advice, preparation guidelines for the optional new writing section. and online tips on college admissions, financial aid, selecting a major, and more. Original. 45,000 first printing.

* UP YOUR SCORE, THE UNDERGROUND GUIDE TO THE ACT

The only SAT guide written by students for students includes everything a beleaguered high-school student needs to ace the most important test of their lives, with helpful tips on how to prepare for the math, critical reading, and essays sections of the exam. Original.

Popularity: 34%

“I want to thank everyone who attended the Breaking Dawn release party! We had such a blast decorating wedding cakes, embroidering hankies, and just chatting with other lovers of books. Overall, it was the enthusiasm of the Twilight fans that made this party a success! I can think of no better send off for me and welcome to brand-new employee Sarah Murdock! As some of you may know, I was accepted to do an internship at Disney World in Florida and have to leave the store in Sarah’s very capable hands, on Saturdays, until I return in January. I will definitely be keeping in touch so keep an eye out for pictures and updates! Thank you all for your well wishes and encouragement as I face something VERY different from our little bookstore. May you all have happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you again in January! Mel

Popularity: 31%

So many young moms are choosing to ask for books as they get ready to welcome their little ones…and we applaud them for placing books into their children’s hands at such an early age!

If you are having a baby shower, stop by and enter your requests into our BABY BOOK REGISTRY on the front counter. Then, let your guests know where your book choices are “registered.” Your titles can be purchased and friends/guests can record other books they may want to buy…your guests personal favorites also. We will, as always, keep titles available and affordable.

Popularity: 25%

Independent booksellers are and have always been discoverers of the next great read, the next bestseller, the next undiscovered gem. Now the monthly Indie Next List will compile their discoveries to share with readers, including complete title information for each selection. It will also include the paperback releases of previous Indie Next List titles.
 
Here’s the inaugural Indie Next List!

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (Ecco, $25.95)
“This story of a modern-day Hamlet, set in the northern woods of Wisconsin, reaches depths of emotion rare in any novel, much less a debut. Driven by powerful characters, particularly the mute Edgar and the amazing dog Almondine, this story of a family’s destruction will resonate with readers long after completion.” –Bill Cusumano, Nicola’s Books, Ann Arbor, MI

What Was Lost: A Novel by Catherine O’Flynn (Holt, $14 paper)
“With irreverent wit and sharp insight, O’Flynn weaves a mesmerizing tale of a precocious missing girl and the people who surround her. By tapping into emotions with ease and grace, this book wonderfully weaves together characters and the love that even loss can’t affect.” –Meaghan Leenaarts, Island Bookstore, Corolla, NC

The Condition: A Novel by Jennifer Haigh (Harper, $25.95)
“Jennifer Haigh’s latest book is the intimate story of a New England family, beginning one idyllic summer on Cape Cod, before their life changes suddenly. Twenty years later their story picks up again and you get to know each member of the family, what motivates them, and how they communicate — or don’t — with each other. I loved this book.” –Kym Havens, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

Time Is a River: A Novel by Mary Alice Monroe (Pocket, $25)
“Told partly in narrative and partly through well-researched historical diaries and letters, this story of cancer survivor Mia Landan’s renewal in a North Carolina cabin is a very powerful novel of forgiveness, redemption, and new birth.” –Jackie Blem, Tattered Cover Bookstore, Denver, CO

How the Soldier Repairs the Gramophone by Sasa Stanisic (Grove, $24)
“A child matures in Bosnia as war comes clanking down his street and he tries to make sense of the good and the bad in the world through stories. A bold novel, and timely.” –Russ Lawrence, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

America America: A Novel by Ethan Canin (Random House, $27)
“A wealthy landowner befriends and helps a boy from a blue-collar family. But he is also intent on ushering a liberal New York senator into the White House. This layered and intelligent look at family and politics couldn’t be more timely in this troubled election year.” –Betsy Burton, The King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT

Oxygen: A Novel by Carol Wiley Cassella (Simon & Schuster, $25)
“When Dr. Marie Heaton’s judgment in a tragic case is questioned, she begins to doubt herself and, then, others around her. I thoroughly enjoyed the book — full of action and suspense and rich in characterization and subplots — from start to finish.” –Gayle Wingerter, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA

The Enchantress of Florence: A Novel by Salman Rushdie (Random House, $26)
“From the palazzi of Renaissance Italy to the battlefields of Persia and the shores of Far India, in The Enchantress of Florence we are transported effortlessly through life’s great conflicts around destiny, beauty, war, magic, and loyalty. Rushdie’s novel is a glorious tale of mesmerizing power and indelible images, an aesthetic fulfillment all its own.” –Marie du Vaure, Vroman’s Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

Northline: A Novel by Willy Vlautin (Harper Perennial, $14.95 paper)
“Allison Johnson is on the run, and she is determined to start fresh in Reno. Paul Newman is along for the ride, making sure Allison makes the right decisions. Vlautin’s honest writing will break your heart.” –Zach Sampinos, Sam Weller’s Books, Salt Lake City, UT

The Sister: A Novel by Poppy Adams (Knopf, $23.95)
“This is a stunning, character-rich novel detailing the relationship of two English sisters who have not communicated for 50 years. As the author goes back in time, we learn, through the older sister’s voice, the complex and dark secrets that bind them. Readers will be fascinated.” –Karen Frank, Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT

Hit and Run: A Novel by Lawrence Block (Morrow, $24.95)
“Lawrence Block’s hit man protagonist Keller is alone in Des Moines after being set up for murdering a presidential candidate. (After all, he was just in Iowa to do another contract killing.)The action never stops and leaves us hungering for the next book.” –Patricia Worth, River Reader, Lexington, MO

Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich (Doubleday, $24.95)
“Jonathan Ransom, a world-class mountaineer and surgeon for Doctors Without Borders, goes on the run after his wife dies in an accident in the Swiss Alps — and he finds out she wasn’t who he thought she was. A well-written thriller that takes off like a shot!” –Susan Wasson, Bookworks, Albuquerque, NM

Church of the Dog: A Novel by Kaya McLaren (Penguin, $13 paper)
“Mara, an art teacher, takes up her new job in ranch country in Washington State, moves into a bunkhouse on Earl and Edith’s property, and starts a magical relationship. This wonderful gem of a book is a story of bringing out the wonder and magic in all of us.” –Sue Richardson, Maine Coast Book Shop, Damariscotta, ME

House & Home: A Novel by Kathleen McCleary (Voice, $23.95)
“When Sam loses their home on a ‘crazy’ invention investment, Ellen, his wife, must come to grips with saying goodbye to her beloved house and with her anger. A timely and thoughtful book.” –Linda Vinstra, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI

House Rules: A Joe DeMarco Thriller by Mike Lawson (Atlantic, $23)
“Mike Lawson’s fine new Joe DeMarco thriller — set against the Washington, D.C., political backdrop — tackles what seems to be a new set of terrorist attacks in the U.S. The novel works on several levels — including vivid characters and fine and complex plotting — and Lawson addresses how fear is used to manipulate national politics.” –Dan Domike, Jackson Street Books, Seattle, WA

The Secret Scripture: A Novel by Sebastian Barry (Viking, $24.95)
“Barry’s novel of Roseanne McNulty, now in her hundredth year in an Irish mental hospital, is a haunting story of memory and how small decisions can have large consequences. The writing was such a treat that I actually got to the last page late one night and saved it until the next morning. I didn’t want to read it until I was fully awake and could relish the end.” –Rona Brinlee, The Book Mark, Atlantic Beach, FL

Telex From Cuba: A Novel by Rachel Kushner (Scribner, $25)
“Set in the last days of Cuba’s golden age (at least, for American businessmen), this saga, at once familial and national, chronicles the drama of Castro’s coming coup upon a family stuck in the center of an unstoppable storm. Kushner’s storytelling — as detailed as it is colorful; as truthful as it is fictional — reads like a vast mural in prose, covering the reader’s imagination with pages of forceful action and forthright emotion.” –Steve Shapiro, Rainy Day Books, Fairway, KS

Up for Renewal: What Magazines Taught Me About Love, Sex, and Starting Over (Atria, $24)
“When writer Cathy Alter challenged herself to change her life, she became the guinea pig in her own experiment: to live her life by the headlines of women’s magazines. Not only did her journey of self-discovery lead her to the man she had always dreamed of, but she also discovered how to cook a magnificent meal and forged a better relationship with her mother, all the while maintaining clear skin. Funny and endearing.” –Holly Nelson, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ

A Vengeful Longing: A Novel by R.N. Morris (Penguin Press, $24.95)
“Fans of historical crime novels, attend: here is a twisty, clever mystery set in 1860s St. Petersburg and starring Porfiry Petrovich, a shrewd, eccentric, and fascinating police magistrate investigating a murder that’s literally death by chocolate.” –Mark David Bradshaw, Watermark Books, Wichita, KS

Chosen Forever: A Memoir by Susan Richards (Soho, $23)
“Susan Richard has written a sequel to Chosen by A Horse, her wonderful memoir. Her new book relates how the publication of Chosen totally changed her life, connecting her to friends and family from whom she was estranged, and to a man who became the love of her life.” –Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

Popularity: 38%

The Journey Collection
By Kay Mott
Windsor, Colorado

…carried exclusively by
An Open Book LLC
Greeley, Colorado

This is one of the first thoughts that came flying to my pen, a connection between what I see as life and what is inside my “being”. As the thoughts are displayed, an intention flows from them.

I know that I am just one, but if my words can somehow, just for a moment, cause a stillness in the reader, a smile or a brush with our source, then I am happy and have been successful.

The Journey Collection is a reminder that all of us have a voice, ideas deep in our being ready to explode and reinforce our purpose here on earth.

The words of The Journey Collection grace us with their presence and gently release their lessons. My hope is that you enjoy and want to share these messages.

Kay Mott

An Open Book LLC is happy to carry The Journey Collection line of baby apparel as well as notecards, (some ready to be framed), hats, car magnets, as well as Kay’s wonderful book of thoughts, musings, mantras and words from life.

Deb Meredith, “For the Love of Roses” has her beautiful and fragrant rose note cards, from roses she grows and photographs…at our store. Deb also has notecards with photos from the Red Feather area…gorgeous!

Mary Behling and Sally Knight have their acrylics and mixed media art on display. Their work is for sale and they are framed. Truly, these new pieces are stunning!. Sally also has prints in her print bin for sale.

Happy to say that Cindy Dennis has designed some of her one-of-a-kind bookmarks, once again…just for us. They are going fast!

Popularity: 36%

COLORADO BOOKS
(We are proud of our titles and selection!)

Rocky Mountain National Park Pocket Guide, by Falcon

This information-packed, fully portable book highlights the key things you’ll need to get the most out of your visit. Outdoor activities and flora and fauna are detailed, as well as useful travel in formation to help you navigate areas in and outside the park. Find inside:

• Two PopOut maps and seven detailed area maps
• Outdoor activities including Hiking, climbing, and wildlife viewing, as well as seeing the sites from Trail Ridge Road
• Places to stay and dine in Estes Park
• Activities just for families

SCATS AND TRACKS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, by James C. Halfpenny, PH.D.

Clearly written descriptions and illustrations of scats, tracks, and gait patterns will help you recognize seventy Rocky Mountain Species. An Identification key, a glossary of tracking terms, and detailed instructions on how to document your finds are also included here.

THE COLORADO 14ERS, SECOND EDITION, by The Colorado Mountain Club Foundation

The essential guide to the most popular routes up all 54 of the Colorado 14ers • Over a half-million North Americans attempt to climb at least one Colorado 14er every year • The most current guide to the 14ers available • The most beta on 14ers for the least amount of money This completely rewritten and redesigned second edition is organized by mountain range—the only book you will need to find the most popular route up each of the 54 Colorado 14ers.
Each description includes clear, concise directions for driving to the trailhead, where to park, a map of the route, difficulty rating, elevation profile, distance, and estimated round-trip time. As the most up-to-date book available, The Colorado 14ers covers all access issues (as of this writing, five of the 14ers are closed to public access).

HIKING COLORADO’S ROADLESS TRAILS, by Penelope Purdy

Imagine walking through a national forest where there has never been a road, logging, or mining, where silence reigns and wild animals find secluded places to raise their young and survive harsh weather. Second only to fully protected wilderness areas, roadless areas are the most intact natural forests that remain in Colorado. This book is the first guide written specifically to help you find these precious Colorado roadless trails, some of which are still threatened by encroaching development.

The roadless hike descriptions are intended for non-technical hikers and include photos, topographic maps, trail highlights, and wildlife viewing tips. The introduction provides helpful background about search and rescue, Leave No Trace ethics, and hiker preparedness, as well as information on how Colorado’s roadless forests can be better protected. Hiking Colorado’s Roadless Trails offers an overview of the ecology of Colorado’s forests and why undisturbed forests also are crucial for the future of human communities.

THE BEST FORT COLLINS HIKES, by John Gascoyne

The Best Fort Collins Hikes was written by CMC members for a wide range of readers– from experienced hikers who already know much of the local scene to visiting flatlanders who want to enjoy the best of the area. The hikes range from very easy walks to a number of moderate hikes to a few of the difficult and demanding variety. Sixteen Fort Collins Group CMC members became involved with the book at its very beginning. The 20 trails were selected by group consensus and chapter members functioned as trail authors, photographers and cartographers. The contributors brought their own expertise and enthusiasm as well as outdoor interests to the hikes. One trail description may say a good deal about geology and natural history while the next one may emphasize the wildflowers that will be found on that particular hike. * A wide variety of trails from urban strolls to alpine adventures; from an afternoon mosey to “Shouldn’t we be roping up now?”– all within an hour of Fort Collins. * A handy CMC Pack Guide with complete trail descriptions, color photos, maps, and commentary * Trails for hikers, bikers, and snowshoers; some are wheelchair-accessible, some are equestrian-friendly, and most are open year round.

HIKING ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, by Kent and Donna Dannen

Lace up your boots and sample more than 450 miles of trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Veteran hikers Kent and Donna Dannen introduce you to memorable trails highlighting the natural splendor of the Rockies. Each hike description includes detailed information on trail access, best times for hiking, and points of interest along the way. With special sections on what to wear, carry, and eat and invaluable advice on wilderness ethics and safety, this guide is an indispensable companion to hiking and backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness

True Tales from Colorado’s Past

From the real first settlement of Pueblo to the death of “Buffalo Bill” Cody, It Happened in Colorado gives readers a unique look at intriguing people and episodes from the history of the Centennial State.

Learn how a prehistoric tribe of one hundred men, women, and children killed and butchered nearly two hundred bison in one day. Read about the early days of the Denver Mint. And discover the sad story of what happened to Robert Ford after he murdered the infamous outlaw Jesse James.

In an easy-to-read style that’s entertaining and informative, popular western historian James A. Crutchfield recounts some of the most captivating moments in the history of Colorado.

IT HAPPENED IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, by Phyllis J. Perry
True Tales from Rocky Mountain National Park

From a bloody ambush at Grand Lake to a sudden flash flood in
Estes Park, It Happened in Rocky Mountain National Park looks
at intriguing people and episodes from the history of Colorado’s largest
national park.

Meet Patrick Finan and Tim Schuett, two campers whose trips were cut short after a black bear’s brutal surprise attack. Learn what Hillel Ben-Avi endured after becoming lost near Fairchild Mountain for four days. And find out why noontime is a risky hour to go hiking in the summer—the news may shock you.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, THE COMPLETE HIKING GUIDE, by Lisa Foster

Finally, the total experience of hiking Rocky Mountain National Park has been captured in one comprehensive volume, which covers literally every named destination in RMNP and many exciting hikes in adjacent public lands. This book is a must-have for any beginning hiker or avid outdoor enthusiast. It will take you anywhere you want to go in RMNP and its surrounding areas. From fun family hikes to hearty mountaineering adventures. 440 destinations, 686 hiking trails and routes, 250 full-color photography, 31 detailed ad useful maps.

BEST LOOP HIKES IN COLORADO, by Steve Johnson

Loop hikes mean you end back where you started—but you get fresh scenery every step of the way! • 60 loop hikes accessible from metro areas including Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Boulder • Illustrated with topo maps, elevation profiles, and photos for each hike • Trailfinder chart lists hikes by factors including distance, hiking time, elevation gain, season, and highlights—quiet wilderness, mountain meadow, great views, wildlife, etc. • Bonus listing of loop hikes that are great for winter snowshoeing Looking for a short, easy loop stroll, or a challenging loop trek? Do you want loops that offer solitude or loops that are kid-friendly? There are loops that involve overnight stays and loops that involve fourteeners to consider, too. And did you know that some loops double as great snowshoe trails in winter? You’ll find all these and more in Loop Hikes: Colorado. As you can tell, the operative word here is “loop.” That’s right: there’s no need to bore yourself by retracing the same path. Your every step is shiny and new, all without tandem driving or dropping off a car at both ends of the trail. It’s the holy grail of hiking!

Regions represented include Front Range, Central Mountains, Southwest Mountains, Western Slope and Canyonlands, Northern Mountains, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

REAL COOL COLORADO PLACES FOR CURIOUS KIDS, by Diane T. Liggett

Full-color adventure/natural & cultural history guidebook which features the best 20 places to explore throughout Colorado.

BEST HIKES WITH CHILDREN IN COLORADO, by Maureen Keilty

Including updates and changes to all existing trails and maps, this book features information on 86 hikes chosen for kid appeal with trails accessible from Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Vail, Aspen, and Crested Butte. Original.

BEST HIKES WITH DOGS: COLORADO, by Steve Johnson

The best hiking trails in Colorado for optimum canine enjoyment are featured in a guidebook that furnishes detailed descriptions of eighty dog-friendly hikes, including some never described in another guidebook, and includes canine hazards to watch for and tips on what to pack for your dog. Original.

The Best in Tent Camping Colorado: A Guide for Campers Who Hate Rvs, Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos, by Johnny Molloy

The only guide to Colorado’s best tent camping just got better! Completely updated, re-organized for ease of use, and containing five new campgrounds, The Best in Tent Camping: Colorado continues to lead tent campers to the best of Colorado’s best. The newly designed campground layout maps, UTM and Latitude/Longitude coordinates for each campground entrance, descriptive text, and ratings for security, quiet, and beauty makes the new edition of The Best in Tent Camping: Colorado a must-have for every tent camper’s library.

ROAD BIKING COLORADO, THE STATEWIDE GUIDE, by Michael Seeberg

Whether you’re a seasoned Colorado cyclist looking for new challenges or a visitor in quest of America’s highest and most scenic paved roads, you can choose from 141 routes of all difficulty levels, or you can link adjacent routes to customize your own ride. 102 full-color photographs and 14 handy maps.

COLORADO BIKING TRAILS, Outdoor Books

77 statewide trails for the entire family.

 

 

SADDLE UP, COLORADO! By Sherry and Scott Snead

 

 

 
Table of Contents

State Map 8 (2)
   How to Use This Guide 10 (2)
     Trail Savvy 12 (8)
     Safety Guidelines 12 (3)
     Trail Etiquette 15 (1)
     General Regulations 16 (1)
     Leave No Trace Principles 17 (3)
   Checklists 20 (287)
     Trip Planning 20 (1)
     Tack 20 (1)
     Veterinary Supplies 21 (1)
     Vehicle 21 (1)
     Camping Gear 21 (1)
     Personal Gear 21 (1)
   Denver and Colorado Springs Region 22 (80)
   Central Region 10 (462)
   North-Central Region 14 (388)
   Northwest Region 18 (266)
   West-Central Region 21 (222)
   Southwest Region 23 (244)
   South-Central Region 25 (208)
   The Eastern Plains 27 (298)
Appendices
   Public Agency Contact Information 300 (3)
   Trail Accommodations 303 (2)
   Sponsor 305 (1)
   Back Country Horsemen of America 306 (1)
Index 307 (5)
About the Authors/Photographers 312

COLORADO’S SANCTUARIES, RETREATS, AND SACRED PLACES, by Jean Torkelson

More ad more, people of all faiths and leanings endeavor to connect with their spiritual sides. Colorado offers diverse locales for spiritual exploration, either in fellowship with others or on an individual basis. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS religion writer Jean Torkelson profiles more than 100 of the state’s best sites for soul-searching, including mountain retreats and camps, urban sanctuaries, and remote enclave of miraculous natural beauty. Color photographs accompany Torkelson’s lively and informative descriptions.

Popularity: 48%

These maps from days gone by are from the collection of amateur history buff ~ Norm Noe. Many years ago he started gathering a select group of books and materials of Greeley and the Union Colony.

Several friends and business acquaintances loaned him their original, large wall maps and gave him permission to have photographic copies made. These maps were “shot” through special non-reflective glass by famed WWII photographer “Skeats” Calvin at the “Greeley Journal.” Copies were printed on parchment paper.

An Open Book is very excited to have these maps and not only inform residents of our 18th century beginnings but offer these maps for sale. Our store has set #1 for purchase, as set numbers “6” and “20” were given to Weld School District and the Masonic Lodge many years ago.

The complete numbered unframed set is $100. A limited amount of un-numbered individual maps are $30 each.

Popularity: 44%

Bill won the $100 gift certificate from Happy Life Gardens and Nursery and An Open Book LLC…happy gardening to you and your wife Chris!!

Popularity: 32%