Besides being home to some of the best beer and most bike racks per capita (ok, I made that up, but doesn't it seem like it sometimes?!), Fort Collins is the secret stomping grounds of some talented and creative authors. Here's a look at some locally authored and/or published books that should definitely make it out to the lawn chair with you.
With a focus on publishing quality literature & art that mindfully engages humans with the world, Wolverine Farm Publishing releases between two and three titles a year, the most notable of which is the semi-annual literary/art journal, Matter. The 11th edition, subtitled The Woods, is a shape-shifting read, including poetry, a field-guide to North American flowers, and short fiction. Also look for Charles Malone's Tree Climbing in Fort Collins: A Lyric Guide, a 230 page journal full of poetry, fiction, interviews and art, plus a scroll of poetry to unfurl. www.wolverinefarmpublishing.org
Hot off the press, Going Green: True Tales from Gleaners, Scavengers, and Dumpster Divers was released on Earth Day this year, and features work by Fort Collins authors Libby James, Paul Miller and Tim Vaughan, and is edited by Northern Colorado's own Laura Pritchett. "For Going Green, Pritchett has gathered the work of more than twenty writers to tell their personal stories of Dumpster diving, eating road kill, salvaging plastic from the beach, and forgoing another trip to the mall for the thrill of bargain hunting at yard sales and flea markets. These stories look not just at the many ways people glean but also at the larger, thornier issues dealing with what re-using—or not—says about our culture and priorities." laurapritchett.com
For those who are interested in exploring the world of holistic health and wellness, local author Susan Mead's book Take Back Your Body: Using Time-Tested Health Tips and Uncommon Sense is full of simple and inexpensive tips for becoming and staying healthy-without drugs or surgery. Mead has been in private practice in Fort Collins as a Master Herbalist since 1996 and was the Keynote speaker for the recent Journey Conference for Young Women, also in Fort Collins. www.takebackyourbodynow.com
If you're a foodie, you know that thumbing through the pages of a new cookbook can be just as exciting as your favorite novel. For those who live for the freshest and tastiest, the recently released Colorado Organic: Cooking Seasonally, Eating Locally is the poolside read for you. The pages "burst with colorful photographs of fresh produce at the peak of each of the four seasons and with recipes from eight of Colorado’s top chefs who integrate locally-grown, wholesome ingredients into scrumptious meals at their notable restaurants. The stories of eight Colorado farmers from across the state show the care, dedication, and the mindfulness that it takes to raise vegetables, fruits, and animals that are not only healthy for the consumer but for all of Colorado, as well as our planet. In these pages is a glimpse of how, like two hands clasped together, the chefs and the farmers are interconnected. After being inspired by and trying these simple, healthful dishes, check out the expansive resource guide at the back of the cookbook to enhance or create your own organic lifestyle." www.seasonalandlocal.com
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