Audrey has been in a book club with good friends for years. They’ve traded laughter and strong opinions and found that the right story always brings people closer. These are some of their favorites. A few are written by some of our favorite Colorado authors. The rest are the Book Club’s recommendations!
If you love quiet mornings, late nights when you can’t stop turning pages and a story that stays with you, this list is for you!
Favorites from Colorado Authors
Go as a River — Shelley Read
Set in mid-century Colorado, Go as a River follows Victoria Nash, a young woman whose life is shaped by love, loss and the changing landscape around her. After tragedy alters her family and her future, Victoria must find her own way forward, drawing strength from the land and from within herself. Shelley Read’s writing is quiet and powerful, rooted deeply in place and filled with emotion that unfolds slowly. It’s a story about resilience, belonging and the ways we learn to survive what we never expected.
Fourth Wing (and the whole series) by Rebecca Yarros
Set in a brutal military academy where students bond with dragons or risk death, Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, who is pushed into a world she was never meant to survive. What starts as a fight for survival becomes a story of courage, loyalty, love and self-discovery. Rebecca Yarros creates a fast-moving, immersive world that’s impossible to leave once you start. It’s thrilling, emotional and perfect for readers who want to be completely swept away on a cold mountain night.
The Last Midwife by Sandra Dallas
This novel centers on Gracy Brookens, the only midwife in a small Colorado mining town in the early 1900s. Trusted by nearly every family, Gracy finds her world shaken when she’s accused of a crime that threatens her freedom and her reputation. As the story unfolds, Sandra Dallas explores themes of loyalty, justice and what it means to stand alone in a close-knit community. The setting feels authentic and grounded, and the story honors the quiet strength of women who held families together in difficult times.
Book Club Favorites
Wild by Cheryl Strayeds
In this raw and deeply personal memoir, Cheryl Strayed recounts her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail after experiencing profound loss and heartbreak. With no prior backpacking experience, she sets out to rebuild herself step by step. The story is honest, messy and inspiring, filled with moments of fear, humor and clarity. Wild is about grief, healing and the quiet power of putting one foot in front of the other, even when the path feels impossible.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
A survival story that has stood the test of time, Hatchet follows thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson after a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Canadian wilderness. Armed with only a hatchet, Brian must learn how to survive by observing and respecting the natural world. The book is straightforward yet profound, showing how resilience, patience and adaptability can emerge under pressure. It’s a favorite for readers of all ages and feels especially fitting in a mountain setting.
The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin
After surviving a plane crash in a remote wilderness, two strangers must rely on each other to survive the harsh terrain and find their way back to civilization. As they battle injury, weather, and isolation a deep bond forms between them. Charles Martin blends survival, romance and emotional depth into a story that explores trust, hope and the human instinct to endure. It’s gripping without being overwhelming and perfect for readers who enjoy adventure with heart.
Mean Streak by Sandra Brown
This fast-paced thriller follows a woman training for a marathon who vanishes during a run in a remote mountain area. Injured and disoriented, she wakes to find herself in the care of a mysterious man who may be her only chance at survival. Twists unfold quickly as secrets surface and trust is tested. Mean Streak is suspenseful, atmospheric, and ideal for readers who love a book that keeps them turning pages late into the night.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Set in the rugged wilderness of Alaska, this novel follows a family seeking a fresh start off the grid. As they face isolation, extreme weather and their own inner struggles, the story explores love, survival and the resilience required to endure long winters and difficult truths. Kristin Hannah captures both the beauty and brutality of wild places, creating a story that is emotional, immersive and unforgettable.
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
Inspired by true events, this novel tells the story of a young woman raised in the forest after being kidnapped as a child. During World War II, she used her survival skills to help Jewish refugees hide from the occupying forces. The book blends history, nature, and humanity into a moving narrative about courage, compassion and the strength found in unlikely places. It’s haunting, hopeful, and beautifully written.
God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Set at a summer camp in the Adirondacks, this literary mystery begins with the disappearance of a young girl and slowly unravels layers of family secrets, class tension and unresolved grief. The forest itself feels like a character, holding stories and truths beneath its surface. Thoughtful and atmospheric, this book rewards slow reading and is perfect for a quiet afternoon at the cabin.
These stories have been passed around Audrey’s book club, read at different stages of life and discussed long after the last page. They remind us that books have a way of grounding us, challenging us and bringing us closer together.
If you’re looking for your next great read, start here. Or better yet, plan a Book Club Getaway at Rabbit Ears Basecamp. Bring your favorite people, a stack of books and plenty of time. Read by the fire, talk late into the night and wake up to mountain quiet and hot coffee.
Stories are better when they’re shared. Come stay wild with us, and don’t forget your book.
