The Colorado Book

The Colorado Book brings together some of the voices that have shaped the Centennial State, offering readers an expansive journey through Colorado's literary, historical, and cultural landscape. Curated with deep knowledge of the state's heritage, this collection spans genres and generations—from compelling fiction and poetry to science, narrative history, intimate biography, and thoughtful essays. Each selection captures a unique facet of Colorado's spirit, revealing the diverse perspectives that has defined this remarkable place where mountains meet plains and tradition embraces innovation.

This special edition, celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary includes all new essays that reflect on the state's sesquicentennial milestone. These fresh contributions explore how Colorado has evolved over a century and a half, examining the challenges overcome, the communities built, and the enduring connection between Coloradans and their magnificent landscape. Whether you're a native seeking to reconnect with your roots, a newcomer eager to understand your adopted home, or simply a lover of great writing, this commemorative volume offers an essential portrait of Colorado—past, present, and future.

New York Times best-selling author SANDRA DALLAS, the author of 18 adult novels, five middle-grade novels, and 10 nonfiction books, was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue Magazine. Sandra's novels with their themes of loyalty, friendship, and human dignity have been translated into a dozen foreign languages and have been optioned for films.

A journalism graduate of the University of Denver, Sandra began her writing career as a reporter with Business Week. A staff member for twenty-five years (and the magazine's first female bureau chief,) she covered the Rocky Mountain region, writing about everything from penny-stock scandals to hard-rock mining, western energy development to contemporary polygamy. Many of her experiences have been incorporated into her novels.

While a reporter, she began writing the first of her nonfiction books. They include The Quilt That Walked to Golden, recipient of the Independent Publishers Assn. Benjamin Franklin Award, and Sacred Paint, a biography of artist Ned Jacob.

Turning to fiction in 1990, Sandra has published 18 novels, including Westering Women, and four young adult books, the latest Someplace to Call Home. Sandra is a six-time recipient of the Women Writing the West Willa Award for New Mercies, The Bride's House, True Sisters, A Quilt for Christmas, Hardscrabble and Someplace to Call Home.