Books

Wait Until Spring, Bandini, by John Fante

The first in a series of novels about Arturo Bandini, a young Italian American dreaming of becoming a writer, this book follows Bandini from Colorado to Los Angeles and through a series of difficult family issues. Fante, born into an Italian immigrant family, grew up in small-town Colorado

1933 Was a Bad Year, by John Fante

Published posthumously, this novel tells the story of 17-year-old Dominic Molise, and Italian-American yearning to pursue his dream of playing baseball despite pressure from his father to take over the family business. Though set in the small, fictional town of Roper, Colorado, a few Boulder landmarks, such as Pearl and Arapahoe Streets make appearances in the text.

Boulder: 1859-1919, by Mona Lambrecht and the Boulder History Museum

Attention, history buffs: this book, written by Boulder native and historian Mona Lambrecht in conjunction with the Boulder History museum, examines the historic elements—the gold rush, railroads, and tourism—that shaped the Boulder we see today. Filled with archival photographs and historic anecdotes, this book provides Boulder visitors and natives a glimpse into the history of the region.

Switzerland Trail of America, by Forrest Crossen

This illustrated history of the narrow-gauge lines that ran west of Boulder, Colorado, at the turn of the century boasts over 300 photos of the railroads, the people, and the towns of Boulder County. The original hardcover edition has become a collectors' item.