Aspen bookers pick three titles

Explore Books in Aspen has shared three staff picks for readers seeking stories from faraway lands. The recommendations, featured in The Colorado Sun, include a nonfiction memoir from Albania, a novel set in a Russian hotel, and a fantasy book about divine will.

The first suggestion is Free: Coming of Age at the End of History by Lea Ypi. Published in January 2023 by W. W. Norton & Company, the book costs $17.95. Ypi, now a professor at the London School of Economics, recounts the fall of communism in Albania through the eyes of her younger self. Bookseller Elizabeth Sills notes that the memoir balances humor with complex political ideas. The narrative covers the 1990s Albanian Civil War and the transition to a free market economy. Readers are left to decide what freedom means after exploring various philosophical viewpoints.

The second pick is a novel about Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol hotel in 1922. A Bolshevik tribunal deemed him an unrepentant aristocrat. He lives in an attic room while Russian history unfolds outside. Bookseller Mackenzie Llewellyn describes the story as beautiful, focusing on people, friendships, and love during the Russian revolution. The book takes place in one location but contains many events. Llewellyn calls every part of the book gorgeous and important.

The third recommendation is a fantasy novel centered on two characters, Yara and Adrena. Yara is chosen by God to slay Dominic, a ruthless leader. Adrena, a prophet, seeks God's approval to become a hero. The characters embark on separate journeys that lead them toward each other. Bookseller Mary Buchanan says the book is unlike anything she has read. She praises the vivid adventure and themes of unlikely friendship. Buchanan notes that the writing is poetic and the characters are deeply layered.

These selections highlight the range of literature available at local bookstores. The staff at Explore Books chose these titles to offer diverse perspectives. Each book provides a distinct narrative voice. Readers can find these books in the store's inventory.

The memoir by Ypi explores personal and political themes. The novel about Rostov examines purpose and history. The fantasy by Paige focuses on destiny and connection. All three books are currently available for purchase. Explore Books continues to share staff picks regularly.

No additional events are scheduled for the bookstore regarding these specific titles. The recommendations serve as a guide for new readers. The books offer different genres and settings. From historical nonfiction to speculative fiction, the list covers a wide array of interests.