Thursday, December 31, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Smoke and Mirrors


Gaiman's universe is awash in ancient myth and modern pith. Through 30 short stories he leads the reader into a fantastic, yet very tangible world where you can buy the Holy Grain at a thrift shop, there really are trolls under the bridge, and the fairy tales you thought you knew are never quite what they seem. Gaiman's first collection of short stories is a gem for old and new fans alike.


Reviewed by Jen R.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Moosewood Restaurant Cooking for Health


This new cookbook presents a tempting assortment of vegetarian, vegan and raw recipes, each brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Essays intersperse the recipes, providing up-to-date information on nutrition, sustainable cuisine, and local foods. Each recipe is also equipped with a nutritional analysis so you can make informed food choices.


Reviewed by Jen R.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Ender's Game


Faced with the threat of invasion, Earth's governments have been sending their most precocious children to Battle School, hoping for a military savior. At five years old, Ender has no idea what lengths the authorities will go to make him into their perfect commander. Ender's Game is not only a fixture of science fiction, it is also an extremely well-crafted and thought-provoking novel.


Reviewed by Lauren

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Staff Recommendation: In The Time of Butterflies


Told from the perspective of the four Mirabel sisters, this is a heartbreaking story of life in the Dominican Republic under the Trujillo dictatorship and a fictional tribute to their real-life women who paid the ultimate price for resisting tyranny. Alvarez starts out gently, but the tension mounts as the sisters try to hold onto their ideals and each other in the face of growing danger.


Reviewed by Lauren

Friday, December 25, 2009

Did Santa bring a gift card to a store you don't like?

Bring it to us and use it in our store. We accept gift cards from several local and big-box stores - Home Depot, Barnes&Noble, Costco, etc. Give us a call to find out if we'll accept your gift card. Then, turn your unwanted gift card into that book you've been wanting that Santa forgot to leave under the tree.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Brothers K


Like Dostoevsky's novel before it, this book is epic in scope: the family saga of the colorful Chances, the spiritual struggles and comings-of-age of the four brothers, a historical exploration of America during Vietnam, and a meditation on the zen of baseball. What's more, it is one of those rare novels that you will feel sorry to finish because it feels like saying goodbye.


Reviewed by Lauren

Monday, December 21, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Beast in the Garden


A fascinating read, especially for those living in the Boulder environs, Beast in the Garden highlights the delicate balance in which man and cat now exist. Working backwards from a fatal cougar attack, Baron combines thorough research with a style of prose that befits a thriller. Thought provoking and informative, this book will be of interest to all in the Front Range.


Reviewed by Matthew

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Death from the Skies


Death from the Skies by Philip Plait pokes fun of the impeding End of the World championed by the hordes of 2012ers yet at the same time offers hard science that backs up these macabre claims. A twisted book; one moment you'll be chuckling and the next you'll be headed outside for a breath of fresh air while you review the facts of doomsday. Have fun with this one. Peace!


Reviewed by Odysseus

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Child 44


This award-winning thriller is unique, compelling and intelligent. In Stalinist Russia, where crime and dissent are nonexistent, one security officer and war hero risks his career, family and ideology to pursue a serial killer whose crimes are covered up by the State. This novel, which reveals surprising truths about the killer, also has a suspenseful sequel, The Secret Speech.


Reviewed by Alyssa

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Chronic City


Lethem's intelligent satire confuses reality with delusion, affection with deception, and comedy with tragedy. Meet Chase, a former child star, fiance of a space-stranded astronaut, and Perkus, a pot-smoking, paranoid cultural critic. They are adrift in Manhattan, where an escaped tiger causes buildings to collapse & the homeless find refuge in a luxury residence for dogs.


Reviewed by Alyssa

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Turning the Mind into an Ally


Mipham proposes that meditation is the solution to the cultural conundrum of training the mind like we train the body. Without relying on jargon or complicated philosophies, Mipham simply and eloquently describes how to begin your own meditation practice and learn how to control your thoughts, emotions and moods instead of allowing them to control you.


Reviewed by Jen R.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Republican Gomorrah


This book describes how the Republican Party, once considered a "big tent" party, has become increasingly aligned with the Christian Right in the last 50 years. Based on interviews, undercover research and dogged observation, Blumenthal brings clarity to the reasons behind the Republican party's increasingly value-based policy.


Reviewed by Chris

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Hidden Life of Deer


Think deer are lovely yet ultimately dull creatures? After reading this book, I can argue that these elusive animals are indeed fascinating. The author writes in a warmly informal tone. Her observations of the wildlife that frequent her farm are childlike in their wonder yet rooted in an extensive knowledge of animal behavior. A delightful book for animal lovers.


Reviewed by Tracy

Monday, December 7, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Undertaking


These insightful “life studies” are more about the living than the dead: we fret over our mortality, make complicated (and sometimes silly) funeral arrangements, and despite it all, “the dead don’t care.” But they matter. Lynch’s prose is poetic, thoughtful, and even funny. And since the author is an undertaker, the viewpoint is certainly a unique one.


Recommended by Christine

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Cleaving


For those readers who enjoyed Julie and Julia, Cleaving offers the same witty writing style but a darker and more complex subject matter. When Julie is tempted into a love affair with a dark and handsome man from her past, she decides to leave town and distract herself by learning how to become a butcher. Her immersion in this new obsession is raw and animalistic, yet human.


Reviewed by Claire

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Lost to the West


In early 2007, nearly 150,000 people worldwide eagerly listened to a podcast on Byzantine History. Lars Brownworth opened the minds of thousands to the fascinating and little-known history of the Eastern Roman Empire. Brownworth's dry humor and encyclopedic knowledge shines just as brightly in written form, from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance.

Reviewed by Jen R.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps


If you want a practical, thorough, and honest guide to volunteering with the Peace Corps, look no further. A seasoned Peace Corps veteran himself, Banerjee gives real answers to questions you may not have even thought to ask. Full of sound advice, and valuable resources, this guide is a must-have for anyone interested in joining.


Reviewed by Mari

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Staff Recommendation: That Bird Has My Wings


Confucius said: "Only when the year turns cold do you find that the pine and the cypress are the last to lose their leaves." Someone who can achieve profound Buddhist spiritual development on San Quentin's death row is surely an exceptional man. This is his harrowing memoir. Forward by Pema Chodron.


That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters
Reviewed by Digs

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Ansel Adams in Color


That's right: who knew that back in the 30s one of the first people to experiment with Kodachrome was Ansel Adams. Previously unpublished, in these photographs we can more vividly experience his glorious eye as we share his palpable joy in exploring this new medium. Open it anywhere, and see.

Ansel Adams in Color edited by John Shaefer
Reviewed by Digs

Friday, November 27, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Homer & Langley


Not only is this novel about an intriguing subject—the mysterious and eccentric Collyer brothers—but Doctorow moves beyond the historical and mythological accounts of these infamous hermits to unearth, with dignity and compassion, their more intimate, hidden lives. He brings you in among their occasional relationships as well as the detritus of their lives.

Homer & Langley by E.L. Doctorow
Reviewed by Alyssa

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Her Fearful Symmetry


The author of The Time Traveler's Wife returns with another riveting novel about the endurance of love: a ghost story, set in and around Highgate Cemetery, that is both romantic and eerie. Elspeth’s death and afterlife unite a cast of intriguing, troubled characters: her former lover; her estranged twin sister's twin daughters; and a crossword-puzzle creator.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Reviewed by Alyssa

Monday, November 23, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Will I Ever Be Good Enough?


It is magical to come across the right book at the right time, because you can see that transformation is on its way. The abandonment and/or engulfment of narcissistic mothers leaves deep scars on their daughters, and as Dr. McBride relates in this book, such scars remain for a long time and permeates every single aspect of the daughters life, without their knowledge of it. And yet, this book is not about victims. It is about empowering.

Will I Ever Be Good Enough? by Karyl McBride
Reviewed by Helena Bolduc

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles


This true story of Hala Jaber, a Lebanese reporter in Iraq, casts light into the darkest corners of a world where even hope struggles. Hala, suddenly faced with the lives of two orphan girls, is left holding the weight of their futures. As time runs out, she must learn to accept the Iraqi people's pain as her own. Powerful, and brutally honest, Jaber's story should be read by all.


The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles by Hala Jaber
Reviewed by Mari

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Animals Make Us Human


Temple Grandin is autistic and processes information in much the same way as animals. From this unique standpoint, and with an impressive back round in animal science and activism, Grandin's book show us how we can best interact with animals if we understand the emotions that motivate them. A must-read author for animal lovers!

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin
Reviewed by Cesa

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Farmer John's Cookbook


Peterson is the owner of the Angelic Organics CSA farm outside of Chicago. This goldmine of a cookbook has information on seasonal veggies and plenty of delicious recipes. Unlike ordinary cookbooks, Peterson peppers his pages with everything from nutritional advice to funny things he's recently overheard around town. This book is the ultimate resource for the locavore cook.


Farmer John's Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables by Farmer John Peterson
Reviewed by Jennifer R.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Staff Recommendation: What Was She Thinking?


Barbara, a matronly history teacher, leads an unremarkable life until Sheba, the beautiful and interesting new art teacher, chooses Barbara as a confidante. Barbara journals about their relationship in excruciating detail. When it comes to light that Sheba is having an affair with a 15-year-old student, Barbara's diary becomes a telling portrait of both women.

What Was She Thinking? by Zoe Heller
Reviewed by Jennifer R.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Infidel


This story of a Somali woman who fled to the Netherlands to escape an arranged marriage is unequivocally amazing. The knowledge that things such as female circumcision and beatings happen may be common, but the enlightening fact she presents is that they happen here too. Hirsi Ali started a movement that made me rethink my views on tolerance.

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Reviewed by Chris

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Merlin's Dragon: Doomraga's Revenge by T.A. Barron

Since the end of Merlin's Dragon, Basil and Merlin have become close friends, able to communicate telepathically with each other. They have teamed up to address the growing unrest in their beloved home of Avalon. Since Avalon was created in order that creatures could live together in peace, the mounting tensions are troubling both Merlin and Basil greatly. The fire dragons and dwarves have had several arguments, most of them resulting in violence and death, trolls have come out of their dormancy to terrorize villages, and even peaceful animals like the birds of Airroot have erupted in fighting with each other. Merlin and Basil finally decide that these incidents are not merely coincidental, but are somehow related.

Unbeknownst to them, an agent of Rhita Gawr is growing in power far away in the Haunted Marsh in Woodroot. He has now given himself a name: Doomraga, which means "darker than dark." Having been thwarted once by Basil, he is waiting and growing in the marsh until the day when he grows strong enough to seek his revenge on Basil and Dagda.

Meanwhile, Merlin and Basil continue to settle the problems that arise among their fellow inhabitants of Avalon. Merlin is facing more and more problems everyday, not only in the larger world, but also within his family. Merlin's troubles are further aggravated when his sister informs him of a terrible blight plaguing the realm of Woodroot, destroying all forms of life. He and Basil must bring an end to this blight of the forest realm and prevent Doomraga from succeeding in his evil quest.

This installation of the Merlin's Dragon series offers adventure, thrills, incredible tension, new friends and old friends, and an overarching battle of good versus evil. Basil's incredible transformation from a small, lizard-like creature to the most powerful dragon in Avalon has not affected his enormous heart or his humility. He faces both the challenge of keeping the peace of his beloved world and the challenge of helping his friend Merlin to cure the blight of Woodroot. Can Basil live up to his size in bravery? Can he save his home realm of Woodroot? Can he prevent Avalon from slipping into chaos and evil?

Join us TONIGHT, Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30pm at the Boulder Book Store where T.A. Barron will be speaking about and signing Doomraga's Revenge.

Reviewed by: Jackie Ariniello

Monday, November 9, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?


It is rare that I read a novel and am so entirely swept away by the language, that the content becomes secondary. That said, the story being woven by the beautiful thread of Moore's writing is insightful, relatable, and endlessly human. Everyone can find something to love here, whether it be the musings on love & aging, or the lovely way she describes the world.

Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? by Lorrie Moore
Reviewed by Stephanie W.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Lost Symbol


Yes, it's a great yarn, but in the end you'll have tears in your eyes because the lore Dan Brown delivers is so beautiful, so profound, and, in its own way, so pro-American. The Lost Symbol recovers patriotism for visionaries. Pass it on.


The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Reviewed by Digs

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Hurry Down Sunshine


One afternoon, without warning, Michael Greenberg's 15 year-old daughter comes unhinged. Once an intelligent and creative teen, Sally becomes driven by an obsessive vision, and Greenberg is faced with a decision no parent should have to confront. Hurry Down Sunshine will take its place among classics such as Girl Interrupted and Bell Jar. A surefire conversation-starter for bookclubs.

Hurry Down Sunshine by Michael Greenberg
Reviewed by Scott

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Merlin's Dragon by T.A. Barron

"Dedicated to my children, Ben and Larkin, and their friend, Lucile--who asked two simple questions: 'What really happened between The Lost Years of Merlin and The Great Tree of Avalon?' and 'Who was Merlin's most bizarre friend?'"

The dedication for Merlin's Dragon captures exactly what the book is about. Merlin has planted the seed that will become the Great Tree of Avalon, a new world that will essentially replace the lost land of Fincayra as a world between worlds. At the same time, however, something else was born. As Merlin plants Avalon's seed, a small egg lands nearby. This egg, in Avalon's first year, hatches in Woodroot, one of the seven root realms of the Great Tree. From it comes a small creature, somewhat like a lizard and somewhat like a bat. He is small, but his destiny is great.

This little creature eventually discovers a special power of his: he can produce different scents. One day while hiding from a predator, he makes himself smell like a nearby patch of basil to conceal himself. Thus he acquires the name Basil. He knows little of the magic that lies within him, and he also knows little about who he really is. In his young years living in the forests of Woodroot, Basil spends most of his time being chased by foxes, snakes, and dactylbirds, who all think he would make a delicious meal. But Basil has a favorite pastime: listening to other creatures' gossip. He learns some, though not much, about the outside world. For example, he hears tales of Shim, the famous giant, and Gwynnia, the fierce dragon, and most of all, the great wizard, Merlin.

One night Basil dreams that Merlin is being attacked by a giant creature with wings and bat-like ears. When he awakens, Basil thinks the creature might kill Merlin--and also thinks the creature could be himself. Driven by his desire to warn Merlin of his dream, and to learn more about the world--and himself--Basil decides to journey outside the small corner of his forest. Immediately he comes upon a portal and, quite by accident, ends up in a realm away from his own--Stoneroot.

While there, Dagda, the ruler of the gods of the spirit realm, gives Basil a great task: to warn all of Avalon that Rhita Gawr, the most powerful evil spirit, has come to the mortal world to conquer it, and most importantly to find and warn Merlin himself. Basil then sets out on a journey with his lifelong friend, the windsister Aylah, who carries him to the seven root realms of Avalon in search of the illustrious wizard. Along the way, perhaps, Basil will find his true identity and discover a greater purpose to his small existence.

Written with the uncanny wit and skill of T.A. Barron, Merlin's Dragon takes readers to a world beyond their wildest dreams. Barron's immense imagination has once again created a unique and original character in Basil who is sympathetic and kind, adventurous and humble. Basil's journey is one we all take in an attempt to find our place in the world and to truly appreciate how unique each of us is. Younger readers will love the adventure, the fun and interesting creatures, and adults will love the depth and meaning of the story. This book takes Barron fans back to the beginning of Avalon, when Merlin is still a young wizard, and when several of your favorite Fincayra characters appear again. Travel through the seven root realms with Basil and Aylah to discover the mystery, the magic, and the mists of the Great Tree of Avalon.

Join us at the Boulder Bookstore on Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30pm for an event with T.A. Barron, who will be talking about and signing Doomraga's Revenge, his exciting new sequel to Merlin's Dragon.

Reviewed by Jackie Ariniello

Monday, November 2, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Yiddish Policemen's Union

This is another great novel by one of my favorite writers. This book takes on a murder mystery format, set in the forgotten Jewish community in Sitka, Alaska that is about to be re-integrated into the U.S. system, disrupting everything in the lives of the residents. As a seemingly insignificant murder is investigated, however, disturbing connections are uncovered that affect all of Sitka.

The Yiddish Policemen's Union
by Michael Chabon
Reviewed by Stephanie W.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Just Like Us

Denver journalist (wife of Denver’s Mayor Hickenlooper) chronicles the lives of four young Mexican women, two legal and two undocumented, from their senior year of high school through college. Though they share a common heritage their lives are very different because of their legal status. Thorpe offers incredible insight into one of the most complex issues facing our nation.

Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe
Reviewed by Sally Laventure

Friday, October 30, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Half Broke Horses

Jeanette Walls completely earned my admiration with her memoir, The Glass Castle, so I was excited to read her new novel, Half Broke Horses. Drawing on family stories, Walls writes about her grandmother, Lily Smith. Spunky, no-nonsense, and fearless, Lily was a true woman of the West and her story is made all the more captivating by Walls' descriptive writing.


Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls
Reviewed by Mandy

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Staff Recommendation: However Tall the Mountain

Told from the perspective of eight girls, this is the true story of a team of girls who traveled from Afghanistan to the United States to compete in a soccer tournament. I read this book straight through, captivated by the bravery and spirit of girls who risked their lives in order to play a sport they loved.


However Tall the Mountain
by Awista Ayub
Reviewed by Mandy

Monday, October 26, 2009

Staff Recommendation: What Now?

For years I have been stuck at a crossroads and struggling with the question of “What now?” Reading this humorous and inspirational essay about Patchett’s own experiences grappling with and eventually embracing this seemingly daunting question, that she realizes is life's vitality, renewed my desire to explore the possibilities of the unknown with curiosity & hope.


What Now? by Anne Patchet
Reviewed by Alyssa

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Staff Recommendation: My Abandonment

This beautifully tender and yet disturbing novel about a father and daughter who depend on one another for survival and love as they are alienated from everyone else will haunt you long after you're done reading, arousing more questions than it answers. Why do they hide out in the wilderness and fear discovery in the city?

My Abandonment by Peter Rock
Reviewed by Alyssa

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Stardust

This novel is much more than a murder mystery. It blends fact and fiction to explore the complex world of post-WWII Hollywood: an era that is both glamorous and deceptive. Solving his brother's "suicide" becomes more challenging when Ben Collier befriends the German émigrés who are not only America's brightest stars in the film industry but most vulnerable to the Red Scare.

Stardust by Joseph Kanon
Reviewed by Alyssa

Monday, October 19, 2009

Staff Recommendation: No Impact Man

This is a truly inspiring account of one regular guy's courageous attempt to drastically reduce his environmental impact for one year. Beavan grapples with traditional American attitudes toward transportation, food, consumerism, and the idea of progress. Candid and unpretentious, he lays bare his failures, successes, insecurities and moments of clarity.

No Impact Man by Colin Beavan
Reviewed by Tracy

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Terror from the Air

In this book, the contemporary culture theorist Peter Sloterdijk insists that the 20th century began in 1915 with the German chlorine gas attack on French-Canadian troops at Ypres. This was the first time that an enemy's living conditions were assaulted. This book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand how terrorist warfare has been made possible.

Terror from the Air by Peter Sloterdijk
Reviewed by John

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Crying Tree

This debut novel by NPR broadcast journalist touches on some difficult subjects: the violent death of a child, hatred and ultimately, forgiveness. How long can a family cling to an emotion for survival even though it is destroying their lives? Can hate really be left behind and forgiveness take its place? This would make an excellent bookclub selection.

The Crying Tree
by Naseem Rakha
Reviewed by Sally Laventure

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Between Me and the River

When Carrie Host came to speak at an event here at the store, she said that the reason she felt compelled to write a memoir was because there were all these books about "battling cancer" and "surviving the fight" but nobody had written about the love. That is just what she features: the love of and for her family and friends that enables her to stay afloat. This is a descriptively rich memoir.

Between Me and the River by Carrie Host
Reviewed by Christine

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Staff Recommendation: The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It

What's the best soil to use for potatoes? How do you make beer from the barley you've sewn? When do you plant which crops and why? And plenty of answers to questions you didn't even know you needed to ask. Just like the high school text books it resembles, Seymour's book has all the answers to your pre-farming studying delivered in a very approachable manner.


The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It
by John Seymour
Reviewed by Christine

Friday, October 9, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Siesta Lane

Through a series of themed entries, musings and poems, Minato invites us to eavesdrop on her life-experiment with sustainability in a little cabin in the backwoods of Oregon. We come to know her quirky "landmates," the resident wildlife (including a lizard who survives the spin cycle) and the land itself. Generous helpings of humor, observation and self-reflection.


Siesta Lane by Amy Minato

Reviewed by Tracy

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Under the Covers: The 4th Annual Boulder Book Store Talks to Bookclubs

Are you a member of a book club? Want to start a bookclub? Want to know what a bookclub is? Come join us at the Boulder Book Store to hear suggestions, ask questions, and/or share your bookclub experience. Bookclubs from all over the Boulder area are invited to come to this annual event where we will be discussing anything and everything that has to do with bookclubs. No matter what genre, no matter how old your bookclub is, we'll help you out by providing suggestions for new books to read, new bookclubs to start, and even bookclub etiquette! Any and all of your questions will be answered, you will be able to meet other bookclub members, and you will find some great new ideas for your bookclub for the upcoming year. This is a great resource for all current and future bookclub members!

We'll be meeting on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH at 7PM in the BALLROOM, but please RSVP by NOVEMBER 1ST to bookclubs@boulderbookstore.com. We'll have plenty of refreshments and giveaways to go around, so get ready for a night of fun and conversation!


photo courtesy of polyvore.com

Staff Recommendation: Wild Justice

This book is filled with amazing stories about altruistic wild animals and house pets that have completed acts that have no purpose other than fairness, kindness, or assistance. Even animal skeptics who believe they act on nothing more than instinct will be convinced that not only do animals possess morality, but that their moral drive can often SURPASS our own.

Wild Justice
by Marc Bekoff
Reviewed by Cesa

Monday, October 5, 2009

Dining at Salt Bistro, the Restaurant Next Door

Jillian's Joints: Week Two: Salt Bistro, 1047 Pearl Street

This week, I decided to write about a brand new restaurant that has opened up right across the street from the Boulder Book Store. Many locals are familiar with Tom’s Tavern, a restaurant that thrived in Boulder for years and had one of the best burgers in town. However, the restaurant closed about a year ago, and Salt has recently taken over its location. A contemporary and delightfully simple bistro, Salt uses organic and local farmers to bring you the best of what’s around. Every dish on their menu references which farm it came from, which is quite thoughtful as it allows customers to know exactly where their meal is coming from, and it recognizes the farms, giving them due credit.

Since Tom’s Taverns was famous for their delicious burgers, I thought it only fair that I try Salt’s version. Their grassfed burger from Lasater Ranch was a generous size, came with delicious fries, and simply put, was scrumptious. They are most certainly a contender for one of the best burgers in town. Furthermore, the service was very friendly and the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. Surrounding tables seemed to devour their meals just as quickly as I did.
Overall, I believe Salt will be one of the most popular restaurants on Pearl Street. With an unbeatable combination of great food, friendly staff, and decent range of prices, this restaurant can hold their own as well as any other restaurant in Boulder. If your curiosity gets the best of you, check out their website at http://saltboulderbistro.com/, or try it for yourself. They are located at 1047 Pearl Street, Boulder CO 80310.



Jillian's Joints is a new weekly column devoted to highlighting some of the great shops and restaurants on Boulder's beautiful Pearl Street Mall. Jillian is a CU student and is interning with Boulder Book Store's Marketing Department this fall.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Staff Recommendation: Stitches

Award-winning illustrator David Small has an unnerving knack for portraying creepy in just a few brush strokes. Lurking within these pages are the all-too-real members of his unfortunate family scowling, smirking, baring their teeth, and furrowing their brows. Darkly funny, infuriating, and emotionally charged, Stitches is a fascinating study and an engrossing visual experience.


Stitches by David Small

Reviewed by Tracy