Each week as part of SunLit — The Sun’s literature section — we feature staff recommendations from book stores across Colorado. This week, the staff from Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins recommends a book with tips for sketching, a dystopian tale set in the future and an examination of our moon.
MORPHO: Clothing Folds and Creases
By Michel Lauricella
Rocky Nook
$16.95
February 2022
Purchase
From the publisher: In “Morpho: Clothing Folds and Creases,” artist and teacher Michel Lauricella presents a unique approach to learning to draw clothing. By connecting the underlying anatomy to clothing, as well as considering the body’s posture and movement, you can learn to draw accurate and realistic clothing. Whether you’re interested in art, animation, or fashion, this book is a great resource for anyone sketching or drawing clothing.
Geared toward artists of all levels—from beginners through professionals—this handy, pocket-sized book will help spark your imagination and creativity. Whether your interest is in figure drawing, fine arts, fashion design, game design, or creating comic book or manga art, you will find this helpful book filled with actionable insights.
From Miriam, events manager: After sitting down with this book for about an hour with my sketchbook, I was shocked at how quickly I was able to pick up clothing textures! I feel much more confident about elaborate outfits and pushing the boundaries after placing this book into my memory bank. Great reference!
How High We Go in the Dark
By Sequoia Nagamatsu
William Morrow & Company
$18.99
January 2023
Purchase
From the publisher: In 2030, a grieving archeologist arrives in the Arctic Circle to continue the work of his recently deceased daughter at the Batagaika Crater, where researchers are studying long-buried secrets now revealed in melting permafrost, including the perfectly preserved remains of a girl who appears to have died of an ancient virus.
Once unleashed, the Arctic plague will reshape life on Earth for generations to come, quickly traversing the globe, forcing humanity to devise a myriad of moving and inventive ways to embrace possibility in the face of tragedy.
From Revati, store manager: The description of this book as being dystopian and similar to “Cloud Atlas” is correct but fails to convey how beautiful it is. The vignettes are so interesting, showing visions of a future plague that comes full circle. I did not expect to love it this much!
Our Moon
By Rebecca Boyle
Random House Trade Paperbacks
$20
June 2025
Purchase
Version 1.0.0
From the publisher: Many of us know that the Moon pulls on our oceans, driving the tides, but did you know that it smells like gunpowder? Or that it was essential to the development of science and religion? Acclaimed journalist Rebecca Boyle takes readers on a dazzling tour to reveal the intimate role that our 4.51-billion-year-old companion has played in our biological and cultural evolution.
Our Moon’s gravity stabilized Earth’s orbit—and its climate. It drew nutrients to the surface of the primordial ocean, where they fostered the evolution of complex life. The Moon continues to influence animal migration and reproduction, plants’ movements, and, possibly, the flow of the very blood in our veins.
From Julie, cleaner: Fascinating, well told, and a perfect read as we enjoy watching the stages of the Moon on warm summer evenings.
THIS WEEK’S BOOK RECS COME FROM:
Old Firehouse Books
232 Walnut St., Fort Collins
As part of The Colorado Sun’s literature section — SunLit — we’re featuring staff picks from book stores across the state. Read more.
Type of Story: Review
An assessment or critique of a service, product, or creative endeavor such as art, literature or a performance.