• CMC’s 2026 Common Reader "Go as a River" - Salida

    CMC Salida 349 e 9th St, Salida, CO, United States

    Shelley Read's internationally bestselling novel “Go as a River” follows Victoria Nash through love, loss and resilience in western Colorado. The story draws inspiration from the history of Iola, a small Gunnison River town flooded during the creation of Blue Mesa Reservoir. CMC’s Common Reader program selects one book every year and offers it for free distribution across the dozens of communities CMC serves – followed by a series of discussions, author talks and conversations at CMC campuses. This year’s common reader, internationally award winning “Go As A River,” invites us into the life of Victoria "Torie" Nash, a young woman growing up on a peach farm in rural Colorado during the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of the creation of the Blue Mesa Reservoir and the flooding of the town of Iola, this work of historical fiction explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and finding home in the face of much tumultuous change. Help us celebrate Colorado’s 150 years of statehood and sesquicentennial birthday with fifth generation Colorado author Shelley Read. Register to attend today.