We open the New Year with the top 5 books our readers chose for the holidays.

Adults

“Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand

An unparalleled story of survival that defines courage.

“The Emerald Mile,” by Kevin Fedarko

The story of the fastest ride down the Grand Canyon, accompanied by the fascinating history of the Colorado River and its dams. The winner of the Reading the West Award for 2014, this is a wild story that shouldn't be missed.

“All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr

An artfully crafted, utterly unique story of World War II. Finalist for the National Book Award.

“Lost Ski Areas of Colorado's Front Range and Northern Mountains,” by Caryn and Peter Boddie

Steamboat is one of the ski areas chronicled in this unusual history.

“Wild,” by Cheryl Strayed

The incredible story of Cheryl Strayed's journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Children and young adult

“Legend,” by Marie Lu

A thriller of a story set in a future where the west is the Republic, perpetually at war, featuring two teenagers whose Republican determined paths cross unexpectedly.

“The Night before Christmas in Snow Country,” by Suzanne Nieman Brown

Finally a Christmas story for ski country — and you cannot miss Mount Werner on the cover.

“Diary of Wimpy Kid #9: Haul Long,” by Jeff Kinney

The Heffleys take a road trip, and it becomes an adventure.

“Hotdogger,” by Karla Oceanak

The humdrum life of Aldo Zelnick turns not so humdrum when Aldo agrees to downhill ski in Steamboat.

“Good Night, Colorado,” by Adam Gamble and Anne Rosen

A board book for the 2- to 4-year-olds, celebrating the best of Colorado.

These books are available at the Bud Werner Memorial Library and at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore; e-books can be found at http://www.steamboatbooks.com.

Ronald Krall is the co-owner of Off the Beaten Path Bookstore.