Old Firehouse Books suggests titles with heart, and a psycho twist
The staff at Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins recommends two very different tales of the heart and the story of one strange governess.
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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 tale with heart, an examination of the heart and the unsettling story of one strange governess.
Victorian Psycho
By Virginia Feito
Liveright Publishing Corporation
$24.99
February 2025
Purchase
From the publisher: Grim Wolds, England: Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House prepared to play the perfect governess—she’ll dutifully tutor her charges, Drusilla and Andrew, tell them bedtime stories, and only joke about eating children. But long, listless days spent within the estate’s dreary confines come with an intimate knowledge of the perversions and pathetic preoccupations of the Pounds family. Patience. Winifred must have patience, for Christmas is coming, and she has very special gifts planned for the dear souls of Ensor House. Brimming with sardonic wit and culminating in a shocking conclusion, “Victorian Psycho” plunges readers into the chilling mind of an iconic new literary psychopath.
From Simon, staff: Beautiful descriptions of disgusting things! Winifred Notty is someone who delights in (killing) the little things. As a governess for a wealthy family, she was hired to teach her charges French and good manners, but she’ll settle for shortening their lifespans. A fun and thoroughly messed up read for your next “notty” pleasure.
The Heart of Winter
By Jonathan Evison
Dutton
$28
January 2025
Purchase
From the publisher: Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke were never meant to be together—at least if you ask Ruth. Yet their catastrophic blind date in college evolved into a 70-year marriage and a life on a farm on Bainbridge Island with their hens and beloved Labrador, Megs. Through the years, the Winters have fallen in and out of lockstep, and from their haunting losses and guarded secrets, a dependable partnership has been forged.
But when Ruth’s loose tooth turns out to be something much more malicious, the beautiful, reliable life they’ve created together comes to a crisis. As Ruth struggles with her crumbling independence, Abe must learn how to take care of her while their three living children question his ability to look after his wife. And once again, the couple has to reconfigure how to be there for each other.
From Miriam, staff: This book took my heart, shoved it in a jar of love and despair and then threw it into a particle accelerator. A beautiful testament to what it means to choose to love someone every day of your life, even when everyone else might think you’re crazy. If you want to bawl your eyes out and then glue yourself back together, this is the book for you!
Understanding the Heart
By Dr. Stephen Hussey
Chelsea Green Publishing Company
$24.95
April 2022
Purchase
From the publisher: Heart disease is the number-one killer in the world. Despite ever-advancing medical procedures and more and more powerful pharmaceutical drugs, the rate of heart disease continues to rise. In “Understanding the Heart,” Dr. Stephen Hussey lays bare everything he has learned in his deep investigation into the heart, and guides you on a path to prevent disease in the context of a highly diseased modern world in order to enjoy lifelong good health.
From Julie, staff: A mindblowing addition to the books I am reading to better understand, improve, and advocate for my own health, and definitely worth a read for anyone interested in the same!
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.
