Books

100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die

Nestled at the base of Colorado’s signature mountains, pedestrian friendly Boulder is consistently singled out for its quality of life, abundance of outdoor adventures, and award-winning chefs. With a plethora of amazing places to experience, 100 Things to Do in Boulder Before You Die offers an easy way to pinpoint your best options in this sunny, high-altitude college town. Boulder is the ideal place to explore more than 100 miles of county trails, float above the valley in a hot air balloon, or learn to paddleboard at the Boulder Reservoir. History buffs can learn about the area at the Museum of Boulder, while science-oriented visitors will be inspired by atmospheric research tours or a Fiske Planetarium show. Day trips outside of Boulder are included for outdoor adventures in the beautiful surrounding mountains and canyons. Colorado-based travel writer Sandy Bornstein opens the door to your Boulder adventure. Consider her your personal tour guide to the food, drink, entertainment, culture, and history of her home state along with itineraries to help you plan your next trip to Boulder.

Sandy was living her version of the American dream in Colorado when her peaceful and predictable life was jolted after her husband accepted a job requiring extensive international travel.

Following a series of events, Sandy ended up living in a 300 square foot dorm room while teaching at a world-renowned international K-12 boarding school in Bangalore, India.  She adapted to an unfamiliar environment, embraced her Jewish identity, and endured deteriorating health. While living in Asia as an expat teacher, she fulfilled three passions – a desire to travel, a zeal for writing, and a love of teaching. 

In her book, May This Be the Best Year of Your Life: a Memoir, Sandra shares the lessons learned about perseverance, travel, education, faith, and family. 

Reviews

Sandy takes us on her personal adventures in India, with all the ups and downs and uncertainties of the unknown. She confronts social, family, and professional challenges with refreshing openness, vulnerability, and determination. I was right there with her, sharing both the anxiety and the joy…every step of the way.  Rita Golden Gelman, author of Tales of a Female Nomad and more than seventy children’s books

May This Be the Best Year of Your Life is a compelling and powerful memoir of a family torn by conflict and crisis, but ultimately redeemed by faith and love. Sandra Bornstein’s courageous spirit shines through the writing.”  Marsha Lee Berkman, coeditor Here I am: Contemporary Jewish Stories from Around the World

The writing style is clear and captivating, thus allowing the reader to identify if not visualize the author’s journey. May This Be the Best Year of Your Life is to Sandy’s story what “May the Odds Always Be in Your Favor” is to (the film) The Hunger Games … it is a motto of encouragement and empowerment.  Rabbi Bernard Gerson, Congregation Beth Shalom, Denver

In this evocative roller coaster of a memoir, rich with moments of personal reckoning and profound self-discovery, Bornstein abandons her majestic yet familiar surroundings in Boulder to explore the foreign culture of Bangalore India, and her own emotional landscape. shows us that the only way to grapple with uncertainty is with patience…. and the only way to assuage fear is with an open heart. Bornstein redefines her future on her own terms with great spirit, supported by faith and love. Janet Ungless, Former Contributing Editor at MORE

May This Be The Best Year of Your Life is the story of one woman’s struggle to define herself as a wife, mother, professional and spiritual seeker. It describes her commitment and persistence in spite of daunting obstacles. To read it is to discover an inspirational, compelling model for living a thoughtful proactive life.  Betsy Katz, faculty member Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, Gratz College, and Florence Melton School

May This Be the Best Year of Your Life is incredibly inspiring without ever being preachy, Sandra’s story reminds us that instability and uncertainty exist in even the most established lives. Her candid account of facing life’s hurdles leaves you with a sense of “bring it on,” eager to experience the positive change that ultimately comes from bumps in the road.  Abby Lerner, Executive Web Editor at SHAPE