Growing Up Aspen: Adventures of the Unsupervised

by Andy Collen, Chris Pomeroy (Contributor), Dean Jackson (Contributor)

Growing Up Aspen is the inside scoop on Aspen, Colorado in the 70s and 80s as recounted by four friends who grew up there, pre Prada, Gucci, and paparazzi. Back when Aspen was like Mayberry in the mountains but with John Denver, Nick DeWolf, and Ted Bundy mixed in. These intimate recollections of the contributor's personal experiences capture the essence of small town living and the importance of community. Their stories include funny, poignant, sometimes disturbing life lessons (parental discretion is advised, though it was largely ignored, back in the day). Through their stories we see how their lives are intertwined with the evolution of their beloved town. Aspen was in the midst of irreversible change ... and these kids knew exactly what was going on.
"The stories in Growing Up Aspen will take you back to a time and place that no longer exists. Arguably the best of times and I can't disagree. In indulging in the book, I find myself back in our old Aspen on silly, foolhardy, daring adventures that would make any young Aspenite proud ... and make the more mature survivors weep with joyful sadness. " - Greg Poschman
A must-read for anyone who has experienced the transformative power of growing up in a tight-knit community and wants to time travel back to when John Denver played softball for the Aspen State Teachers College. Come meet some of the true characters behind the scenes of what once was Aspen.

500 pages, Paperback

Published May 11, 2023

Reviews

[Nickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun book, I know a son of one of the famed innovators that is mentioned here and there, so I was curious about what it was like where he came from (among other places he's lived).

I spent about 5 years in Colorado, but in Evergreen, sort of a mountain suburb of Denver. I grew up in the Los Angeles port town of San Pedro, CA. What struck me the most about this book were the parallels between that beach community and this ski community.

Being a part of LA, we had our share of the very wealthy and celebrities, and a healthy art community. Like the Aspen of the authors' time, not everyone who lived in my hometown was fabulously wealthy.

The ski bums are much like the surf bums, and in California, some are one and the same, moving from boards in the sea to boards on the snow. I saw many of the kinds of characters I knew in San Pedro in these people from Aspen, both in themselves, and the residents of their quirky town.

We also grew up essentially unsupervised and roamed about, learning our lessons on the fly, and building lifelong bonds with some of the people who were lucky enough to be born at that time in our history. This also, was brought forth in the authors' reminiscences.

[Andree Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review.) (Other full disclosure: I'm about the same age as the authors, so I feel qualified to talk about the period in question, even if I did not grow up in Aspen.)

Four buddies take turns telling you their stories about the Aspen of yesterday, who they became in that Aspen, and what it's like watching a beloved little town become The Next Big Chichi Thing. Each author has his unmistakably own take. Andy Collen's a perpetual motion machine of people to meet & things to do and almost - ALMOST - makes Hunter S. Thompson sound like a normal experience. I use that noun on purpose. Chris Pomeroy, Aspenite born and bred, grew up in a safe, idyllic community without pretensions, and watched it become a completely different magnitude (and price point) of playground, until he left it in his rear view mirror. Dean Jackson, soulful thespian and artist, recalls a life of content simplicity, later darkened by adults' casual substance abuse, but redeemed again by love. Lo Semple, present in the Aspen of yesterday and today, holds businesses there and writes a weekly column for the Aspen Daily News. His take, the last in the book, is clear eyed, lightly self deprecating in spots, and not afraid to call out whomever including himself. (I've done my town's version of the 'West End Sneak' more than once; I feel ya.)

At all times the voices are honest and the memories gratefully kept. I ended up reading "Growing Up Aspen" to feel the comfort of times gone by. Aspen was clearly something sui generis and special in its time, and I'm glad these four came together to capture some of it for us.

[Frank Alton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of memories that captures an Aspen most people will never know. The stories are funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional. It felt like listening to old friends around a campfire

[Adron Buske · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is less about Aspen as a ski destination and more about growing up with freedom and adventure. Some stories resonated more than others, but the overall experience was enjoyable

[Olawale Ajalawalex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nostalgia is incredible. Even though I never lived in Aspen, I could picture every street, prank, and friendship. A beautiful tribute to a disappearing era.

[Andrew Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud several times. The contributors each have a unique voice, but together they create a vivid portrait of small-town life before social media changed everything.

[ANDRY MARTINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit longer than expected, but the stories kept me engaged. If you love memoirs and local history, you'll probably enjoy this

[Angelina Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't just a memoir—it's a snapshot of an entire community. I especially appreciated how the authors balanced humor with more serious moments.

[Femzy Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some chapters felt stronger than others, but the authenticity shines throughout. Definitely worth reading if you're interested in Colorado history.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Up Aspen made me nostalgic for a childhood I never had. The freedom these kids experienced feels almost unimaginable today.

[Anthony. Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and surprisingly moving. The stories about friendship and community stayed with me long after I finished.

[Anthony Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book captures the spirit of Aspen before luxury brands and celebrity culture took over. A fascinating perspective

[Apple Rally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every contributor adds something unique. Together, they paint a picture of a magical time that can never be recreated.

[Ashley Chorlette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the local references and colorful personalities. Some inside jokes went over my head, but the overall storytelling was excellent.

[Ben Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of why small-town childhoods create lifelong memories. Funny, honest, and full of heart.

[Ben Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading. Every chapter introduced another unbelievable adventure that somehow felt completely real.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming memoir with plenty of humor. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about growing up in the 1970s and 80s

[Foden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The contributors don't sugarcoat their experiences, and that's what makes this book so compelling. Honest storytelling at its best.

[Chris Delva · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're expecting a traditional history book, this isn't it. It's much more personal, which I actually preferred

[Christi L · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining blend of comedy, nostalgia, and life lessons. I found myself smiling through most of the book.

[Elaine Gasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Aspen described here feels like another world. The authors do an amazing job preserving memories that deserve to be remembered.

[Eunice Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some stories are hilarious while others are surprisingly emotional. The mix kept the book interesting from beginning to end.

[Anthony Son · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book celebrates friendship as much as it celebrates Aspen. That's what made it special for me.

[Stephanie Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the honesty about both the good and difficult parts of growing up. It felt genuine throughout

[Oyekunle Ojeniyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt love letter to a town that has changed dramatically over the decades. Highly recommended for memoir fans.