In The Road Back to Sweetgrass, first-time novelist Linda LeGarde Grover weaves a captivating story, of three American Indian women living in northern Minnesota on the fictional Mozhay Point reservation. A professor of American Indian studies at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and member of the Bois Forte band of Ojibwe, Grover tells this coming- of-age story—one that spans four decades of change, hardship and loss—against the backdrop of painful historical events and federal policies that were tone-deaf to the reality of Indian life. —Phyllis Alsdurf
Excelsior Bay Books
36 Water St., Excelsior
952.401.0932
A long-time Minnetonka resident, Phyllis Alsdurf is a journalism professor at Bethel University in St. Paul. She is the author of the book It’s Milking Time (Random House, 2012).
While I’m not a doctor, I have been called a “spiritual advisor.” That said, let me tell you why wine is good for you: The American Medical Association has said that up to two glasses of wine a day can be good for your heart. So, with moderation being the key, a glass or two a day seems to be OK. But what should you pick? With spicy food, try Dr. Loosen Riesling. With barbecue, go with Cotes du Rhone Delas Esprit. Having fish? Pick Chateau Cadillac White. For pairing with chicken, try Napa Cellars Chardonnay (all around $15). —John Farrell, III
Haskell’s
12900 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka
952.544.4456
John Farrell, III is the vice president of sales and merchandising for Haskell’s. His family business has been locally owned and operated since 1934.
There’s not a lot of danger left in Slash these days, but one thing’s for sure—there’s plenty of bluesy licks left in his fingers. World On Fire largely sees the iconic aviator-glasses-wearing, top-hat-sporting guitar legend sticking to what he does best, once again recruiting Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy on vocals. While there’s a good guitar-driven time to be had here, the collective edge of the effort is dulled by the sheer volume of songs. There’s not a bad track to be found, but after almost an hour and 20 minutes worth of riffage, it’s hard to escape the sense of homogeny. Rock ’n’ roll may not need rules, but it could use a curator. —Alex Skjong
Barnes & Noble
13131 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka
952.546.2006
Alex Skjong has written for a number of publications in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Atlanta. He is a music lover first and an unreasonably tall human being second.
