Read
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald is an ode to bookworms of all nationalities. Originally published in Sweden, the story takes place in a fictional Iowa town called Broken Wheel. Sara, a native of Sweden, has journeyed to Broken Wheel to meet her pen pal Amy. Unfortunately, Amy has passed away just prior to her arrival, and Sara must navigate small-town America all on her own. While this book could never be called action-packed, it’s as delightful and charming as can be, and readers will smile at the antics of Broken Wheel’s townsfolk. —Raela Schoenherr
Excelsior Bay Books
36 Water St., Excelsior
952.401.0932
Raela Schoenherr is a fictions acquisitions editor at a Minnesota publishing company. She loves to talk books on Twitter at @raelaschoenherr.
Drink
Just in time for spring, I’d like to recommend a wine that is an excellent pairing with fresh salads and light dishes—or just to sip on its own. Renideo pinot grigio is not just your generic Italian pinot grigio. This wine comes from the Vento region in northern Italy, renowned especially for this grape varietal. Grown elsewhere, it can become a bit too warm, and you end up with an overly fruity wine. Renideo is from a cooler climate, which helps the pinot grigio retain some of its crisp, lively and aromatic characteristics. Also, as a very balanced wine at a modest 12 percent alcohol (which is typical of this style), it’s a smooth crowd-pleaser. $10.99. —Kevin Castellano
Wayzata Wine and Spirits
747 Mill St.
Wayzata
952.473.7191
Kevin Castellano is the general manager of Wayzata Wine and Spirits and a respected lake-area wine and liquor expert.
Listen
While several Dream Theater albums have ventured into the theatrical realm, The Astonishing embraces every ounce of pageantry that came before and harnesses it into a full-on rock opera. Set in a far future devoid of any human-made music, the album focuses on Gabriel, a man born with the gift of music. Over two hours and ten minutes, a story packed with betrayal, death and redemption unfolds. Truth be told, it’s all a little silly. But if you embrace the cheese and follow along with the ancillary story material the band has released, it’s easy to be engaged. Showiness takes more of a backseat to story—and it pays off.—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.
