READ
Paula McLain takes on the story of Ernest Hemingway’s little-known first spouse in The Paris Wife, a fictional account that feels more like a historical memoir than a novel. Hadley Hemingway fully comes to life as the novel follows her courtship and marriage to the 21-year-old Hemingway. Much of the story takes place in 1920s Paris, which swiftly becomes a character in its own right. And no story about Hemingway in Paris would be complete without appearances by Gertrude Stein, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and many other notable artists and writers of the time. —Raela Schoenherr // Excelsior Bay Books
Raela Schoenherr is a fictions acquisitions editor at a Minnesota publishing company.
DRINK
Although Bordeaux is arguably the most famous wine region in the world, it is still mysterious and intimidating to many wine drinkers. Most red Bordeaux are a blend of up to five different red grapes. This month’s Bordeaux pick is Baron des Chartrons: 60 percent merlot and 40 percent cabernet sauvignon. This medium- to full-bodied red is a great introduction to Bordeaux, with very smooth tannins. Rich cherry and berry flavors are backed up by an earthy and slightly oaky backbone. This wine is a reminder that Bordeaux need not be expensive to be enjoyable. $12.99. —Kevin Castellano
Kevin Castellano is the general manager of Wayzata Wine and Spirits and a respected lake-area wine and liquor expert.
LISTEN
Hooky enough to secure radio play and chart positions but heavy enough to garner the respect of the more hard-core metal community, Volbeat has managed to carve out a sizable success. Their latest album, Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie, seems to prove that the Danish group relies on the tried and true rather than exploring radical new territory. Chunky rock ’n’ roll riffs, vocalist Michael Poulsen’s signature howl, rockabilly grooves—it’s all there, just like it has been for the last several albums. But while the blueprint is certainly well-worn at this point, the familiarity doesn’t stop the album from being a lot of fun. —Alex Skjong // The album is available on iTunes, at amazon.com and at local book and music stores.
Alex Skjong has written for a number of publications in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Atlanta.
