Read
Paris for One & Other Stories
By the author of the blockbuster Me Before You, Paris for One and Other Stories is comprised of a novella, Paris for One, and eight additional short stories. For anyone who has wanted to try out short form fiction but worries they won’t be able to engage at that length, this is a safe collection to start with. Moyes succeeds at packing a punch in a small amount of time, and the stories range from heart-tugging to bittersweet and everywhere in between. Paris for One, about a young woman whose romantic Paris weekend swiftly goes awry, shines as the highlight, but the short stories about women facing the unexpected in their otherwise ordinary lives also entertain with endearing, relatable characters at crossroads in their lives. Recommended for anyone seeking a quick, uplifting read.
Raela Schoenherr is an editor at a Minnesota publishing company. She loves to talk books and writing on Twitter at
@raelaschoenherr.
Drink
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is one of my favorite grape varietals. It is always refreshing, and varies in style all over the globe. For May, we are featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Aveta. This is a bone-dry full-bodied style. Napa Valley is hot, so this is no wimpy wine coming in at 14.5 percent ABV. This bottling is unique in that it is comprised of about 20 percent sauvignon musqué, a clone of sauvignon blanc which lends a smoky element very similar to a fumé blanc. This wine is full of lemon, honeysuckle, and great minerality—perfect with seafood and salads. Serve well-chilled. Sale price $19.99 (through May or while supplies last).
Kevin Castellano
General manager of Wayzata Wine & Spirits.
Listen
Ty Segall
Think that rock ’n’ roll is dead? Can’t stand that new-fangled noise? Behold! Ty Segall is here to save your eardrums … or wreck them. On his ninth release, the prolific 29-year-old guitar whiz displays his versatility as a musician and songwriter. “Break a Guitar” opens the record with some serious Sabbath attitude. Two tracks later, Segall channels his best Syd Barrett with “Warm Hands (Freedom Returned),” a 10-minute odyssey. “Talkin’ ” is a twanged-out ballad and “Orange Color Queen” is a sweet ode to his girlfriend. Segall isn’t shy about his influences, and that is the greatest part—he has mastered his favorite rock flavors and effortlessly combines them. Call it garage rock, glam punk or psychedelic-whatever. Ty Segall is the new rock god, whether he knows it or not.
Sean Schultz
A lifelong musician who enjoys popular culture. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and their two dogs.
