READ
Daniel H. Wilson’s new novel, Robopocalypse, defies traditional categorization, but it can probably best be shelved in the area of philosophical science fiction. Set in the "near future," Robopocalypse concerns a world in which all of our technology spontaneously malfunctions at the same time, uniting together to turn against humans.
What happens when our smart cars, power grids and computer networks develop a mind of their own? With a focus on the danger of artificial intelligence, Robopocalypse is a throw-back to some of the best works of Ray Bradbury and Michael Crichton. —Charlie Leonard
THE BOOKCASE, 607 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.473.8341
Besides being the owner of the Bookcase in Wayzata, the Twin Cities’ oldest independent bookstore, Charlie Leonard has been at various times a writer, editor and teacher, and is currently the founder and executive director of Blue Water Theatre Company in Plymouth.
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DRINK
From Salta in northern Argentina comes Colomé, an outstanding Malbec owned by the Hess family of California. Colomé is located at very high altitude near the Andes, so despite being near the equator, it isn’t too hot. These vineyards at 7,200–10,200 feet—between 90 and 150 years old—are some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the world. They are farmed using the principles of biodynamics, which eschews the use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers. The result is a delicious wine. This isn’t your average grape-y Malbec, but a dark, elegant wine with hints of blackberry and cherry. It’s great around a fire as the nights get colder. —Ryan Sadowski
THE WINE SHOP, 17521 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.988.9463
Ryan Sadowski is the owner of The Wine Shop. Sign up for his weekly recommendations by e-mailing wineshopmtka@gmail.com, and read his best seasonal wine pick on this page each month.
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LISTEN
Pop music always has been a producer's medium. That’s why Norwegian singer/songwriter/DJ/producer Annie’s 2004 debut, Anniemal, felt much more substantial than a mere radar blip all the way from Scandinavia. The success of Anniemal is that the songs and their spotless production still sound contemporary. It’s a miracle for pop music to last seven years when most Top 40 fare fizzle out in weeks. “Chewing Gum” features Annie’s airy, seductive vocals deliciously comparing casual relationships to the sugary pleasures of bubble gum. But “Heartbeat,” Annie’s best song, features only a few shimmering, underwater synths underlying breathless, sensual lyrics about—what else?—falling in love in the sexy darkness of a club as the perfect song comes on. —Jack Kentala
FIND THE ALBUM AT:
Barnes & Noble, 13131 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka; 952.546.2006
Jack Kentala, a local freelance writer and filmmaker, haunts most Twin Cities indie rock shows. He’s the tall guy blocking your view of the stage. He also recently directed his second feature film, which will hit the festival circuit this year.
