READ
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth alternates between the viewpoints of Anna, a 38-year-old woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and Eve, a woman trying to create a new life for herself after losing everything. Anna is unhappy at the idea of living at Rosalind House, an assisted-care facility where Eve works. Readers are touchingly reminded of all the ways love can prevail despite seemingly insurmountable barriers. This could have been a heavy-handed read, but Hepworth handles every character respectfully, and the final result is a genuine, poignant story. –Raela Schoenherr. Excelsior Bay Books.
Raela Schoenherr is a fictions acquisitions editor at a Minnesota publishing company.
DRINK
This summer, I want to highlight a terrific white wine grape that is often overlooked. Austria’s Anton Bauer produces a great white wine called Gmörk, made from 100 percent gruner veltliner grapes. These grapes create wine that’s not too different from a crisp pinot grigio or pinot gris. It is light-bodied, balanced and juicy, with notes of citrus fruit, peach, nectarine and green apple, herbal notes and a bit of white pepper. Austria is the primary region in the world known for this grape varietal. Gmörk is terrific to pair with fruit and, especially, with veggies and fish dishes. $14.99. –Kevin Castellano. Wayzata Wine and Spirits
Kevin Castellano is the general manager of Wayzata Wine and Spirits and a respected lake-area wine and liquor expert.
LISTEN
Any album release celebrated alongside the 20th anniversary of the same artists’ debut album will raise some skepticism. Is the new music relevant and original? Thankfully for alternative pop-rockers Nada Surf, the answer is “yes.” Far removed from 1996’s hit angst-anthem “Popular,” their new album You Know Who You Are is filled with big guitars and melodies perfect for a summer-evening drive. While there are no surprises here, frontman Matthew Caws and company (all approaching age 50) have married airtight songwriting with big production on an album that screams, “We’re good at what we do.” My favorite tracks include “Cold to See Clear” and “Out of The Dark.” –Tyler Phelps
The album is available on iTunes, at amazon.com and at local book and music stores.
Tyler Phelps is a local recording engineer and music producer. Follow and connect with him on Facebook and Instagram.
