Looking for a great read over Thanksgiving break? Try Mercy Creek by Matt Matthews, winner of the 2010 South Carolina First Novel Prize. Sixteen-year-old Isaac Lawson spends his summer days working at Chum’s Hardware while his friends play baseball. When his girlfriend dumps him and his widowed Presbyterian-minister father starts eating supper with the church treasurer, Isaac despairs. The only excitement in their small town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a series of vandalized houses. Against his father’s wishes, Isaac pursues the vandals and the $5,000 reward being offered by a local group. His investigation uncovers community secrets before the civil rights movement in the South. A taut and touching story.
--Maureen Millea Smith, librarian at Edina Library and Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
--Available at Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Sq.; 952.847.5425
DRINK:
November screams turkey and all the fixins’ for a perfect Thanksgiving table. If you’re a foodie at heart, you know that your favorite holiday recipes are best when paired with the perfect wine. The finest libation experts will all tell you that pinot noir is the ultimate pairing for that big fancy bird. And while, yes, pinot is a perfect grape for the season, why not venture outside the box this year and try on a few new grapes. Grenache, a supple, strawberry-layered beauty, begs to be paired with food, especially bird. Or better yet, consider a syrah, a smoky yet gamey, meaty red grape with muscle and character. For one wine that offers a little bit of both, check out famous Rhône Valley producer E. Guigal and his velvety blend of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre grapes, Gigondas Rouge ($22), from the region of Gigondas, France. Notes of strawberry, pepper and licorice make this a perfect pairing to your bird and traditional Thanksgiving sides, all the way through to that fresh baked apple pie for dessert.
Approx Retail: $22
--Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier, owner of Twin Cities-based wine consulting firm Amusée, and everyone’s favorite “go to” wine gal. Learn more at amuseewine.com.
--Available at France 44, 4351 France Ave. S.; 612.925.3252
LISTEN:
The Steve Miller Band
“Let Your Hair Down”
Space Cowboy Records - released April 15th, 2011
Blues
Steve Miller (well known for his multiple classic rock hits of the late 70’s) releases a second blues cover record with Let Your Hair Down, which was recorded with his band at Skywalker Ranch. The classic blues songs on this album have definitely been “Miller-ized,” which we consider a very good thing.
At 68, Miller seems to just get better. His voice is crisp and clean, and his guitar playing is as recognizable as ever. The stand out tracks on the album are the cover of Junior Wells’ “I Got Love if You Want It,” Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago,” and Muddy Waters “Can’t Be Satisfied.”
Minnesota bassist Billy Peterson and drummer Gordy Knutson lend their expertise to the entire record.
--Paul Peterson is a local musician, producer and composer. Learn more at paulpeterson.com.
--Available at Target, 7000 York Ave. S.; 952.925.4610
