READ
Begin the New Year with the novel that is on every reviewer’s best books list for 2011. In The Art of Fielding, Racine, Wis., native Chad Harbach has created a coming-of-age novel that will appeal to the twenty-something set, baseball lovers and book clubs. The Westish College baseball team’s star shortstop, Henry Skrimshander, has a powerful throw go awry and into his team’s dugout, injuring his roommate Owen Dunne. The throw sends Henry into a paralyzing guilt and threatens to expose the college president’s secret love affair with Owen. Harbach writes moving narratives that are reminiscent of John Irving at his best.
-Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist. For more good reads, go online to Hennepin County Library’s Bookspace.
--Available at Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Sq.; 952.847.5425
DRINK
As the twinkling glow of the holiday season diminishes, we are left with the bright white of our Midwestern winter. The frozen droplets of the season’s moisture remind us that there is still much of our arctic wonderland left to enjoy. While a heavy, full-bodied red wine seems fit as a way to comfort the senses, I tend to lean quite the opposite direction when it comes to selecting my wines this time of year. Of course, those juicy hearty reds are great for hibernating—but what about a fresh winter white to lift the spirits? The Hugel Gentil from Alsace, France ($12–$15) is a perfect fit. Developed from a combination of gewurztraminer, pinot gris, riesling, muscat and sylvaner, this is a spicy, supple, grapey combo of winter wonderful. Incidentally, a great wine for almost every season.
-Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier, owner of Twin Cities-based wine consulting firm Amusée, and everyone’s favorite “go to” wine gal.
--Available at France 44, 4351 France Ave. S.; 612.925.3252
LISTEN
With one of the most soulful voices in pop music, England’s James Morrison releases his finest CD at age 26 with “The Awakening.” Although his previous records were extremely successful, Morisson calls them “practice shots.” On this release, his songwriting and singing have matured. During the recording of this record, he became a father and lost his own father, and he put every one of those experiences into his songwriting, resulting in a brilliant collection of pop/soul songs to get you through these cold winter months. The sound of this record is a tip of the hat to the old Motown sound, yet his raspy vocal approach is young and fresh. Standouts are ballads “I Won’t Let You Go” and “Right By Your Side.” Fellas, set a date night with your significant other, build a fire, open up the wine you just read about in the column above us and put this record on!
--Paul Peterson is a local musician, producer and composer.
--Available at Target, 7000 York Ave. S.; 952.925.4610
