READ
David McCullough maintains that the United States would not be a country without the influence and support of France. His wonderful new book, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, explores this thesis. McCullough writes of young Americans who sailed east, across the Atlantic, while early pioneers were migrating to the western frontier. These student travelers included inventor Samuel Morse, writer James Fenimore Cooper, politician Charles Sumner and physician Elizabeth Blackwell. McCullough also writes in great detail on the role that France played as the crucible for American artists, particularly Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Their careers were forever changed by their experiences in Paris, and each went on to change every American’s perception of art.
Suspense, adventure and Ann Patchett’s gorgeous prose make State of Wonder the go-to novel for weekend readers and book club members alike in September. Dr. Marina Singh’s orderly life as a pharmaceutical researcher in Minneapolis is upended when a colleague, Anders Eckman, is reported dead in Brazil. Marina goes to Brazil to retrieve and return her colleague’s body. While in the Amazon, she meets up with Dr. Annick Swenson, an eminent researcher and her former instructor. Swenson is studying the women of an indigenous Amazon tribe who can bear children well into their 50s and possibly longer, with the goal of creating drugs to allow all women this freedom. Marina’s complicated history with Annick Swenson, the secret nature of her research, opera, and the mystery and density of the jungle all play into this great sweep of a novel. Bel Canto fans will be thrilled.
--Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
--Available at Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Sq.; 952.847.5425
DRINK
September is a month for catching up with friends, soaking up the last days of sunshine and warmth and enjoying every remaining warm Minnesotan sunset. Gatherings such as these, whether a late summer wedding or an impromptu backyard fire pit, deserve a wine that is warm, oozy and perfectly pleasing to every palate. My pick: shiraz, a grape that is rarely turned down in the late months of summer and early fall. From the Barossa Valley of Australia, Tait Winery makes a gorgeously supple, mouth-filling combo of shiraz, cabernet and merlot called The Ball Buster ($20). Sleek with depth and alluring personality, this wine is dark with blueberry, black currant, licorice, espresso and chocolate. If the name doesn’t get you, the palate surely will. It’s perfect for all styles of wine drinkers!
--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
Blue-eyed soul singer Marc Broussard goes more rock and radio friendly on his new self-titled album. Released this summer, the record nods to the ’60s in its direction, but stays modern in its production. Broussard’s use of live musicians on the album adds energy and integrity to this album, and the result is a feel-good record that you’ll want to sing along with. Standout cuts include “Lucky,” “Let It All Out” and the swampy “Eye on the Prize.”
--Paul Peterson is a local musician, producer and composer.
--Available at Best Buy, 3200 Southdale Cr.; 952.925.4425
