Subhash and Udayan Mitra are as close as brothers can be in their Calcutta neighborhood in post-partition India. In the late 1960s, their paths diverge as Subhash leaves for graduate school in Rhode Island and Udayan stays behind, becoming involved in the Maoist Naxalite movement. Rhode Island and India become equally exotic in Jhumpa Lahiri’s latest novel, The Lowland. The arc of the narrative moves to a heart-rending yet satisfying conclusion. Other Lahiri favorites include the Pulitzer Prize-winning short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies.—Maureen Millea Smith
THE BOOKCASE $27.95 in store, $16.10 at barnesandnoble.com
Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist. maureenmilleasmith.com
Drinking red wine in moderation can promote a longer life, help protect against certain cancers, improve mental health, and provide benefits to the heart. The compound resveratrol found in red grape skins, works to keep blood vessels open, cholesterol down and has anti-aging properties. My “prescription” this month comes from the featured grape, montepulciano, which produces deliciously round, plummy flavors with a medium-weight complexity. It’s grown primarily in the central and southern regions of Italy. A current favorite is Canaletto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. For less than $10, this wine over-delivers. Peppery, with loads of ripe blackberry intertwined with hints of sage and licorice, it’s perfect with pizza, roasted meats, and hearty pastas. And incidentally, it’s good for you, too.—Leslee Miller
THE WINE SHOP Visit Edina Liquor for similar wine selections under $10.
Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm Amusée. amuseewine.com
Ahh….. May! My whole spirit lifts when spring arrives, and even my music seems to change. Let me introduce you to Bliss, a wonderful group out of England that I love. Their musical message centers on the inspirational like divine, unconditional love, and gratitude. Lucinda Drayton’s vocals are straight from the heart. Their self-titled CD, Bliss, encourages us to regard the simple things in life with songs like “Be Who You Were Born to Be,” remembering to say “Thank You” to everyone for everything, and, when you’re racing around and still falling behind, think about “Peace On My Mind.” It gives you permission to shake off the worries of the day and just be. Now go plant some flowers and unwind to Bliss. —Patty Peterson
WHERE TO BUY $9.99 on iTunes, $8.99 at Amazon and at blissfulmusic.com for $22.45.
Patty Peterson is an award-winning vocalist and Jazz 88, KBEM radio host. pattypeterson.com
