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Samuel's avatar

I feel like I've been recommending the author Haruki Murakami to just about everyone in my life. I haven't read one of his novels that I didn't love! Fantastic storyteller.

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Lisa Hirst Carnes's avatar

He's a favorite of Chris's at ArcStone's too. I remember him saying that! I've never read any of Murakami's writing. Where would a newbie start?

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Samuel's avatar

Oh cool! I was put onto him earlier this year and have already read 5 of his. First one I read was "Norwegian Wood" (his most famous) and then I read "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage"--both great! Would be curious to know what Chris would recommend!

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Apryl's avatar

This may be my favorite Sparkle Wednesday yet! I love recommendations from passionate people. Here are some of mine:

Non-fiction - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fu*k by Mark Manson (It really isn’t about not giving a fu*k, but more about discerning what you give a fu*k about)

Fiction: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Restaurant: Tao Cafe in Minneapolis (my daughter’s recommendation- now, I’m obsessed)

Bookstore: Sweet Reads in Austin, MN

A Must experience: The Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence at Boom Island Park

Museum: Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, PA

Art Museum: Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, CA

Cheers to Adventures of every kind! 🥂

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Lisa Hirst Carnes's avatar

Thanks, Apryl! I love your recs!

Tao Foods is a couple of blocks from my house. We love it too! My favorite is the Doozie salad.

Cheers!

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Susan's avatar

I recommend a book I recently read called The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. In a nutshell it’s a beautiful book about friendship. Also, if you get to Saint Paul (and it’s worth the trip!) I recommend a little neighborhood restaurant called Estelle. It’s wonderful.

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