British multi-instrumentalist John Parish is probably best known for his work as a producer with PJ Harvey, the Eels, Tracy Chapman, Sparklehorse, 16 Horsepower and Giant Sand. This summer, he is on tour promoting "A Woman a Man Walked By," the second project by PJ Harvey & John Parish, who will perform Saturday at the Minnesota Zoo. He's bringing a little reading matter with him -- "Sunnyside," a new novel by Glen David Gold.

"It's historical fiction, taking in the first world war, Charlie Chaplin, the birth of the Hollywood studio system, Bolshevism, dogs. It's massive in its wealth of information, but Gold never lets that get in the way of the gripping and interweaving story lines starring unforgettable real and imagined characters. It made me laugh out loud, and it made me cry real tears."