Recent books, and top wines from SITT

Posted an article with notes on my top wines from the SITT tasting last week here. What do you think of the selection? It doesn't pretend to be comprehensive, but there are some really nice wines included.

As you probably know, I quite like to branch out from wine coverage and include other stuff on this blog - ranging from dodgy film reviews to naive sports commentary, with a bit of amateur philosophy thrown in for good measure. So here are my thoughts on a couple of recent reads.

I don't normally bother with books by politicians, but some time ago Fiona bought me Barack Obama's Dreams from my father, so I eventually (and rather reluctantly) read it. I'm so glad I did, because it's brilliant. Barack can write - really well - and the story he tells of his family backround and formative years is compelling, compassionate and insightful. He is an intensely smart dude who really seems to care.

Another book I wouldn't have chosen to read, but which was I enjoyed greatly is Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist. It's a creative, imaginative and gripping book that draws you in by the power of its narrative, and the distinctive writing style. Totally recommended.