With a book in hand, you’re in good company

SIR, The recently published Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) confirms that Irish pre-teens are the best readers in Europe. Some credit for this brilliant performance must go to people like Tom McCaughren, former RTE Security Correspondent and award winning children’s author. For years, Tom has been a keen participant in the Writers in School scheme which encourages young people to read not only prescribed material but also to read for pleasure.

I appreciate that social media is now all pervasive, but it’s hard to beat the satisfaction of reading a captivating book. Between the covers of a book, readers of all ages are exposed to adventure, excitement, anticipation and knowledge. Regular reading stirs the imagination, arouses curiosity and inspires creativity. With a book in your hand you’re in good company.

Of course, information technology must be embraced and online communication is hugely beneficial to writers and communicators. Digital media and literature can happily co-exist but young people should always be encouraged to, as Tom so eloquently puts it, “open a book and find the same kind of magic that I found”.

Christmas is a time for exchanging gifts. Bookshops throughout the country have an eclectic supply of books to suit all tastes. What more appropriate present can a parent give to a child than an introduction to the sheer joy of reading with the gift of an age-appropriate book?

There is also an excellent public library service throughout the country where books to suit all tastes can be borrowed. One of my great pleasures is a regular visit to my local library. The sense of expectation from browsing through the book shelves for the next “un-put- downable read” is very special. Membership of the local library not only makes an ideal stocking filler but may also introduce the recipient to a lifelong love of reading.

Sincerely,

Billy Ryle,

Spa,

Tralee.