Why a book makes the best gift this Christmas

THAT was a lovely letter by Billy Ryle on how the wonderful Groucho Marx loved reading books (‘Groucho knew the gift of reading would last long beyond Christmas’, Letters, December 3).

Billy also quotes children’s author Tom McCaughren on the joy of reading a book – “discover the magic between its

covers”. Tom discovered – as a child – his Narnia in a cupboard full of books. A treasure trove of adventure stories, ‘Treasure Island’, ‘The Wind in the Willows’, etc, which awakened in him a lifelong love of reading.

Some wise advice from Tom for this time of year: “A gift of a carefully chosen book can have a far more lasting effect than the latest overpriced gadget.” Brian McDevitt

Glenties, Co Donegal