A public service announcement

There now just over two shopping weeks to Christmas and it's time to dwell on the virtues of a good book as an Xmas gift.

Books cost under £10, so they're practically stocking fillers. And, while that box of chocolates will be a memory by the day after Boxing Day and the novelty underwear will look a lot less amusing as soon as we're all back to work, a book will still be around and appreciated (maybe even read) well into the New Year.

If you're able to give people a book by someone you know, they'll appreciate that as a more personal gift. Even better if you can get it signed.

This is a public service announcement. I wouldn't have any particular books in mind. No, of course I wouldn't.