The Editor, Sir:

I have to commend The Gleaner's Tuesday news story about Eugenia Douglas' love affair with books!

Ms Douglas, at 77 years old, outperformed her peers in the Jamaica Library Service's reading competition, walking away with their 60th anniversary prize in the 60-plus category

Her story was refreshing to read, in times when all that seems to make news is the negative stuff - the escalating crime rate, corruption at various levels, and a culture which is often seen as too saturated in lewdness!

Grandma Douglas' story I'm sure is not unique, but it is inspiring.

Books, like art and culture, are an outlet for expression; we learn to interpret and understand and celebrate great works. You really can't go wrong with knowledge.

Expand their scope

Young Jamaicans should be encouraged to develop the art of reading at an early age and this should not be solely confined to school textbooks. Reading will divert their attention, it will expand their scope and keep the mind healthy and active, as they gradually learn to understand and form their own opinions.

As Grandma Douglas says, the more you read, the more you can tell "sense ... from nonsense". I couldn't agree more.

If more Jamaicans read, without doubt, Jamaica would be a much better place ... and nonsense would surely not be tolerated nor condoned!

I am etc.,

P. Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com

Ontario, Canada