Some people say that books, newspapers – they are all ultimately destined for the giant shredder in the sky. Others reckon that there is something long-lasting, tangible and psychologically pleasing about a good novel or an evening paper. Me? I am afraid I am too busy getting uncomfortable on the fence...

I went to a book reading last night at a central London branch of Waterstone's ( Estrella Damn by Matthew Loukes , since you ask, I can highly recommend it). Hanging about in a book shop after hours was rather fun, and simply surveying the books on offer in what is a relatively compact store was...