Sir: Quality books play an important role in our lives. They are our friends in the real sense. They demand nothing from us. Furthermore, they give us plenty of joy. We also learn a lot from them. They take us into a different world of the imagination. They inspire our intellectual tastes and broaden our outlook. They console us when we are depressed. Moreover, they inspire us to work hard with hope and courage. Actually, they remove our ignorance and add to our knowledge. Books enrich our experiences and sharpen our intellect. However, we suffer a lot because of bad books. They develop bad habits among readers and mislead them. Bad books spoil our interest in reading good and serious books. We must avoid reading trashy books because they waste our time and energies. We must select books carefully and read those that promote tolerance and empathy. Thus, a good book is our true friend. Good books enrich the mind by providing knowledge. They also widen the horizons of our imagination and give us an insight into different minds. If a man is known by the company he keeps, why should we not then keep the best company, that of good books? Books are like genuine friends that will never fail us. Friends are plenty when the purse is full, but fair-weather friends depart during times of adversity. A mind that is not lit with knowledge is a dark cell and a home that does not have books is an unhealthy place to live in. SAGHEER AHMAD Turbat