I agree with Simon Barley that the Other lives obituaries lift our spirits (Letters, 24 June). So too does the monthly Young country diary. It’s so good to know there are such enthusiastic and observant naturalists – and excellent writers – in the generations to come.
Sue Sabbagh
Defford, Worcestershire
• In Dining across the divide (22 June), Julian, 57, finds himself moving “right” as he gets older and pays more taxes. There is no inevitability about this: I am 64 and the more taxes I pay, the more I’m aware of inequality, and move left.
Rupert Taylor
York
• “The 50 hottest books to read now”, ran the web headline on your summer reading roundup (21 June). Wouldn’t the 50 coolest books be more appropriate?
James Nye
East Cowes, Isle of Wight
• Having your nose in a book is not always a good idea, Adrian Chiles (25 June). In 2002 in a Barcelona station, my husband left me to look for the left-luggage. When he came back, he asked where his rucksack was. It was a very good book.
Helen Evans
Ruthin, Denbighshire
• The welfare bill was opposed by many voters: listening to MPs and making changes isn’t a major “U-turn” (Report, 26 June), it is democracy at work.
Linda Karlsen
Whitstable, Kent
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
