Attributing actions to inanimate objects, like books, is a common literary device known as personification. While a book cannot physically perform actions in the same way a person can, conceptualizing books as active participants enhances engagement and understanding. For example, a book might “reveal” secrets, “transport” a reader to another time or place, or “challenge” assumptions.
This figurative language creates a richer reading experience. By ascribing action to a book, readers can more easily grasp its impact and connect with its content on a deeper level. This literary technique has a long history, used by writers and orators to bring inanimate subjects to life and make complex ideas more accessible. It adds depth and nuance, enhancing the overall impact of the text.