Books are easier to gift wrap than footballs. Books don't bite, scratch or kick. Books don't need watering or fertilizing. Books don't irritate your allergies. Books don't go out of style.
Books look good with any decor.
Books don't get aphids or draw ants. Books don't bark, annoy the neighbors, or need to be walked. Books don't shrink, stretch or fade. Books don't need extension cords. Books won't scratch the coffee table.