The Book (n.) is linear only during the preliminary process of being read. Once read, the book becomes a focus of a community, and may come to mean, simultaneously, any number of things to any number of people.
The Book (n.) , when good may instruct, but bad ones are more likely to inspire.
The Book (n.) is not an object. it's a focus of verbal energy.
The Book (n.) is the most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented.
A Book (n.) is the world's most patient medium.