I've carried books backpacking before and found them to a be nothing but dead weight unless I needed tinder. Since I just ordered the gigapower torch attachment I probably will not be needing any tinder... An ipod weighs a lot less than a book and offers more entertainment options, but I've still not managed to take it although the earphones have appeared a couple of times in my first aid kit. Besides reading in my crazy creek chair or sitting on a log would destroy my back.I'll have to admit that since I quit smoking its a lot more boring being alone in camp.
Jim