As someone who spends a lot of time diving into books, I've come to realize that 'I read it in a book' can be a tricky reference. On one hand, books are often well-researched and written by experts, making them reliable sources of information. However, not all books are created equal. Some might be outdated, biased, or even fictional, which means they can't always be taken at face value.
For example, a historical novel like 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a fantastic read, but it's not a substitute for actual history books. On the other hand, non-fiction works like 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari are backed by extensive research and can be quite reliable. The key is to consider the author's credentials, the publication date, and whether the book is peer-reviewed or widely accepted in its field. So, while books can be a great starting point, it's always good to cross-reference with other sources.