Reading the FAQ mentioned 'fiction' books and I figured that a good way of including them might be to provide an inspiration/frenzy. There are multiple forms of inspiration in the game which provide a benefit such as increased shooting accuracy or better trade deals. perhaps books or comics about action, adventure, drama etc all provide an inspiration or boost to a specific skill as well as aslight mood benefit.

Some examples;
Art Catalogue/Guide; provides inspiration for producing art/items, allowing you to create one piece of art 2 levels higher than usual. Great for guaranteeing a solid piece of art for sale or construction.

Combat Manual/Comic; Shoot Frenzy

Taming Magazine/Taming Made Easy; short magazine which guarantees the inspired taming (automatic tame 1 time, allows for a way to save a charge for a rare animal)

Social Magazine; Inspired Recruitment to get that prisoner to your side you desperately need

Doctor's Digest; Inspired Surgery to make it a bit easier to succeed in surgeries

Trading/Business magazine; Inspired trade so you get fantastic deals compared to before

Fitness Magazine; Go frenzy

Self-Help magazine; Work frenzy

TL'DR; cheaper single-use books which provide you an inspiration or frenzy rather than waiting for a pop to get one at random, allowing you to save an inspiration/frenzy charge for when you need it.

lemme know what y'all think.