The question reminds of a quote from the book A Game of Thrones by GRR Martin.
This is by Tyrion Lannister to Jon Snow :
My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind...And a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.
Books are the only way that you can transport yourself across borders to an imaginary world that allows you to forget yourself and your troubles for a few hours.