Typically only the lowest form of nonfiction books are about conveying an idea. Ideas are a dime a dozen. Better books make an argument, which requires musterin

Typically only the lowest form of nonfiction books are about conveying an idea. Ideas are a dime a dozen. Better books make an argument, which requires mustering evidence, or they tell a story, which requires unfolding a narrative. You could summarize A Bridge Too Far in a couple sentences, but your would not thus recreate the experience of reading it.