The discussion centers around the cultural significance of book covers, particularly in Japan, where traditional practices involved making covers from rice paper, sometimes even seasoned with salt for durability. Participants express confusion over the original question about the importance of book covers, leading to humorous exchanges about the idea of tasting books and the absurdity of edible covers. The conversation touches on preferences for different types of book covers, with some favoring back covers for their informative content. There are playful remarks about the high cost of textbooks and the idea of making them edible as a value-added feature, alongside anecdotes about friends who have quirky habits related to books, such as smelling them. Overall, the thread combines cultural insights with light-hearted banter about the unconventional notion of book consumption.
But I guess we already knew that. 
