Agree, i would prefer if reading could add a little more to the gameplay, some collections could add knowledge bonuses and letters/books/diaries maybe could add modifiers to some dialogue roll checks (easier to convince somebody if we find a letter/diary explaning the background of her/his motive for example), maybe reading about monsters can add a small modifier when figthing against them
Yes, please dont close inventory after reading a book, maybe can we switch between the readable items?