Americans are big on getting autographs. I don't know why. The same deal goes for novels. Get the author's signature, and it ups the value of your book. (I mean the paper version, not the digital e-book.) Collectors of modern first editions and just regular fans love to get their books inscribed. Every now and then while browsing in a used bookstore, I'll happen across a novel signed by someone of note. A college professor of mine said he found a signed copy of Tarantula by Bob Dylan. That was cool. Authors like to sign their books for the bookstores. Going to readings to buy and getting books signed can be fun. You get to chat with the author while s/he inks your book. So far, I've only signed my dad's copies of my novels ;-).