Absolutley agree! In that context it is the same as learning to swim or riding a bike from a manual. You need to get in the water or on the bike!
What I do not think is right is when junior brethren are told by senior members not to read books or believe anything you read on the Web. I have brought this up in Lodge when told the same. There is is small snippet on this in my article I wrote "Freemasonry in General".

so i just had my interview and as far as i can tell it went well. one of the interviewers was a pastor from my church. when asked if i was convicted of any crime i said no. i dont believe i have been convicted of a crime because its all stuff that will be off my record. what do you guys think? i probably should have said something but i was unsure and for me it would have been very embarrassing.

my last offense was in the begining of last november dwi. im sure its on my record, but it will be gone in a year

Well trust and truth is a big thing about Freemasonry. Think on that.

Yeah ive certainly thought about it. i should have put it out there but i was unsure if i was actually convicted of a crime. and that was the question that was asked. not to mention nervous