From personal experience burning reams of defective, classified forms, I can testify it is surprisingly difficult to burn tightly packed sheets of paper (as in a book). Probably one of the best aids to complete combustion is a high volume source of high velocity
airflow. A leaf blower works nicely -- as does the exhaust (blower) output from a big ShopVac.
Directed properly, the airstream/book combo produces a fire capable of heating steel to forging temperaures...
Trying to burn books without sufficient airflow produces nothing but a smoky mess and frustration.
OTOH, the bacon and bratwurst are nice (albeit inedible) touches...