would like to do a book cake for someone who does not like fondant. can't figure out how to do one with buttercream and have it look real. any advice?

I've made it out of regualr butter cream & it works fine, just use a papertowel to smooth it with.
or you could use rolled butter cream..

I did one it may be in my photos, like previous poster said smooth it. I found it was difficult and time consuming though. Good luck!!

were you able to get any overhang for the cover? thought about carving in a little bit where the pages would be. not sure if that would work

If you want overhang that would have to be carved for certain.

Roger :0)
carve the cake slightly in (where the pages would be) & this will give that overhang you are looking for :0)