It can religiously be described as a good read (5)
I believe the answer is:
bible
This clue could be a double definition.
'it can religiously be described' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'a good read' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'as' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bible that I've seen before include "Holy books" , "Holy Scripture" , "Authoritative book" , "Book regarded as the ultimate authority on its subject" , "Book of the Scriptures" .)