Check value from another table and based on the value save in current

I want to check what value has column in another table and based on that value to save in current table. Here is the controller so you can get what I mean

$preference = Preferences::pluck('preferences_is_active');

    $book = new book;
    $book->book_description = Input::get('description');
    $book->book_title = Input::get('title');
    $book->user_id = Auth::user()->id;

    if($preference !== 0) {
        $book->book_published = 0;  
        $book->save();
    }
return Redirect::to('/users/books');

So I want user to be able to save new books' information in his profile. But also want to check column preferences_is_active in table preferences and do the conditions.

The problem is that no matter what value has preferences_is_active it's always saves 0 in books table. What I miss here?

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