I like reading big name authors and books on the best sellers' lists occasionally, I admit it: I enjoy reading popular fiction. I think it's given a bum rap sometimes for no other reason than we bookish people like to be different. If the masses are reading it, we want to read something else. And for a small few, they feel superior for saying they don't read that "garbage". There's a reason though some of those books are so popular. Simply put: because they are good.
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I don't look at them as garbage, but I do tend to avoid what everyone else is reading. When I do read it, I wait until the hype has died down.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I also see no problem in reading something because it's fun.
ReplyDeleteOK I will admit I get pissy about Patterson, but only because he hires people to write for him and I think that is a sell out. But hey, look at The Help! That was a bestseller...still is. And that was a wonderful book. I just think you have to be careful.
ReplyDeleteThough I don't read much popular fiction, I don't look down on those who do. I have gotten over that, and agree that if something is popular, there is a reason. Most of the reason I don't read that sort of literature is because I tend to have some weird tastes. Here's a little secret: A few years ago I spent a whole summer reading Danielle Steel novels. So who am I to criticize?
ReplyDeleteMy own mother handed me her Danielle Steele (I hope that didn't just wreck your memory of her, Wendy!) for years, so I have to admit I love Jennifer Weiner for a good mental break from thinking. :)
ReplyDeleteWe discussed this very issue with the Indie Lit Awards. Last year some of the books for literary fiction were not "literary" enough to make the cut. This year, we changed it to "Fiction" which opens up a whole other world (as far as I'm concerned).
ReplyDeleteBut, I've been known to read popular fiction. I read King all the time and Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are still faves of mine, as is Dean Koontz.
There's reading for understanding, and reading for the experience and if it's a good experience (entertaining, fun, etc) then I'm okay with it.
I look at my reading tastes like a well-balanced diet - variety is good - and that includes popular authors. :)
ReplyDeleteNothing against popular authors from me - I've loved many of Stephen King's books. I do dislike the entire 'thriller' genre, whether popular or not, but there are many other big name authors I still enjoy. I never really get the stigma - as long as people are reading something!
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with popular fiction. I have always enjoyed Stephen King and Tami Hoag, to name a few.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! I must agree and I love to read any type of book even the ones that are considered to be "popular fiction"!!
ReplyDeleteAgree! And I love Nora Roberts to death.
ReplyDeleteI read popular fiction...heck, I read whatever I want and never try to hide it...life is too short!! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteThe important thing is to be reading! I just finished a James Patterson and loved it. As a high school English teacher I always felt it was more important for the kids to actually enjoy what they were reading rather than hate a classic. We're all different. Read what you enjoy. Read! 'Nuff said!
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever read a Danielle Steele book, although I have read books along the same line. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your great comments. It's good to know I'm not alone. Sometimes it seems as if most of the book blogging community snubs their nose at popular fiction. I hate for anyone to feel embarrassed for liking a popular author's work!