Crime Stories

Is it in bad taste to read crime novels?

So, I consider myself an avid reader...I enjoy letting my mind wrap its way around beatuiful prose, satire, insight, and philosophy. I hardly ever read non-fiction unless it's about a certain public figure I particularaly admire. Anyway, I also enjoy reading quick, easy reads...particularly certain crime novels. I used to read James Patterson when I was 14 or 15...but I've realized that his books, while entertaining, are pretty dumb page-turners at best. The prose is elementary school level, and the Alex Cross novels often remind me of a pumped-up, more violent version of the Goosebumps series. Anyway, I've started reading the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly...and I'm enjoying it a lot. Is it poor taste to mix in escapist fare like this with my more "intellectual" readings? I only ask because certain people I know give me dirty looks when I tell them I've become attached to certain crime novels...they look at these books as cheapening their sense of intellectual worth.

Public Comments

1. Some people are just book snobs! I enjoy reading the classics as well as the quick, fun, and easy reads. Tell the book snobs to back off!
2. I think you HAVE to mix a little escapism with your reality. It's not illegal to have fun, after all :-) I say read what you like!
3. Book snobs, eh? I guess nerds try to be mean to one another too.
4. I think some people read for entertainment (pure escapism) and others for self-development or the love of language (which could also be described as entertainment) I tend not to read dumb page-turners, but then again I watch TV and play computer games. The important thing is not to be a reverse-snob, one of those people who mock those of us who wish to read Shakespeare or the Classics.
5. sounds like you are reading an interesting mix of books which is great. Read what you like but change it up sometimes for variety is my advice.
6. Reading one type of book is never inherently good or bad. As long as you are getting something positive out of it -- such as enjoyment, entertainment, or enlightenment -- then it is good.
7. Good, really good.
8. Try reading "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote. It is a classic crime novel based on an actual case. That should impress those intellectual snobs if they see you reading In Cold Blood.