A classic that spends decades being praised can share a shelf with another book that went viral on TikTok and became a bestseller. Despite the very different paths they take, both can find their places on readers’ shelves. So why do we keep saying that one type is more valuable than another?
What makes a “Good” book?
The idea of a “good” book can be influenced in many ways, from the type of writing and the story to critical recognition and cultural impact. However, these criteria can make readers feel that some books have more weight than others, raising questions about what really makes a book worthy of recognition and personal enjoyment, and what should be considered when judging a reading experience.
Today, social media plays a role in this as well. A recommendation from a popular creator can make thousands of people read a book, raising the question of how much the idea of a “good” book comes from our own experience and how much it is shaped by critics, the market, and other people’s opinions.
The Intellectual Reader Stereotype
There’s a common stereotype that readers of classic literature are more intellectual, cultured, or knowledgeable simply because they choose classics instead of what is currently popular.
On the other hand, people who prefer fantasy, romance, or young adult books can be seen as less serious readers, as if they only read for entertainment. This kind of treatment creates a hierarchy between different types of readers, where some choices are seen as more valuable than others.
This kind of perception can make reading feel like a way of showing that you know about books or have a certain social status, instead of simply enjoying the reading experience. Knowing certain authors or having read specific classics can become a way to appear more cultured, while popular or accessible books are sometimes dismissed before their actual content is considered.
Is popular literature less valuable?
Books have become more popular through social media, especially with BookTok, and this can sometimes make them seem less serious than traditional literature. However, this popularity does not mean that literature is being set aside or that these books do not have value. This raises the question of whether books need to be critically acclaimed or considered classic enough to be meaningful, and how people discuss literature in the media.
The rise of BookTok also gives readers more space to share their opinions, find new books, and make friends. All of this happens outside traditional literary circles. Instead of relying only on critics, bookstores, or literary communities, readers can now recommend books directly to one another and share their experiences online.
This has helped create communities around different genres and introduce people to books they probably would not have found otherwise. A recommendation can reach many readers in a short time, turning a personal reading experience into a huge and collective conversation.
Reading for knowledge, reading for pleasure
Not every single book you read needs to be educational or intellectually challenging. Some people read to learn, while others read as a hobby or to relax, simply to enjoy a good plot twist.
Reading can have many purposes, and enjoying a story won’t make a book less valuable. A romance can help someone with a broken heart, while a fantasy book can help someone who needs an escape, just as a classic can also bring many emotions.
The idea that every book needs to teach us something can take away from one of the simplest reasons people read: the pleasure of simply enjoying a story.
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The article above was edited by Elisa Nuñez. Liked this type of content?
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