Putting Your Best Book Forward

The novels people choose to read in public might differ from what they decide to indulge themselves with in private, at least according to The Guardian, reporting on a survey done for the Costa Book Awards.

85% of those surveyed admitted to having an author they turn to for sheer gratification, but whom they might not admit to reading in pubic.

The survey contends that while something appropriately literary might be placed proudly on the desk at work, say, or read on the bus or subway, readers are likely to enjoy the “literary guilty pleasure” of a novel by Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, John Grisham, Dan Brown, Danielle Steel, Catherine Cookson or Terry Pratchett, pretty much in that order.

While we won’t dispute the survey results, we would encourage readers to stand and be proud. Reading is good, no matter whose face is on the back cover.

The Guardian piece is here.