The book you like most discussion

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Do you judge people who read fluffy pulpy thrillers (think Frieda McFadden etc) be honest!

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message 1: by Ronak (new)

Ronak AhmadyAhangar (ronakeatsbooks) | 6 comments I own a small bookstore and in the past decade I've forced myself to read almost every single best seller, and I've found out a lot of them are actually... good? Who would have thought lmao


Kitty’sCuriousReads | 87 comments I say to each is own, however, they may not have broadened their scope to find more sophisticated authors( i.e. Blake Crouch, Gillian Flynn, B.A.Paris, Dean Knootz - one of my favs) or…
they just prefer fluffy reads🙀


message 3: by Anita (new)

Anita Kyne | 28 comments Never. I am always happy to learn people are reading SOMETHING because so many people have lost the art of reading for pleasure.


Kitty’sCuriousReads | 87 comments True, true!!


message 5: by Paul (new)

Paul Weiss I've never read one of hers but I think I'm about to change that, LOL! I just searched for her books on GR and I checked out her first novel THE HOUSEMAID. Holy crap, 2.7 million ratings, 226,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.3 stars. Man, you know what they say about shit and 2.7 million flies? They sure can't ALL be wrong, LOL!

I was out for my morning walk and saw a copy of a Frieda McFadden novel in one of the free little library boxes that I passed. I left it because I had a long way left in the walk but I think I'll go back an snap it up just to check it out.


message 6: by Shannon (new)

Shannon K G (shannonkg) | 12 comments I never judge people based on their reading choices.


message 7: by Aved (new)

Aved | 8 comments Absolutely not! Any book read, is a win :)


message 8: by Adh (new)

Adh | 3 comments Nah, sometimes those thrillers turn out pretty fun reads. Not every read needs to be deep and insightful, in my opinion. Sometimes it's just an escape.


message 9: by Sarah (new)

Sarah B | 236 comments No. I never even thought of judging people by what they read. I read such a wide range of book types - so I probably presume that others jump around with their reading too.. although some people do have a more narrow focus. And sometimes thrillers can be fun. But then a badly written thriller will put you to sleep!

That is an odd idea ... To judge someone because they read thrillers.

Actually I am reading a thriller right now, set on a Blackfeet reservation. A girl was murdered. The book is trying to bring attention to the fact that many Native American women go missing. Looking for Smoke Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell K.A. Cobell


I know my cousin likes to read thrillers too.


message 10: by Grace =^_^= (new)

Grace  =^_^= | 11 comments I’ve read one of McFadden’s books and while I thought it was silly and implausible at times, it was a fast and easy read. “Fluffy” books can be quite entertaining.


message 11: by Tisha (new)

Tisha | 13 comments I've read so many of her books and even though those are not in my best thrillers list but i dont judge the people who love her coz her books are definitely a very fast read always. Helped me get out of my reading slump so many times


message 12: by Tiara (new)

Tiara McGee | 2 comments I never judge what brings another person joy ♥️


message 13: by Dr. Nic Reads (new)

Dr. Nic Reads (drnic08) | 4 comments No, because I am one of the people who have read several of Frieda McFadden's books 😁 Besides, I wouldn't anyway. I don't judge anyone by their book choices. People like what they like.


message 14: by Breanna (new)

Breanna Ingersoll (bingbing87) | 21 comments I don't judge people in general for what they read. I'm just excited to meet people who read 😂 We just might not have as much in common, but thats ok!


message 15: by Oscar (new)

Oscar | 6 comments Not at all


Liz~In~Colorado  (usershow187510908-liz-incolorado) | 30 comments I'm so happy to see the majority of replies are no judgment... that's why there are so many genres 👍

And I'm also happy to see that most ppl are, like me, just happy that ppl are reading! Especially younger generation, its always nice to hear that they put phones down and pick up a book 😊❤️


message 17: by East of Reality (new)

East of Reality (tamberleigh) | 15 comments Nope. I honestly don't care what other people are reading -- unless they're reading a book I like, then I want to bug them about whether or not they like it, what part they're at, what do they think about this part, that part, etc ...


message 18: by DeAnn (new)

DeAnn (dkaduce) | 5 comments Since I read predominantly romance novels, why would I throw a stone at a house that has to come up with a thrilling twist at the end to even be classed as a thriller? I try to only read smart romance novels, but my interests are looked down at too, because there's so much smut in them.


message 19: by Ronak (new)

Ronak AhmadyAhangar (ronakeatsbooks) | 6 comments Everyone is so nice! I feel like I'm among old friends 😭 thank you thank you thank you


message 20: by Megan (new)

Megan (megmez) | 38 comments Nah - we all need a bit of a literary palate cleanser don't we? I might judge a bit if someone makes out that something frothy is the best book they ever read in their whole life. Might. A little bit.


message 21: by Madly Jane (new)

Madly Jane (madlyjane) | 15 comments No. I never judge a person for what they read. I read everything and I mean everything. Why should I judge anyone who reads a book.


message 22: by WILMA (new)

WILMA BROWN | 15 comments I personally love to read thrillers and mysteries. I admire people who love to read, no matter what kind of books.


Liz~In~Colorado  (usershow187510908-liz-incolorado) | 30 comments Anshuman wrote: "I really love the way everyone here put it — reading itself is the win! 🙌 Whether it’s a “serious” classic, a twisty thriller, or even a lighthearted romance, every book brings something different...."

👍👍❤️ soooo true!!


message 24: by Susan (new)

Susan Christ | 31 comments Everyone has their own yucks and yums and I don't judge. I love her books, she is what got me started on reading thrillers. I do read other authors but sometimes after reading something heavy or complex, I will read a Freida book. I've read the majority of her catalog and just have a few left to go.


message 25: by Karen (new)

Karen Dixon | 26 comments I would never judge what a person reads. My mother told me when I was young that she didn't care what we read as long as we read. Her idea was if we learned to love to read then we would progress to new ideas and keep our brains active. I am now in my 60's and have always loved reading. All my kids read and enjoy it. They tend to read a variety of genres which makes for interesting conversations.


message 26: by Sue (new)

Sue Miz  (suereads2030) | 24 comments I would never judge a person for what they read. Every genre and subgenre has its own fans.
I will however, not take recommendations from anyone who thinks Frieda McFadden is a great thriller author :))


message 27: by Kristine (new)

Kristine  | 37 comments No, I Read some Heavy Books and then need some Lighter, and Just Fast Paced Fluff. Whatever, anyone enjoys is fine with me. We all read for different reasons. That we are reading is what is important. Love Goodreads, that people are open to all different books and ideas. 💡


message 28: by Debbie (last edited Sep 29, 2025 04:20PM) (new)

Debbie Roth | 17 comments I judge people who don’t read Freida’s books, and I never read one I’d refer to as “fluffy,” but “different strokes for different folks!”


message 29: by Erika (new)

Erika (erikavm99) | 8 comments Freida isn't that bad haha


message 30: by Rebecca (new)

Rebecca Cecil | 283 comments I actually have read a few of hers and enjoyed then very much.
Not sure why you call it fluffy.

I like B.A.Paris
Iris Johansen
Brenda Novak's mysteries
Joy Fielding
Sandra Brown
Jana DeLeon
T.J. Newman


message 31: by Rebecca (new)

Rebecca Cecil | 283 comments I never judge anyone by who or what the read. We are all different. I like mystery/ Thrillers,cozy mysteries, Amish books, Suspense, Some romance books if they have a little mystery,
I think all people are different and we all like different kinds if books and that is what makes reading fun.


message 32: by ❀ Tia ❀ (new)

❀ Tia ❀ (tiajoanne) | 8 comments I love how kind and non-judgemental everyone here is! 💖 I've never read any of Frieda McFadden's books but I have several on my tbr list which I will eventually get to. I read a mix of all genres including thrillers, however some of the books I read are often looked down upon too (predominantly the "easy reading romance" containing smutty scenes, and the darker romance books). But a book is a book in my opinion, and reading should be celebrated!

As others have said, I don't judge anybody based on what they're reading. The fact that they are reading something is enough to impress me!


message 33: by Anshuman (new)

Anshuman Mishra | 8 comments I really love the positivity in this discussion! 🙌
Reading itself is such a beautiful habit — it doesn’t matter whether it’s a deep classic, a fast-paced thriller, or a light romance. Every book brings its own magic, emotion, and imagination. ❤️

As an author, I truly believe that if a story connects with even one reader, it has already done its job beautifully. Let’s just keep celebrating the joy of reading — in every form! 📚✨


message 34: by Pisces51 (last edited Oct 09, 2025 04:01AM) (new)

Pisces51 | 14 comments This is an interesting question. For the record I do not mock anyone for the reading choices that are made. I have a Frieda McFadden book on my tablet (unread). I was an eclectic reader four years ago but read Sandra Brown ("Envy" still a favorite novel of mine), J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) Eve Dallas series in the remote past. More recently but not lately (2018) would praise "A Dark Lure" by Loreth Anne White as an unforgettable "romance" novel. But the question I would have to THIS inquiry is how many readers "put down" or are otherwise negative and critical of the fans of "Splatterpunk/Extreme Horror"??? In the last couple if years my focus has narrowed to the dark side. What say you?


message 35: by Karen (new)

Karen Dixon | 26 comments Pisces51 wrote: "This is an interesting question. For the record I do not mock anyone for the reading choices that are made. I have a Frieda McFadden book on my tablet (unread). I was an eclectic reader four years ..."

I would say I have read some dark stuff but I always like to break it up with lighter things just to give my emotions a different direction.


message 36: by Edward (new)

Edward Amato | 6 comments I would like to think I don't but..... Basically a smarmy book is like sweet wines and cheap beer; if it is making someone happy it is doing it's job.


message 37: by sarah (new)

sarah | 300 comments What is my cup of tea may not be yours as you may flavor it differently than me BUT it’s all tea so drink up or in this case READ ON and enjoy.


Knittinghiker (Loring) (knittinghiker) | 2 comments I learned years ago that the types of books a person reads is no indication of their intellect, education level, or much of anything about them. Realizing that made reading and readers even more interesting to me. I feel a common bond with any reader.


message 39: by R. (new)

R. Walraven | 7 comments I'm not into thrillers much, but there are a lot of thriller books out there for those who love it.


message 40: by Renee (new)

Renee | 10 comments Not at all. I just love to see people reading. literally anything.


message 41: by Madly Jane (new)

Madly Jane (madlyjane) | 15 comments No. If you look at my currently reading list, which is mostly for next year, I have all kinds of books on my list, from Camus, to Pynchon's new books and I am about to add a historical romance. I don't know who this author is, but I never judge people on what they read. I read for all sorts of reason. I am about to read Howl's Moving Castle!!!


message 42: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 | 14 comments There are many charming members in this club I would say. Thank those who responded but it did not appear to me that my question was written in a manner that was clearly understood. Splatterpunk/ Extreme Horror is a sub-genre of Horror. Horror is Stephen King. I know people personally (professionals in law, medicine, etc) that have been criticized to their faces when they share their reading preferences. I am not bitter or even shocked by this personally. But it puzzles me why a reader of mainsteam novels would be disingenuous instead of not posting at all. There is a caveat that clearly some members did not understand me such as R. who equated a Thriller to "Extreme Horror"!


message 43: by Muhammad (new)

Muhammad Ali | 29 comments Ronak wrote: "I own a small bookstore and in the past decade I've forced myself to read almost every single best seller, and I've found out a lot of them are actually... good? Who would have thought lmao"

Ronak wrote: "I own a small bookstore and in the past decade I've forced myself to read almost every single best seller, and I've found out a lot of them are actually... good? Who would have thought lmao"


message 44: by Muhammad (new)

Muhammad Ali | 29 comments “This book is full of wisdom.”


message 45: by Wyetha (new)

Wyetha (wyesreads) | 233 comments Rebecca wrote: "I never judge anyone by who or what the read. We are all different. I like mystery/ Thrillers,cozy mysteries, Amish books, Suspense, Some romance books if they have a little mystery,
I think all p..."


Agreed.


message 46: by Wyetha (new)

Wyetha (wyesreads) | 233 comments sarah wrote: "What is my cup of tea may not be yours as you may flavor it differently than me BUT it’s all tea so drink up or in this case READ ON and enjoy."

Great analogy.


message 47: by Aletheia (new)

Aletheia (aletheia_) | 2 comments I do, but I judge people based on anything, not just their reading choices. And I know I'm judged in return. That's not a bad thing in itself, and I know I'm the odd one, not them.
My friends know that I read a lot and also that it is never on the "best seller" section, yet they still ask me for recommendations when they need a more meaningful read and I know them well so I skip all the depressing Northern European insightful writers I love.
And still, I like to read pulp science fiction or horror novels once in a while just for fun, especially by the pool or at the beach!


message 48: by Muhammad (new)

Muhammad Ali | 29 comments “Exactly! Everyone enjoys books in their own way — that’s what makes reading so special 📚☕”


message 49: by Muhammad (new)

Muhammad Ali | 29 comments “That’s great! I’d love to connect and see what you’re reading too 📚😊


message 50: by Kara (new)

Kara | 6 comments I don't judge people on what they read at all because I read all kinds of different books. What's not for me will be for someone else and vice versa and there's no reason to judge that IMO!


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