[j. d. worthington]

I think most heavy readers (not to mention the majority of writers) have such an experience. The more one is exposed to truly good (or great) literature, the less satisfactory the lower grades become -- at least, in many ways. However, there is also a third stage many people reach, where one can recognize the worth of each type within its own sphere, and enjoy and appreciate them for what they are.

This is not to say that you'll ever see them as being on the same level. The simple fact is that some writers, some books, are better than others: they offer more, on more levels, and the experience only becomes more fulfilling on repeated readings; whereas others may offer some of that, but on much shallower levels, and eventually simply become repetitive. But this does not mean the lesser types are unworthy of reading, or even studying to some degree. It does, however, mean that one's critical judgment has become more developed and refined, so that a book of the one type is just not as satisfying an experience as one of the other.

It's very much the analogy I use of candy floss (or, for me, a candied apple) versus steak: I can enjoy both, but a good, meaty meal is always going to provide more lasting nutrition than that of something lighter, fluffier, or intended for a sweet tooth rather than as a full meal....