The Millions : Against Readability - The Millions

I have been reminded of these Bud Light ads repeatedly since when perusing, of all things, book reviews, where "readable" has risen to become the preeminent adjective of praise. Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch: "brilliantly readable." Jonathan Franzen's Purity: "Superbly readable." The Girl on the Train, Room, The Martian, Gone Girl: "compulsively readable" (too many hyperlinks to include). A micro-history of cultural gatekeeping: once told by the censors what we may read, then by critics what we should, we are now told merely what we can read. What could it mean to say that a novel is able to be read? Composed of words that you can pass your eyes over one after another and comprehend? "Readable," like "drinkable," seems almost an insult: this book isn't good, but you'll be able to finish it.