[tsally]

I don't like the term "real literature" either. I'm using it colloquially to mean works that have some combination of the following:

* Taught by mainstream college professors

* Well received by mainstream literary critics

* Winner of a notable, mainstream literary award

* Will be found on the desk of a character in several movies to indicate the character is of above average intelligence

[MrRage]

> Will be found on the desk of a character in several movies to indicate the character is of above average intelligence

I guess that's why I'm hesitant to use term like "real literature". I'm very picky about what I read, that is I tend to stick to books like those you described. On the other hand I don't like to appear that I read those books just so I can name drop or look smart when someone sees my bookshelf.