[hueving]

That's a pretty pathetic litmus test. I would rather engage someone who has read individual research papers, blogs from researchers, etc than books.

Nearly all of the best programmers I have met have never read a book on the languages in which they are experts.

Books are not conducive to learning about a whole field, they are just a way for authors to lecture you on their world view.

[BuckRogers]

I agree, it is a pathetic litmus test. It still sounds like a very high bar for the majority of people though, right. Good luck finding people who have even read one book on a subject they're so angry about they'd punch you over it. It really demonstrates interest, not expertise, and potentially not even a well rounded opinion as you stated.