> Except if we're talking about Grisham/Crichton/Dan Brown etc "novels".

Whilst these authors may not be literary greats (though not sure why you lump Crichton in with Brown), isn't it important that people are reading something, even if it is The Davinci Code or The Firm? Even if these are throwaway novels, readers are improving their comprehension, spelling and vocabulary skills (especially if these books are in english and english is not your first language). That's surely better than lazing in front the the telly watching reality TV shows.