Narrative writing against "Show don't tell"

Critics are a weird bunch. Narration or a narrative tale can add to the literature of the piece. Many of the greatest works of literature rely on a narrative where; just as many or more of the most readable books rely on the “Show, don't tell” principle.

For me narration works better but I enjoy the “great” book rather than the wonderful easily read tale. I do not think that the critics are wrong. How many here have read “Peter Camenzind” and how many have read “The Stand”. Critics are guides to what people may wish to read. For a few of us that may be an early Hermann Hesse Novel for the majority it will be Stephen King (love him too). If critics keep on recommending books that no one enjoys reading then they will not be a critic for long.

Few authors will keep a large readership happy with a narrative tale though it may be beautifully written. Still I love them "Peter Camenzind" too.