I just read everything, the good, the bad and the really scary. Today I have certain criteria for what I read. Original thought is all well and good, but research is essential. If the potential book does have a Bibliography I check to see what it contains. It is possible, by checking the sources, to tell if the author is traveling down the same old tired road or has some degree of original thought.
Research is important.
Imaginary history seems to be a Pagan trait these days. Historical Allegory has its place. Take Robert Graves The White Goddess for example. It is made up history in the form of literature. It is an interesting book and full of great poetry and interpretation of history.