Apocrypha or Non Cannonized Books - Anyone else find these interesting?

Some of the material I can see where it bearly missed the cut but some is really out in left field. Anyone else read these or do you find it is best to stay away from them?

I do have the ones the Roman Catholic Church uses incorporated in my bible. They're pretty interesting. Of course they're not the real deal, but they help a great lot in understanding Israel's culture and history.

I think they are an interesting read for the most part, but in no way should they be considered scripture or used to establish doctrine. I think a lot of extra-biblical books were not written when people claim they were, they seem to be products of a much more recent time.

Well, the Apocrypha is hardly contemporary literature, though some might hold it in contempt.

I've always enjoyed Bel and the Dragon.

For the OT, what did you consider "out in left field" about those books? As a Catholic myself, i find the books have plenty of value (Tobit, for example is a beautiful story that shows that God truly does care about us).

I like reading it but i dont hold it as Scripture.

The Maccabees are an interesting read as well.