There are people who think it is fact because it is a book. A person I know suggested I read it to get "the real truth about Jesus and the Church". I haven't read it yet.
There have been plenty of people speaking out since it came out. This is nothing new.
You should. If you have a good grounding in the faith you won't be threatened. Then you can go back and say "I read it. Now if *YOU* want to know the Truth how about you read the REAL Story for me?"
but it's of course up to you. You are certainly justified in not reading such silliness.