Originally posted by Capo de La Cosa Nostra: Lav, while I agree people should read "classics", I don't think it should be forced on them. Education's outlook on Literature is abysmal...and makes it boring for those who aren't really interested, and too fussy for those who are.
Reading, I think, is the goal...I would find it much more rewarding a subject if the students were allowed to read whatever book they liked, in the hope of conjuring some real passion for the work, and from that try to broaden their minds
I agree 100%
Forcing school kids to read the "classics" is very much putting the cart before the horse.
Let them develop an interest in reading by reading what they choose.
Anyone developing such an interest will, on their own, move on to those classic works which appeal to them.
