RM> to read for English class. I thought that was great, to finally get a
 RM> book that was interesting..  And then the teacher tore it apart later
 RM> equating the main character to Christ and pretty much ruined it for
 RM> me (even though there was probably some truth to the author's intent).

I always hated when teachers did that - especially to a good book.

I had a teacher do that in college.  She wanted to tell her what the "meanings"
were in the book.  "What did the author think about...?"  Heck, I don't know and
you can't infer that from some writing.

I explained that I read for 2 reasons:
1. To learn
2. For pleasure

When I read to learn, I get a book that explains it.  Not a book that hides the
meanings of things under other words.  When I read for pleasure, I don't look
for meanings under the words.

... Classic: A book which people praise but don't read. - Mark Twain

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