The discussion of fiction books! Please tag spoilers and follow instance rules.
So this is why I had such a hard time explaining why I was carrying a towel to class...
In sixth or seventh grade I sat in the back of English class, and I did not pay any attention whatsoever. There were a bunch of random books along the wall, and out of sheer boredom I started reading one. I eventually finished the whole book just by reading it during that class.
Right before report cards were about to be sent out my teacher asked me to stay after class. She told me I'm not paying attention, barely passing tests, etc etc.
Then she says, "I should be failing you, but seeing how you spent your time here reading Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy it just doesn't seem right to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now pay better attention in my class the rest of the year, ok?".
even though
Because.
Don't have to teach them lies if you just don't teach them.
I was assigned a major book report in high school to explore characters and plots, and we were told we could pick any novel to use. As an avid sci-fi reader I of course picked one of my favorites. I got a low grade on it, not because I didn't do a good job on the assignment, but because the teacher "didn't think it was a proper book to use." I.e., sci-fi wasn't proper reading material. Coming from a teacher who absolutely loved Jane Eyre and all the symbolism. Blech.
Your experience really makes me wish I was back in school. I'd love to see teacher's reaction to the character and plot analysis of Peter Watts Rifters series or Blindsight🫠
I think even the plot summary of Killing Star would make them doubt in their, my and the author's sanity—"The book starts with near-total annihilation of the human species and Earth's biosphere by the highly energetic event of multiple relativistic kill vehicles impacting the planet at 0.92 C. And then it gets worse".
Can't fight the system if you don't even know the meaning of the work pained smile
Broadly, there are two different ways in which a person so inclined can set about projecting the image of an aficionado of great literature.
One is to read, understand and be able to discuss great literary works.
The other is to sneer at supposedly lesser works.
Obviously, the latter is much easier. In fact, it doesn't actually require reading at all.