Do you recommend reading it?
I absolutely recommend reading it. I had a really unique experience reading and learning the book. lil, have you taught the book ever? I first read it as a sophomore at Catholic school. We learned a lot about the biblical references. The Character Simon was taught to
be the Christ like figure. Sacrificed, pure for the rest of the group etc. A year later I was removed from Catholic school and sent to public school. The teacher of my Junior year lit class taught the book as well. I despised this teacher. He knew nothing about literature and admitted to me that he got in to teaching for the summers off and to coach basketball. He wouldn't hear me on any of my interpretations of the book. It was a terrible experience and was the first time I realized that there could be a big disparity between educators.