I really like what you say about binaries, and how we seem drawn to that way of thinking, and how it's worth struggling against it, because there's a lot we lose in thinking that way. I also appreciate what you say about not confusing "I didn't like it" with "It's not a great work of literature." I wish I could make people understand that! Do you end up being able to persuade students of that distinction? I hear kids say, "Yeah maybe... but I thought it sucked." Back to square one.

I did really like the book, but when you say excessive, long-winded, sentimental, I can understand your dislike of it.