I didn't major in English in college because I always figure that analysis can ruin any story. I'm good at it, but I hate doing it. Recently, a student at my high school had trouble finding information to support his thesis. His teacher said he could interview someone who'd read the book, so I read Of Mice and Men, then answered his questions. It *was* fun re-reading that work with his thesis in mind, because I thought of the work in a new way. But I assume that the process of analyzing literature isn't much fun for most people.

Dear Lois,
Hi from Shmoop.
I invite you to spend a bit more time on our website.
Shmoop is all about showing students how literature, history, and other topics can be fun, personally relevant, and current in today's world.
Each of our Learning Guides begins with a section called "Why Should I Care?", which helps grab students' interest and encourage further exploration. See our "Why Should I Care?" section for The Giver, for example: http://www.shmoop.com/the-giver/">http://www.shmoop.com/the-giver/" rel="nofollow">http://www.shmoop.com/the-giver/">http://www.shmoop.com/the-giver/
Throughout our Learning Guides, we stress that there is no "correct" interpretation. We help students see multiple perspectives and encourage them to form their own opinions.
Shmoop is written by a passionate group of experts and educators - master teachers and Ph.D. students from Stanford, Harvard, Berkeley, etc. I can assure you that we share your goal of inspiring - not discouraging - original thought and a love of learning.
I appreciate your feedback and welcome you to drop me a line at any time at brady (at) shmoop.com

Coincidentally, last week, my fifth grade daughter chose THE GIVER for her book report. Her proposal reads:
"The project I have chosen to complete is The Giver, by Lois Lowry. I'm doing quite well on the project and finished the book just a few days ago around Thursday or Friday. The book was very interesting with a wide variety of words and expressions. The Giver is a book that is hard to explain in words but very exciting to read. it keeps you on your toes wondering what Jonas is going to do and how the Giver's plan is going to work. I sat through the book wondering what was meant by release. When I came to that part of the story I was very surprised and felt sorry for Jonas because he was horrified at what his father's line of work was. i felt ever more sorry for Jonas when he said, "No one heard that little twin's cry! No one but my father!"
I very much liked the story and I'm hoping on reading it again."
Take that! Shmoop
Cheers!

"I wish shortcuts hadn't become a way of life."
Amen!
"which helps grab students' interest and encourage further exploration."
Oh, come on. Thinking FOR students rarely engages them or encourages them to think more. The site actually encourages kids to copy and paste with special links to make it easier!