There are a couple of big reasons why a book read in school may seem awful, even though they are good:

• Students are asked to read books that they aren't be interested in.
• Students are asked to read books in ways that they aren't interested in.

Teachers also don't have much choice in the books that they are expected to assign, even though they are expected to demonstrate enthusiasm for what is being read. They usually have a short list of titles from which they can choose, or are given criteria which the book must meet.


Asimov is a different story though. As others have noted, science fiction becomes dated quite quickly. Dependence upon technology and science can quickly become a distraction as our understanding of the world changes. Even the books that are focussed on social issues are discussing social issues of the day (e.g. wars come and go). Couple that with a readership that is forward looking, and you are left with a genre that has very little relevance outside of the time that it was written.


If you don't believe that, then read an Asimov book that you enjoy (though Verne is a better example). Count how often words like "quaint" pop into your mind while reading.