Have always wondered about the literature selection for high school students.  Having had to wade through Silas Marner - actually will confess was enough a nerd that I generally enjoyed high school English. 

For the rest of the teenage world, however, required readings don't seem to hold their interest or relate to their experience of the world of that point.   My kids required great prodding to get through and complete papers(although Kelly did develop an interest in Dostoysky).  I can imagine their reactions if they had to read Pillars of the Earth over the summer(Mom, this is summer - I shouldn't have to think!).  The sheer volume would have been daunting.  Chances are half of the students in the class would have checked out a synopsis on the web and BS'd their way through the paper(technique verified by my friend's son Graham).

Cleburne actually got off easy - Graham's schools English department required reading included Brokeback Mountain.