In the halls of academia, one would assume that teachers, who have devoted their lives to knowledge and learning, have read every single book that has ever graced the shelves of a library. Surprisingly, even some of the most well-read educators have their fair share of literary skeletons in the closet. Take a deep breath and prepare for the unexpected as we unveil the books that several teachers bravely admit to never having read.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:

Believe it or not, this American classic set in the Deep South has been left unread by several educators. Despite being a perennial high school reading assignment, some teachers admitted to never having delved into the story of Scout Finch and her father, Atticus. It seems that for these busy academics, “To Kill a Mockingbird” turned into more of a “to-do” than a “must-read.”

Moby Dick by Herman Melville:

Captain Ahab’s quest for revenge against the great white whale has captivated readers for generations. Unfortunately, it hasn’t captured the attention of all teachers. Often considered dense and tedious yet an American masterpiece, Herman Melville’s 1851 novel remains an enigma to some educators who have never managed to find time for this literary behemoth.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:

One might imagine that every English teacher savors sipping tea while pouring over Jane Austen’s timeless classic. However, this elegant work of literature remains on many bookshelves – unopened and unexplored. Perhaps some find it difficult to admit they have never ventured into the elegant society Austen so brilliantly portrays, but the truth is out now.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:

Holden Caulfield’s coming-of-age story is emblematic of teenage angst. Yet, despite its dark and sometimes troubled themes, the novel is widely taught in high schools across the United States. However, a few confessions from teachers revealed that they had never engaged with this iconic narrative and remained blind to Caulfield’s perspective on the world and society.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens:

For some, memories of reading this Victorian work induce visions of evenings spent huddled beside a warm fire. For others, those evenings were swallowed by the overwhelming task of grading hundreds of student papers. As an essential tale in the British literary canon, it is surprising to discover that several teachers hesitated to share their unfulfilled expectations of having read this beloved novel.

Confronting the truth can be a freeing experience, and these educators have shown immense courage in admitting the works they have yet to read. After all, no one can know everything – even teachers. Instead, let this serve as a reminder that all readers have gaps in their literary journey, offering a starting point for further exploration. After all, there’s always time to turn over a new page and absorb the wonders these stories have to offer.