Tough-O-Meter

We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)

(7-8) Snow Line

It ain't easy being a wolf, and it ain't easy reading about one, either. Hesse's novel has enough philosophical meandering to lose you if you're not paying attention.

However, the big ideas about life, the universe, and everything, can really get you thinking (in a good way!), and the sheer trippiness of the plot is good motivation for getting your through the difficult bits.

Plus, it has a built in soundtrack—you can check out all the classical music mentioned by stuffy old Harry, give a listen to Pablo's favorite roaring 20's tunes, or just listen to the band Steppenwolf (yup—named after this novel).