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)

(6) Tree Line

There's going to be a little toughness in the fact that Thomas Paine wrote this book more than 200 years ago, but apart from that, you should be able to follow his general arguments. This pamphlet, remember, was something that illiterate soldiers were able to understand back in the day. So no excuses here—just be sure to focus and follow our handy-dandy notes. You'll be starting your own revolution in no time.