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) Snow Line

This book ain't exactly easy. Not that we're surprised.

We wonder if Marx truly wanted it to be read by workers during their copious free time (not), since he name-drops obscure historical figures and strays into foreign languages without providing translation (today's editors of the book are more helpful). But then again, it's not like he was exactly writing for the working class…

Still, the book isn't impossible, by any means. First off, we're here. Second off, even if you start to fall asleep at points, it'll be okay, because Karl repeats himself like a bajillion times. Yeah: if you find yourself wondering if he's a) repeating himself, or b) over-complicating obvious things—don't worry, you're completely correct.