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)

(5) Tree Line

We're not going to lie: This one is a little rocky at first. For one thing, we have two stories going on at once. The story goes back and forth between our favorite gangster, Shorty, and the boldest Haitian slave leader Toussaint, which can be tricky to follow at first. Plus, Shorty likes to switch timeframes on us, too, randomly hopping into flashbacks. Once you get used to it, though, it's straightforward enough to follow.

Then there's the issue of language. It's part Creole, part French, and a lot of English when it comes to Shorty and Toussaint and their thoughts. Most of the time, we're on the same page, but every now and again we're left scratching our heads, wondering what's been said. Luckily, Shorty acts as our translator most of the time, which helps us understand what he's been through that much more.