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
Jellicoe Road's a tough one, and not just because of its slightly intimidating size. On a first read, it can be difficult to see how all the pieces fit together—and even when you do, the answers are often subtly placed throughout the story rather than spelled right out for you. You have to really pay attention to the characters' actions, relationships, and behavior, how characters change throughout the story, and how the story of Hannah's manuscript eventually links up with Taylor's.
In fact, we recommend reading this one twice—once to watch the story unfold and a second time to see the way Marchetta builds the story toward its conclusion. Just like the fun of watching The Sixth Sense a second time, it's interesting to pick out the clues that foreshadow the book's conclusion.