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

The most challenging thing about this book is how many times you're going to be turning the page. But along the way, the prose is totally readable and mostly plot-driven. Yes, you're going to face some huge digressions where Hugo walks away from his plot for 10 to 15 chapters at a time. But stick with him and he'll always bring you back to the action.