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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 Great Wide Sea is not, in itself, a difficult book. The plot is straightforward and the characters are, for the most part, easy to understand.

But we're not gonna lie: the sailing jargon might put some readers off. We haven't seen this many nautical terms since Moby Dick.

Luckily, we've got the cure for the bow vs. stern vs. port vs. starboard-type seasickness you might have. If find yourself stumbling over the jargon, M. H. Herlong has a super helpful website that breaks it all down in simple terms. Thanks, M.H.!