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)
(8) Snow Line
This book is just about as dense as books can get. And it's not like McCarthy gives you any chance to take a breather. Every sentence is packed so full with symbolism that it can be hard to keep up.
On top of that, the world of this book sometimes feels like a dream world with characters appearing and disappearing out of nowhere and towns having streets and buildings that make no sense. There's a real funhouse quality to all of it, and we honestly don't blame you for feeling daunted. That said, if you take a moment to focus on any one of McCarthy's sentences, we're confident you'll see just how incredible and beautiful his writing really is.