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
It's a thin book, right? So why such a high rating?
For one thing, Gardner likes to mess around with our expectations. You probably got that from the concept of the book alone: Gardner makes the traditional "overcoming the monster" plot line about a monster with identity problems overcoming the "heroes."
But this book is also extremely internal and experimental. We spend a lot of time in Grendel's freakishly philosophical and sharp-as-a-blade head—and that puts a lot of pressure on us as readers. Knowing the story of Beowulf probably helps here, so that you can more easily concentrate on the complicated thoughts going on all over the place.