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)
(4) Base Camp
A novel composed of poetry might sound easy, and it probably will take you less time to get through Out of the Dust than non-poetic books, but its economy of language demands that you give the story your full attention as it unfolds. Remember, Hesse is combining two genres here—free-verse poems and a first-person narrative in the form of a diary—which means that you'll have to read between the lines to get at Billie Jo's true emotional response or motivations.
Since it's a pretty quick read, we actually recommend reading it twice, once to absorb the story and a second time to explore how Hesse uses language to develop the story. You can thank us when you're finished.