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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)

(2) Sea Level

In sports terms, this is the equivalent of the pitcher for a fourth grade softball team throwing a curve-ball to Barry Bonds. We don't want you think that's a bad thing, though—that kid has one heck of an arm. But still, if you keep your eye on the ball (er, page), you should have no trouble connecting with what you see before you.