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)
(3) Base Camp
Prejean wants this book to persuade everyone. That means you, and you, and you, over there, hiding behind the couch. Shmoop sees you.
Where were we? Oh, right. So, in order to persuade everyone, you need to be sure everyone understands what you're saying. Thus, Dead Man Walking is not too long, and it has straightforward, clear prose. If there are moral lessons, they are stated clearly and concisely; there's no beating about the bush. The topics are adult, and there are a fair number of people to keep straight, which lifts this off of Sea Level, but only just barely. You can do this.