Mile High by Liz Tomforde
Published 2022 · 464 pages · 50,644 words · about 3 hours at an average pace · Romance
How hard is Mile High to read?
Mile High scores 28 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it relatively accessible. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.
- Vocabulary: 32 out of 100
- The vocabulary is contemporary and accessible, with occasional use of mild profanity. There are no archaic terms or specialized jargon that would challenge the average reader. The language is similar to that found in "Beach Read," focusing on clear communication rather than linguistic complexity.
- Sentence structure: 38 out of 100
- The sentences are generally straightforward and declarative, though some are longer and include dialogue. Paragraphs are manageable, and there are no instances of complex grammatical structures or nested clauses. The syntax is more complex than "1984" but less demanding than "The Great Gatsby."
- Abstraction: 30 out of 100
- The narrative focuses on concrete events and character interactions, with minimal philosophical or theoretical content. The story primarily deals with the developing relationship between the two main characters and their immediate desires. This is similar to "Atomic Habits," where concepts are grounded in concrete examples.
- Information density: 30 out of 100
- The text is plot-driven and focuses on the unfolding relationship between Owen and Taylor. There are few digressions or subplots to distract from the main narrative. The attention demands are similar to "The Housemaid," with a focus on plot progression and manageable reveals.
- Narrative indirection: 30 out of 100
- The narrative is relatively direct, with the characters' thoughts and feelings often explicitly stated. While there is some internal monologue, the reader is not required to infer significant meaning beyond what is presented. This is more direct than "The Great Gatsby," where Nick's bias shapes the narrative.
- Symbolic density: 20 out of 100
- The text contains minimal symbolism; the mile-high club is a literal plot point more than a symbolic one. The characters and events primarily function on a literal level, with little allegorical meaning. This is similar to "Diary of a Young Girl," which focuses on direct experience rather than symbolic representation.
- Ironic distance: 20 out of 100
- The narrative maintains a relatively sincere tone, with little ironic distance between the text and the author's intended meaning. The reader is meant to engage emotionally with the characters and their experiences. This is similar to "It Ends with Us," which prioritizes direct emotional engagement.
- Resolution withholding: 30 out of 100
- The story moves towards a clear resolution regarding the relationship between Owen and Taylor. While the future of their relationship remains somewhat open, the main conflict is resolved by the end of the excerpt. This is more conclusive than "Lolita," where the aftermath is known but the meaning remains open.
- Structural complexity: 30 out of 100
- The narrative follows a linear timeline with minimal structural experimentation. The story is told from a consistent third-person perspective, with no significant shifts in POV or timeline jumps. This is simpler than "The Great Gatsby," which uses Nick's retrospection to frame the narrative.
How Mile High is regarded
Mile High holds a literary regard score of 80 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.