I too, like many others, had to read A Tale of Two Cities as a required reading. I have to admit that Cliffs notes got me through Book the First and Book the Second because the book is sooo slow in the beginning/middle. However, the story-line does get better in Book the Third. I would not go as far to say that this was a brilliant piece of work, as some other have. However, it was not the worst book either. For those of you who are required to read it, hang in there, because it does get a little better and easier to understand. Good Luck!