Originally Posted by wompwomp

You might say that the difference between you and I is that you were a metaphor for the prodigy, while I was truly prodigious (just joking!)

I read 'Tale' in one go in 9th grade (age 15), but to be fair, Dickens is so obtuse in the first place that any analysis of his works (esp. 'Tale') has to be broken up into its' component parts. After all, anyone can just plow through a book; reading is about comprehension, imho.
Now 'Pride and Prejudice,' there's a snoozer!
If you're really into bikes and want some literature, though, try 'The Third Policeman' by a Joyce contemp., Flann O'Brien. He's huge into bikes.