I read this one for my Literary Book Club. I was surprised by it. Often titles can turn off the reader. I know Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" has been on my to-read shelf for years. I live in the land of long winters! I'm not sure I want to read a novel about one. When I saw the title "Hard Times," I wondered if I would have a hard time reading it or if it would describe too difficult a situation. No doubt the circumstances in the book were not easy for the characters. But, I found this to be a very intriguing book with well-developed characters and a smooth-flowing writing style. There are even a few witty moments. I wouldn't rate this as one of Dickens best, but I certainly think it's worth reading.