dictionary, which one?

It's a love story and a pro-feminist novel. Which doesn't seem possible. I don't mind being a strong and independent woman, but it can be taken way too far. "Jane Eyre" is really stirring up some irritation. I don't feel bad for Jane, am I supposed to? Her character just really annoys me. It started right away with her "woe is me" attitude and I thought she became somewhat likeable with her drive to be something and make her life worthwhile, but she flushed all of my hopes for liking her down the toilet once she moved into her new home with Mr. Rochester. She is just too independent and self-reliant, it's like an obsession and she will do anything (even if it's harmful to herself) to remain that way.
If you haven't read this story here it is in a nutshell (don't worry, I won't give the ending away in case you want to read it): a girl has a horrible childhood and gets sent off to a school where she takes control of her life and makes it bearable and finds a way to make a difference in her world. She gets tired of it after a while and decides to try something new and applies for a job in another city. She gets it and becomes a teacher to a french orphan girl and then falls in love with her boss (even though initially she had feelings of hatred towards him). They planned to wed, but then a secret from his past surfaced and it was all ruined. Jane refuses to ignore it and just moves on, literally. She runs off into the night without telling anyone and with little food and very little money which she squanders just to get a carriage to take her to another place. And blah, blah, blah. Just rehashing it all is giving me a headache. Or maybe I need more coffee.

This book has many words that aren't in my vocabulary which is all fine and dandy, but after so many it makes me feel pretty unintelligent. If I had a dictionary, I feel like I would be pausing after every other paragraph to check on the definitions of the words. I guess I should have paid more attention during Vocabulary class in high school. Oh well, it just gives me the option of finding a good dictionary and putting it to use. Any recommendations? I know I could just use dictionary.com but I think it is more fun to page through the thick book and search for the right word. I am old fashioned like that.

On to another book, I just got "The Postmistress" by Sarah Blake from the library and it's due back soon so I better get a move on it. Those library fines can add up quickly.