"Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo

I was inspired to read this 1862 classic after falling in love with the Hugh Jackman musical. I had already been familiar with the Liam Neeson version for several years, but the 2012 musical put this story in another place for me.

This is the story of Jean Valjean, who as a young man was forced of necessity to steal a loaf of bread. For this crime and for various escape attempts, he spent 19 years in prison, emerging a desperate man. Convicts were the worst sort of people in France at this time; mistrusted by everyone and rarely able to find any kind of work at all. To survive he must steal again, but this time his life is changed in a much different way. Upon being captured, the bishop Valjean stole from forgives him and encourages him to find God and live for Him.

With a new outlook, Valjean takes a new name and uses the money from the bishop for very good purposes. He becomes wealthy and successful, even to the point of being mayor of the town. He is loved by everyone because of his generosity and taking care of the ones who work for him.

Then his world tumbles when Inspector Javert, a former prison guard, comes to town and begins to suspect his true identity. A woman who was dismissed from one of his factories also leaves him the care of her young daughter. Valjean must flee everything and find a way to take care of himself and Cosette.

Valjean never stops working for the good of others, and Javert never stops hunting him. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, love, and the fight for liberty. Who does not identify at different times with these characters, The Miserable Ones? Will we allow the work of God to transform us, as Jean Valjean did?

You've perhaps heard that "Les Miserables" has lengthy sections which contain huge departures from the narrative. This is true. Those make for difficulty in sticking with the reading, and therefore this is one of the rare occasions on which I find myself suggesting an abridged version might be an acceptable consideration. Either way, this epic story has resounded in my heart, and I would be remiss if I did not encourage everyone towards this heart-stirring tale. It's a beautiful journey.

"The pupil dilates in the night, and at last finds day in it, even as the soul dilates in misfortune, and at last finds God in it."
-- Les Miserables

Best of 2013

I was a reading overachiever this year, not only accomplishing the goal I set out for myself, but exceeding it by 44%! There were many excellent books, but a few really stood out. Here were my favorite titles by genre from 2013.

Historical Fiction
So Shines The Night by Tracy Higley

Set in Ephesus during the events of Acts 19, Tracy brings the Bible and ancient history to life. You feel like you are there. It's particularly challenging to fictionalize a Bible account, but Tracy succeeds magnificently.

Young Adult Fiction and Speculative Fiction
Anomaly by Krista McGee

Normally I separate these categories, but "Anomaly" wins both easily. In the futuristic world when nuclear war has destroyed most of the planet and humans are genetically engineered for specific tasks, Thalli realizes that there's more than the sterile world around her. If her differences and longings are discovered, it will require her death.

Contemporary Fiction
Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Lily is entering the middle of her life when she finds out that she has an identical twin sister living in Australia. Taking one of the first risks she has ever tried, Lily sets off the find the sister who was separated by adoption. This novel beautifully touched on many aspects of family relationships and the hurt and hope that many struggle with in this area.

Non-Fiction
You Were Born For More by Harry R. Jackson Jr.

I wasn't so sure about reading this book, but God got the last laugh on this one. Bishop Jackson brings out straightforward truths which would be beneficial to every believer to grasp and implement in their lives.

Classic Literature
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

For this year it could be nothing besides "Les Miserables." Not just because it was the only classic I read this year (hey, it's 1450+ pages!), but because I drew so much inspiration from it.