Sigh....
(I may or may not have a little bit of an obsession with Penguin Clothbound Classics. Little by little, book by book, I am building a pretty library. The library which may need to add an additional wing thanks to the Mr. Boddington's versions. Yes, I do judge books by covers. Classic books. The library will also need a children's wing for the Puffin Clothbound Classics for the younger set. My eight year old reader has a penchant for classics and pretty covers as well. So pretty.)
So back to Les Miserables... Have you read it? I feel as if it is one of the books that should be required reading for the privilege of breathing oxygen on this planet. Extreme? Maybe. There really is no excuse. When I see the ahem... other books that fill the time and minds of people, I sigh.
The books that have no depth, substance, or the ability to withstand time.
Do I occasionally devour a quick, frivolous read? Yes. However, the classics always bring me back. The books that I cannot bear to end. The ones that I come back to again and again. The ones that I was so glad I was forced to read in college. The books that I choose to read now.
Les Miserables is a pretty hefty read. I have read many translations, as well as the abridged version. If you are scared, give the one of the abridged route a try. It's even free on Kindle right now, so between that and the local library, there is no reason not to.
Stepping of my lover of books soapbox, onto my lover of movies one...
This is where I will be on Christmas Day, after all the presents have been opened.
Sobbing mascara down my face.
Wow! Your library will look fantastic! I didn't know Penguin clothbound classics existed. Soooo pretty!
ReplyDeleteoh yes indeed!! i totally agree.
ReplyDeletefunny thing. i had google the mr boddington's versions today hoping that amazon would have them a smidge cheaper than my beloved anthro...but i may just need to pony up the big bucks.
one of my daughters has read P&P about 40 times. no really. so we collect them.
just beautiful!
signed, fellow book cover choser!
deciding among the translations overwhelmed me last time i tried to choose one. that was even my thought at seeing this pic on insta: "but what if that's not the BEST one..." so you should just tell me which one is best. 'cause that book's a commitment! but i'm ready.
ReplyDeleteI read that in high school.
ReplyDeleteI remember liking it.
But besides a stolen loaf of bread, I cannot remember what it is about.
Been thinking of re-reading it.
Free on Kindle? Done.
Public Service announcement.... Costco has the cloth BEAUTIFUL covered in bright HAPPY colors 8 classic children's Puffin books for only 50 bucks!! I just bought them for myself and my spring mantel... I posted a pic on my instagram!!
ReplyDeleteMy faaaavorite! I had to read the original (in French) back in college...THAT was a tough read, lol. I watch the musical every time it is on PBS and go see the musical every time it comes to Philly. Seriously love. And that movie trailer looks off. the. hook. Hugh Jackman and Ann Hathaway?! Be still my heart. I never go see movies for myself at the movie theater, I much prefer my comfy couch and cheap treats, but I won't be able to wait til this one comes out on DVD. Looks like a much needed date night over the Christmas break :-)
ReplyDeleteI read Les Mis voluntarily in high school and loved it. I didn't fall in love with the musical until my hubby introduced me to the 10th anniversary concert video, now I'm obsessed. And we are going the day after Christmas to see the movie. I kind of have an unhealthy infatuation with Hugh Jackman...like bad! And I plan on not wearing mascara :)
ReplyDeleteyes yes yes.
ReplyDeleteI read it in High School, in French. Loved it, loved the Broadway version and the first movie, have the soundtrack and I'm ready for Christmas Day. I even got a free ticket from Banana Republic!
ReplyDeleteLove love loved this clip- just educated Ev on the momentous news as well! :) She somehow didn't grasp the awesomeness of it. Oh well, back to her Elmo books. But this beautiful copy of Les Mis will be on my bookshelf. Stat.
ReplyDeleteCANNOT WAIT for the movie to come out! And all my favorite actors too :-) Yup, I read the book in high school, and saw the musical on Broadway. It was amazing!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Les Mis! I've read the book 4 times and seen the musical 4 times. I must admit, however, that I am TOTALLY nervous about the movie. The one that was made about 10 years ago with Liam Neeson was AWFUL!!! Did you see it? No Eponine?!? Completely different ending?!? I bet Hugo was rolling over in his grave. I truly believe that this movie will be better, but I'm still nervous that something will be "wrong." Can't wait to see it, though. There is no more wonderful story out there, apart from the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteLes Mis is probably the best musical ever written. I have been fortunate enough to see it twice and we are going again in March! I will also make it to the movie sometime over the holidays. I cannot wait! And I'm on the list to get the book from the library. If it doesn't come soon, I may have to go buy it.
ReplyDeleteI grew up listening to/going to see the musical and read the book in middle school. I'm so excited to see the movie!!!! Such an amazing story of redemption.
ReplyDeleteIn college I saw it in LA 3 times and cried everytime! I have the CD and when I saw the trailer, I cried! LOVE, LOVE,LOVE the story and JUST found my paper back from college that I want to read to the kids before we all go see it in theaters- and Hugh Jackman is my "1". ( you know, your 1 favorite actor that your husband would let you go out on a date with if he ever showed up at your door? Who is yours? ) See you there!!!!
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ReplyDeleteMmm, this post was wonderful in all sorts of ways! I'm reading Les Mis again right now too! Only 1,100 pages to go, and 9 more days till weepy theater loveliness.
ReplyDeleteOK, have you seen the movie yet? It was absolutely beautiful. I was skeptical, but it did NOT disappoint in the least! Go go go and let us know what you think!
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