52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables: Inspirational Reflections on Victor Hugo's Classic Masterpiece

by Bob Welch

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels, musicals, and films of all Les Misérables.

In 52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables, Bob Welch walks readers through Hugo’s masterpiece, extracting dozens of uniquely spiritual reflections from this enduring portrait of poverty, social injustice, mercy, and redemption. Welch reminds us that Jean Valjean’s life provides the truest example of why real love is found in the grittiest places, and that hearts are made whole beneath the crush of mercy. Most important, though, Welch keeps returning to the intersections of faith and reality throughout Hugo’s writing—those places where mercy becomes an inroad to the heart, and where love is only truly received when it is given without condition.

Discover again why life’s purpose is found not in attending to personal needs and desires, but in responding to the hearts of others.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Devotional, Christian

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo is one of my favorite books. It is one of my favorite books to reread. I had intended to wait until I reread this one before reading Bob Welch's 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables. But I couldn't wait. I gave into temptation. (For me, I don't think it mattered. I found myself knowing--remembering--all the characters and plot twists.)

52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables would be a good devotional choice for fans of the novel or even fans of the musical. The entries are a good length--not too long, not too short.

Each chapter shares one lesson. Lessons include:

Religion isn't the answer
Political opinions are unworthy idols
Love means letting go
We need to see people as God sees people
Goodness requires no audience

I would definitely recommend this one. I liked it.

Favorite quotes:

Being poor in spirit is the deepest form of repentance because it acknowledges our desperate need for God.

Nothing lifts Jesus’ message of hope more than those who live it out in the lives of others; nothing disparages it more than those who don’t.

To believe in one-size-fits-all thinking is to set yourself up to be a victim of the same assumption, should others do likewise about a group of which you’re part.

TO READ HUGO’S DESCRIPTION OF JEAN VALJEAN CARRYING Marius through the Paris sewer system is to be reminded of love at its grittiest, grimiest, gut level. Can you think of anything more repulsive than carrying what amounts to a corpse through streams of human waste, sometimes up to your chin, while rats scamper about?

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quick, easy to digest read, which combines lessons from Les Miserables, which I consider one of the most spiritual novels (and musicals) in existence, and scripture from the Christian Bible. Welch concentrates mostly on Hugo's novel but does include information and material from the hit musical (which is one of my favorites) and even from a couple of the movies. Using Hugo's work and the Bible, Welch outlines several lessons- about the importance of humility, the need for forgiveness, the perils of selfishness and greed, and, perhaps most importantly, about compassion and giving. I am a deist at best but found a lot of takeaways in this. Also, it was a nice refresher on the novel itself, which I read more than 20 years ago.

[Nikki_charis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational. But, I wasn’t really looking to be inspired right now, so I found it sort of boring.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Hugo's classic novel has inspired countless people, including myself. I made the commitment to read the 1,463-page book last year, and that was not a decision I regretted. There is so much to be found in this story! Bob Welch has taken the time to highlight 52 different things we can learn from Hugo's masterpiece, and I felt he did a beautiful job drawing them out.

Each chapter of this book is filled with quotes from the novel and lines from the stage and film versions of the musical. It also contains facts about Hugo's life and the contradiction that a man who did not live for God could write a story which reveals so much truth about Him. The topics that Welch covers in this novel are for all aspects of the Christian life, and while drawing from his own life experiences as an author and professor, he also frequently includes Scripture and snippets from the works of well-known authors like Henri Nouwen and Oswald Chambers.

I was impressed at the depth of care Welch took in making "Les Miserables" approachable for all readers. At the beginning of the book there is a detailed list of characters, complete with a handy pronunciation guide for those of us who aren't familiar with the French language. Welch guides us on a journey that spans every part of the novel, from the opening pages about Bishop Myriel and including the lesser-favored parts of the lengthy novel: Waterloo, the convents, and the sewers. Every character receives plenty of attention and their good and bad qualities discussed. One need not be familiar with Hugo's original story to benefit from Welch's pages. My grandmother read several chapters from this book while she was recently visiting, and she's never read "Les Miserables" or seen any adaptation of it, but she was able to understand what a magnificent story it was thanks to Welch's easily understood breakdown.

"52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables" is one I would recommend to all who love this story or those who want to know it better. I enjoyed every page as I was reminded of the truths it contains. Welch does a fantastic job and will inspire you not only to know more about "Les Miserables," but more about our wonderful God as well.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels, musicals, and films of all time: "Les Miserables."

In "52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables," Bob Welch walks readers through Hugo's masterpiece, extracting dozens of uniquely spiritual reflections from this enduring portrait of poverty, social injustice, mercy, and redemption. Welch reminds us that Jean Valjean's life provides the truest example of why real love is found in the grittiest places, and that hearts are made whole beneath the crush of mercy. Most important, though, Welch keeps returning to the intersections of faith and reality throughout Hugo's writing--those places where mercy becomes an inroad to the heart, and where love is only truly received when it is given without condition.

Discover again why life's purpose is found not in attending to personal needs and desires, but in responding to the hearts of others.



About the Author:

Bob Welch is the author of seventeen books, including 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life, an award-winning columnist, a speaker, and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Oregon in Eugene. His articles have been published in inspirational books, including the popular “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.



My Review:

For those of you that enjoy Les Miserables the author Bob Welch has put together 52 lessons of Biblical wisdom. I have never really been interested in Hugo's masterpiece, so I actually received this book to review on a whim of sorts and was pleasantly surprised. So I decide I would read through the book for my readers and let you know the low down on this one. The author offers us 52 lessons related to the story and characters from Les Miserables and I believe my favorite was Lesson number 47 entitled Religion Isn't the Answer.

Here the author speaks of Hugo's speaking on Jean Valjean and his personality type and how it compared to that of Jesus. He notes that they were very similar in their thinking. Jean Valjean as well as our beloved Savior were not about the religion of things but about the human heart and this shines through in His words and deeds. Our Savior relies on our love for Him to teach us and to grow us. I enjoyed the authors writings and hope to read more in the future.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les Miserables is a classic for a reason. Bob Welch has designed a lovely little book to supplement this iconic story, whether you love the unabridged book, the movies, or the musical.

Unlike the source material, the sections are not long. You could read the entire book in just a few days, or you could spread them out over the course of a year (one a week) as part of a devotional time. You could also use this book as you read through Hugo’s fantastic work. The 52 chapters are short, but filled not only with story insights but also practical and spiritual applications for the reader.

I think Les Miserables is an important story for any Christian to know. The Truth is there, the meaning is deep, and it is well worth the time and effort. Bob Welch’s new book could help in that study. If it’s been a bit since you've read the book or seen the musical, I have to warn you: this little book will make you pull out your soundtrack or your paperback copy. You’ll want to immerse yourself in Hugo’s classic again, maybe even those long sections about the Paris sewers.

Highly recommended for Christian fans of Les Miserables in any of its beloved incarnations.

I received a copy of this from Book Look Bloggers for my honest review.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables by Bob Welch
52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables is a collection of lessons learned by events, behaviors, and characteristics of the characters within the Les Misérables story. Each lesson talked about relates to the reader’s life according to their current/past experiences and guides them towards the better choice and past based on the story’s characters. The lessons are all easy to understand. Not only do the lessons give a Biblical representation of the events from Les Misérables, but they also include Bible verses to support them. I found it all to be quite an enlightening package; Les Misérables story snippets, Biblical lessons, and Scripture verses.

I loved reading 52 Little Lessons from Les Misérables! I have seen the 1998 version of Les Misérables starring Liam Neeson and I loved it. This book was no disappointment, it proved to be a definite page-turner. I found great ideas and solutions to “every day” problems and experiences. There are quite a few lessons which I intend on putting into practice in my own life.

I highly recommend Les Misérables to all readers! I loved it!!!

BookLook Bloggers has provided me with a complimentary copy/advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a great book. A perfect devotional-type book that takes the story of Les Mis and examines lessons and examples that we can take and learn from for our own lives. Each chapter begins with a quote and summary before leading into what Jesus has taught us and/or personal experiences. It made me think of my own life and how I treat or react to others and what I could do to change. One chapter I am still debating over on some of its points but I was very happy with the whole book. A read for those who love Les Mis or using books/movies/popular culture as examples to dig deeper into their faith.

In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through BookLook.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it is Bob Welch! Great book. Although I have read Les Miserables, Bob brings up things that I don't remember from the novel. I will have to read it again, ugh! I like the short chapters of this 52 Lessons - easy places to stop along the journey. Favorite quote - "...character isn't about age; but, wherever we are in our lives, about the courage to do the right thing." (end of lesson 41)

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Les Miserables was one of the first adult books I read at age 12. I read it again in college and then as an adult. Bob Welch gets to the heart of one of the greatest novels of all time. His insight encourages and uplifts. The quotes from the book and from Scripture encapsulate the great themes of love, generosity and redemption. I will read this book again and again. Thanks, Bob Welch.

[Hope Irvin Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give this books six stars if there were such a category. I read Les Miserables in high school or college, at least sixty years ago. I recall pondering how Valjean could carry a man through the sewers. The story came to life for me when I saw the movie...and more recently the stage plays.

This delightful book helped me relive the story and I plan to borrow it from my local library at my next trip. I appreciate how the author illuminated the spiritual themes woven throughout the story.
People who have no time for the Bible and what it teaches can see for themselves that the coldest hearts can thaw and that mercy triumphs justice. Christlike love can change the world one person at a time.

I recommend this for a Book Club Study, as the group reads Les Miserables. Fifteen questions for discussion are included with the text.

Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE.

[Alfred Garrotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Welch has substantially added to the body of insightful books about the essential meaning of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. I continue to marvel that Hugo, not a Christian himself by any intent or affliliation, was able write the greatest volume ever of spiritual theology in fictional format. What a gift!! Writers like Welch will continue for ages to mine the depths of human and supernatural wisdom channeled through Hugo to us.
Alfred J. Garrotto
The Wisdom of Les Miserables: Lessons From the Heart of Jean Valjean

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To love another person is to see the face of God."- Victor Hugo

Les Miserables is not only my favorite musical but a dearly treasured book in my library. From the moment I read the book in high school I remember feeling how much it reminded of Christ.

Bob Welch connects the characters to Biblical truths in a way that makes even the most seasoned les mis reader and fan see them in a new light. The book may be small but is as deep as the stories it tells.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book which will uplift anyone who has read the original work or has a soft spot for the musical drama Les Mis. It is best if you know the story before you read this, but even if you don't you will gain some inspiration. Bob Welch gets deep into the spiritual conflicts which catapult one character toward salvation and the other toward hell. This is a moving and inspirational book.

I am going to get his other 52 books - It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best devotionals I have read that isn't based on the Bible. I loved the lessons the author drew out from Les Miserables. I usually don't expect much from these types of devotionals but this book was excellent. It brought out wonderful and challenging lessons that were deeper than most devotionals would go. Now if only I will apply them appropriately to my life and change for the glory of God.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to think when I picked up this book based on Les Mis. The spiritual lessons were invaluable and poignant. What a blessing to be able to expound on the message of redemption from a book written in the 1800s but a story so popular over a hundred years later. But why not? It is the story of God and man and what men do with their lives.

[Gregory Andis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have never made the commitment to read Victor Hugo's rather lengthy classic, this little devotional may just inspire you to do so. So many great lessons to be learned about God's love, mercy, and desire to for us to come back to Him.

[Maria Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many biblical lessons through out this book Insightful.

[Jennifer Sakash · Rating 3 out of 5]

As advertised: 52 meditations/sermons on the religious aspects of Les Mis, rather beyond my scope.

[Arianna Keyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly accurate but with some over simplification or missing points from the original work that would have provided better clarification.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables by Bob Welch


From goodreads.com

Gold Medallion Award-winner Bob Welch crafts 52 nuggets of Bible-based wisdom from one of the most popular novels, musicals, and films of all time: "Les Miserables." In "52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables," Bob Welch walks readers through Hugo's masterpiece, extracting dozens of uniquely spiritual reflections from this enduring portrait of poverty, social injustice, mercy, and redemption. Welch reminds us that Jean Valjean's life provides the truest example of why real love is found in the grittiest places, and that hearts are made whole beneath the crush of mercy. Most important, though, Welch keeps returning to the intersections of faith and reality throughout Hugo's writing--those places where mercy becomes an inroad to the heart, and where love is only truly received when it is given without condition. Discover again why life's purpose is found not in attending to personal needs and desires, but in responding to the hearts of others.


Leona's Review:

It has been a long time since I have watched the movie, Les Miserables and after reading 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables, I now want to read the book. I did not realize Victor Hugo had written the book in 1862. There is also information about Victor Hugo; I knew a little of him but now encouraged to read more.
Bob Welch has written an inspirational book using the characters as key points in messages. The book has love, hate, misery, death, suffering but I also read hope .
The first part of the book has the characters and places listed and how to pronounce the words which helps the reader. The chapters are short and have a message.
Chapter 8, "It's Not About "The Stuff". "They confuse heaven's radiance stars with a duck's footprint left in the mud" from Les Miserables which "being the solution begins with the perspective." (page 28). I understood the message was we worry too much about what we have. The author uses a man's BMW car as an example.
Chapter 29, "Wisdom Can Come From Weird Places" "God has his own ways" from Les Miserables. "God sends us life lessons on pleasant breezes and on ill winds. It is up to us to raise our sails". (page 99) I understand it is up to us to make the decisions.
There is a chapter for book clubs to use for discussions. Question number 4: "How were Jean Valjean and Avert similar? How were they different?"
I read this book in a few days but as one reviewer wrote, this is good for inspirational reading for one time a week.
The author has done a great job of making the reader think about the messages. I give it a 5 star raring.
I received a complimentary copy to read and review from booklookbloggers.com. The opinions are my own.
This is a Thomas Nelson Publisher book. It would make a wonderful gift for a friend or family member.
Bob Welch is a goodreads.com author. You may reach Bob Welch at www.bobwelch.net. He is an inspirational speaker as well a writer.
Leona Olson
www.mnleona.blogspot.com

[Victoria W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 52 Life Lessons from Les Miserables, Bob Welch provides readers with a unique devotional/teaching resource. Over the course of 52, easy to read, and short chapters, Welch not only examines a well beloved tale recognized through print, stage, song, and film but challenges readers to think about themes of life and faith which can be gleaned from the words and notes of this beloved tale.

I loved the premise of Welch's book. Les Mis has long been one of my favourite reads and the opportunity to get a different perspective on the book and how it connects with life and faith was irresistible. As a busy mom, I appreciated the book's come and go nature, with each chapter falling between 2-4 pages it was simple to pick up as life allowed, knowing that each chapter was essentially self-contained and ready to be read in passing or mulled over while going about the day. Finally, even though a book merely a fraction of the length of the original cannot hope to cover everything I was impressed at the wide breadth of events and characters Welch managed to weave into 52 Life Lessons.While centered on Val Jean, many dear, familiar characters were recognized well principal scenes were highlighted.

My only disappointment was that with the length of the chapters, the ability for depth was also sacrificed to a degree. However, that said, I've struggled with this in many books since finishing college.

Overall, Welch has presented a strong offering in 52 Life Lessons from Les Miserables that will allow a wide audience to step into the world of a beloved classic while exploring their own faith.







Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot begin to say how much I love this book! I am excited to start reading it again.

May 22, 2022: One of my most favorite words is "serendipity". I love the sound of it as well as what it means (
the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way)...and I love it even more when I have serendipitous experiences. I discovered this book when looking for something else. I was so intrigued with the title that I bought it, sight unseen. After finishing a book and deciding what I wanted to read next, I just happened to choose this one. WOW!!! I had no idea what an incredible journey it would be. I absolutely love this book! I finished it in two days, and look forward to reading it again. I have now learned that the author has written some other books that I now want to read.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful devotional. Very few repeat themes. Wonderful warm and encouraging book. At first glance, I wondered how he could come up with 52 lessons from Les Miserables, but after reading it, I think there are a few more he could have come up with. I enjoy seeing spiritual themes in secular literature and culture. Les Miserables is one of my favorites movies/plays/books and this book makes me want to re-read and watch it again.
"Group violence at the barricade does not change the world; Valjean, through individual integrity invested in the people around him, does."
And a reminder - we are Les Miserables - the miserable ones.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Les Misérables is my favorite musical. I think that's what took me so long to finish this book. I wanted to savor each lesson. I loved this book.