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Les Misérables is probably my favorite novel, so I may be a little bit biased here. It is about the journey of a Frenchman named Jean Valjean in the late 1700s to mid 1800s. Valjean is imprisoned for a minor crime, but he eventually is released. He faces cruelty and misfortune until a kindly man helps him out, and then he goes to be a mayor in a small French village. However, a police inspector tracks him down across the ages, as Valjean grows as an individual. There is a revolution, too, which takes up the latter half of the novel (though Valjean's story is still being told).

Basically, it is a very long novel (over 1,000 pages) about one man's transformation from a criminal to a saint-like figure and the people that he affects and encounters.

While that may not sound interesting, it is incredibly well-written. I feel like it is a book that anyone could read for any purpose - whether for fun or to learn more about France. Of course, if you wish to cut down on the page count, there is this helpful website http://www.lmffi.com/info/beccabook.html that gives advice on what to cut depending on what you would like to read.

In addition, there is a musical (and several film adaptations, I might add) that, while not very true to the novel, sticks true to the themes. That may be worth a look, too, if you end up liking the novel.

I would, in summary, highly suggest that you read this novel. The story is incredible (and interesting!). I would also suggest the Julie Rose translation, as it is personally one of my favorites.

Have fun reading! :)

I haven't read it yet, but it's on my shelf to read. If you decide to read this book try to find an unabridged version of it. It's quite a long book and many translators have shortened it for practicality. Almost always when you shorten a novel you miss some of the nuances that make the book what it is. There is a modern unabridged translation by Julie Rose so you may want to check that out.

I really enjoyed Count of Monte Cristo unabridged. It was excellent in many ways. I particularly enjoyed the character development from which you can understand from each character's family influences and their own individual feelings. Anyway, great story outside of the characters. Dumas did a pretty good novel :)

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You'll have to realize these books are pretty darn long. You may want to have a side novel if your attention span is a little short. I bet it'll be rewarding though. I heard Les Miserables was great.

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@Jackie the unabridged is like 1200 or so !! silly silly long :P

i read it in 9th grade. it is a very good book in my opinion, but if you're not a great reader i wouldnt suggest it because its about 500 pages long and it does have its dull moments. but i thought it was really good. its about a former criminal named Jean Valjean who decides to turn his life around. along the way he has many secret identities, becomes mayor, goes on the run, adopts a daughter, and much more. i definetly suggest reading it i loved that book :) the best part of it is the characters though. the characters are really interesting and unique, you really start to like jean valjean and get inspired by his unselfishness.

do not hear to the Mein Kampf idiots. actually there are different works of German literature than Hitler's memoirs. i'd propose All Quiet on the Western the front, written by a German international warfare I veteran.