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Are you ready, dear members? The book is intimidating, the schedule is rigorous, and the company is excellent. Are there any legitimate excuses NOT to read with us one of the longest, dramatic story of poverty, decency, crime and punishment?

Below is the preliminary schedule with two weekly breaks. The nomenclature of the novel is quite sophisticated because it has volumes (known as parts in some editions), books, and chapters. I decided to ignore chapter division because they are too small - some of them are a page or two long, so mostly I relied on books and volumes/parts.

Please let me know what you think about this schedule. If the book flows well, we might discuss some adjustments and maybe we will decide to read without any breaks. On the other hand, breaks are good for those who need to play catch-up due to different reasons.

My idea is to start on January 06, 2014. Let me know if you want to start on New Year's Day :-)


January 06- January 12 Volume I, Book I
January 13-`January 19 Volume I, Book II
January 20- January 26 Volume I, Book III
January 27- February 02 Volume I, Books IV, V
February 03-February 09 Volume I, Books VI, VII
February 10- February 16 Volume I, Book VII and Volume II Book I

February 17-February 23 BREAK

February 24- March 02 Volume II, Books II, III
March 03- March 09 Volume II, Books VI, V, VI,
March 10- March 16 Volume II, Books VII, VIII
March 17-March 23 Volume III, Books I, II, III
March 24- March 30 Volume III, Books IV, V, VI
March 31- April 06 Volume III, Books VII, VIII

April 07- April 13 BREAK

April 14- April 20 Volume IV, Books I, II, III
April 21- April 27 Volume IV, Books IV, V, VI, VII
April 28- May 04 Volume IV, Books VIII, IX, X, XI
May 05- May 11 Volume IV, Books XII, XIII, XIV, XV
May 12- May 18 Volume V, Books Books I, II
May 19- May 25 Volume V, Books III, IV, V
May 26- June 02 Volume V, Books VI, VII, VIII, IX

As you see, you can not plan anything during the following 5 months: no finals, no artistic projects, no family gatherings, no getaways. Hugo's presence will be overwhelming.

Please post your thoughts about the schedule and the start day below. There is also the question of translation, but I welcome diversity. Personally, I am going to use the book, translated by Julie Rose, and the volumes are called parts there; in other numerous editions, translators are using the term 'volume', so I decided to use the word 'volume' in the schedule, too.

As far as the number of the books in each volume/part, they are equal in three editions I checked at Amazon. Luckily, Amazon gives you an option to look inside and compare the tables of content.

I am open to your suggestions.

January 6 is better for me than the 1st, which [gasp] is almost on us already, would be. It also gives time for those who don't have a copy yet to get it.

I also like that you built in breaks in the initial schedule (which, as you say, we can change if that seems advisable).

Nice job. I know it's a challenge to break up these long books and set a schedule that works, so kudos for the great work.

To be honest, I was quite surprised how long it took. I moderate discussions in another group, and usually it does not take more than 25-35 minutes, but this time it was ... different. I think part of it is the size of the book, and another reason is a number of different editions I checked (thanks to Amazon 'look inside option')

I am looking forward to it and possibly will start reading ahead to post questions or observations on the day of the discussion.

Thank you so much for planning the schedule, Zulfiya! I'm really looking forward to this!

The schedule looks good to me and whenever we start is fine - I picked up a copy of the book yesterday.

I also intend to participate in the Once and Future King read, if I can find the book - so far the used bookstore and both local libraries do not have it. So at this point I'm at least ready to start in with one read.

Linda, I am currently working on the schedule for TOAFK. I will possibly post tomorrow or on Monday.

Linda wrote: ", if I can find the book - so far the used bookstore and both local libraries do not have it."

Alibris has plenty of copies, including new softcover copies starting at $3.95 and very good hardcover copies starting at $5.00 (plus a few dollars shipping). I use them regularly, and they're very reliable.


ABEbooks also has many copies. Their condition isn't always specified by the seller, so I tend to use alibris more often, but ABEbooks is also very reliable.

Everyman wrote: "Linda wrote: ", if I can find the book - so far the used bookstore and both local libraries do not have it."

Alibris has plenty of copies, including new softcover copies starting at $3.95 and ver..."

Thanks! There is one other used bookstore here in the area that I want to check out. If I don't find it there I will look into those links you sent.

Are we reading the unabridged or abridged version?

Maliha wrote: "Are we reading the unabridged or abridged version?"

I'm reading the unabridged. Personally, I virtually never read the unabridged versions of a book. If the author thought it was worth putting in, I think it's worth my time at least to look at, even if I skim certain parts.

Unabridged! The super chunkster!

Great thanks!

Personally, I don't believe in reading anything that's abridged.. the only exception being S.King's original version of The Stand, but I'd read the unabridged years earlier and I was curious as to how the two compare.


Zulfiya- excellent schedule! Les Mis being such an extensive read, I think the breaks are a great idea, possibly even needed. Taking the occasional breather is good.:)


I'm not sure when I'll be reading it, as I don't have a copy yet and I'm hoping to take on Don Quixote around the same time, so we shall see.:) I was actually thinking of starting Les Mis sometime in March, actually, but my schedule is flexible.

ohhhhh, i'm so looking forward to/dreading trying to...erg...thanks Zulfiya! :)

I know how you feel, Stephanie!

This will be a re-read for me, but I look forward to going into it in depth with everyone. It's a good, rich book chock full of wonderful things, so I look forward to reading it along with those who haven't experienced it yet!

I must admit that I'm intimidated, but I'm intrigued as well. And determined to conquer it!

Dustin wrote: "I must admit that I'm intimidated, but I'm intrigued as well. And determined to conquer it!"

My thoughts exactly!

If you go to the book here on GR, you can download thee book for free!

Sincere question...what do people who can read the books in two weeks, who are able to have more free time, do? I've never read Les Miserables, I'd like to read it, but I don't want this book to be in limbo("currently reading") for so much time. How to adjust?

Kudos, Luffy, if you can read it in two or three weeks. In my case, it usually takes longer for massive books like this because I usually read 5 or 6 books with different groups.

From my previous experience of reading chunksters with the group, there were novels when I read faster, so I simply took detailed notes to post later. It helps a lot, and I did not spoil when I posted, at least I tried not to.

You can also find someone to have massive a buddy read of any of the novels that have been listed in Classic/Modern Classic/Contemporary threads and try to read them with your buddy reader. As for me, I am going to tackle The Goldfinch this coming January. Want to join?

I'm wary of contemporary books, but I downloaded The Goldfinch anyway. If the book is confirmed, I'd like to join. Of course, I'm massively interested in the Classic books that you lucky people have already read. Lot of catching up to do, but time is on my side.

The Goldfinch is not an official buddy read, but we can always communicate via messages. I am determined to read it.

Thanks for clearing that up. I'm still feeling my way around. I'll browse a bit to get a feel of this group.

That's a great idea about taking notes Zulfiya. I'll have to give this a shot if I pull ahead of the group!

Zulfiya wrote: "The Goldfinch is not an official buddy read."

Hmmm, what is, Zulfiya?

I am reading The Goldfinch on my own. If you want to read with me, grab a copy, message me, and we shall discuss how we are going to do it. Usually, my buddy reader messages me or I message him/her and we discuss what we have read. I have done it two or three times. It has nothing to do with the group schedule or group business. It is between you and your buddy reader:-) I might open a thread, and you can talk to anyone who responds and read any chunkster you want.

Zulfiya wrote: "I am reading The Goldfinch on my own. If you want to read with me, grab a copy, message me, and we shall discuss how we are going to do it. Usually, my buddy reader messages me or I message him/her..."

If you have a great number of interested people you should just open a thread in the side-reads area.

I opened a Buddy Read folder, Kristi. If anyone wants to find a buddy read for a chunky doorstop, please use this folder to find your fellow reading travellers.

I am sorry for trashing the post, but I was trying to help those who are speedy readers, but still want to stay in touch with the group.

No worries, that's how we figure things out and find great books to read!

Also, in order for the group to be able to see the folder you need to put a thread in it, so maybe post a Goldfinch thread and a Buddy Read Ideas thread or something like that where people can go and discuss the books they are reading and see is anyone else is interested in reading with them??

Stephanie wrote: "ohhhhh, i'm so looking forward to/dreading trying to...erg...thanks Zulfiya! :)"

Bahaha, this! It'll be nice to be able to say I've read this . . .

Excellent schedule, Zulfiya!

Deana wrote: "Dustin wrote: "I must admit that I'm intimidated, but I'm intrigued as well. And determined to conquer it!"

My thoughts exactly!"

Thank you, Deana, I appreciate you saying so!

Luffy wrote: "Sincere question...what do people who can read the books in two weeks, who are able to have more free time, do? I've never read Les Miserables, I'd like to read it, but I don't want this book to b..."

Holy smokes, I have never heard of anyone read Le Mis in just 2 or 3 weeks!! Crazy... I know I won't be zooming through it, and will have other books going on throughout the months it's bound to take me..

I read it over a period of two years the first time, because I kept putting it down and then having to go to SparkNotes to refresh myself on what happened. This wasn't because it wasn't enjoyable, I was just in college and had lots of assigned reading and simply no time. When I finally got to summer break to really sit down with it, though, I probably finished the entire second half in just a few days. It CAN be done, but I can't imagine doing so and still having work, life, etc.

Alana wrote: "I read it over a period of two years the first time, because I kept putting it down and then having to go to SparkNotes to refresh myself on what happened. This wasn't because it wasn't enjoyable, ..."

Sure, it can be done, but probably wouldn't be enjoyable, plus you'd more than likely miss a lot of details. And like you said: no life, work, etc..

I am going to be reading this one.
One question on some weeks we are reading 3-4 books, how long are these chapters?

All sections are roughly similar page-wise. Some books are long, and we are reading one book per section. Other books contain fewer pages, so we are reading two or three books per section.

I am very excited to finally read this book, i have tried to start it but it always felt like a real daunting task, it would be nice to have company! :)

All discussions of Les Miserables will take place in the side read folder, but each week will get a special thread. Usually we do not do such things for side reads, but because it piqued the interest of many, we will treat it as a regular read, but let me reiterate - the discussion takes place in the side read with individual threads per weekly discussions. Let's put it this way - it is a PRIVILEGED SIDE READ.

I will duplicate the schedule in the side-read folder.

Zulfiya wrote: "All discussions of Les Miserables will take place in the side read folder, but each week will get a special thread. Usually we do not do such things for side reads, but because it piqued the intere..."

Lol...I love "privileged Side-read"! Good way to describe this book!

Side-read? For me its an extreme-read!

Zulfiya wrote: "it is a PRIVILEGED SIDE READ"

And we are privileged to have you to lead us through it.

Thank you, everyman. I will do my best not to let down the group. I am sure I will defer to you in many questions as you have already read the novel and know it in its entirety.

For those who are already reading it, I can only say two words that encapsulate my reading experience of the first section, 'Pope Francis'. And these are my two secular/humanistic two cents:-)

Dustin wrote: "Holy smokes, I have never heard of anyone read Le Mis in just 2 or 3 weeks!! Crazy... I know I won't be zooming through it, and will have other books going on throughout the months it's bound to take me.. "

Yes I'm thinking of abiding by the Les Mis schedule, and blitz through books not of this group.

Luffy wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Holy smokes, I have never heard of anyone read Le Mis in just 2 or 3 weeks!! Crazy... I know I won't be zooming through it, and will have other books going on throughout the months i..."

My thoughts exactly!

Zulfiya wrote: "All discussions of Les Miserables will take place in the side read folder, but each week will get a special thread. Usually we do not do such things for side reads, but because it piqued the intere..."

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"A PRIVILEGED SIDE READ," I love it, Zulfiya! Happy reading, everyone!

Zulfiya wrote: "Linda, I am currently working on the schedule for TOAFK. I will possibly post tomorrow or on Monday."

I read it using Amazon's Kindle app for my phone. You can get it free at their Kindle Free Classics page.

TOAFK is free on the Kindle? I just picked it up from the library last night. I see it for $7.69 at Amazon.....

I don't think it is. I just checked again myself. I paid the $7 for it last week. There are other similar books and cooks with similar names that came up for free when I searched but not TOAFK.

Of course, I don't need it now but if the previous poster could post the link right to the free version, that might help others.

Edit: I just realized we are in the Le Mis thread, maybe that's what the poster meant. I think that often can be found free.

Yes, you are!:-) Some editions of Les Miserables are free.