I read an unabridged translation of Les Miserables, which means I began my experience with a fifty page meditation on a character who goes by the name “Father Bienvenu, as his parish refers to him. Father Bienvenu, the Bishop of a diocese by the time we encounter him, was impoverished by the Revolution, but remains self-sufficient if not wealthy. He devotes his life and his income to doing good in his parish, and while the character dies early in the novel, this good man’s moral and upright life sets the stage for Jean Valjean’s narrative journey.

Father Bienvenu gives Jean Valjean his first place to sleep after he completes his sentence. Valjean, we see, is rejected by all because of his convict’s yellow passport (an identification card).

Despairing of finding a place to stay, Valjean settles down to spend his night in a public square. Father Bienvenu’s. kindness isn’t immediately transformative, a cruel world has left its mark and Jean Valjean defaults to his baser side. But Father Bienvenu’s steady kindness has its intended impact, transforming Valjean into a man who strives to do good in the world throughout the narrative despite steady persecution by the judicial system and the French people, who are shaped by their imperfect society.

QOTD: What is one character in a novel who emblematizes goodness?

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I’m going to be spending some time on the sadder themes of Les Miserables, but I want to note this novel is immensely popular, and the storytelling balances the harrowing with the triumphant, so it isn’t all misery. Here are some quotes to give you a feel for the beauty of Victor Hugo’s prose.

”I will weep for the children of kings with you, if you will weep with me for the little ones of the people.”

”Be it true or false, what is said about men often has as much influence upon their lives, and especially upon their destinies, as what they do.”

”The bishop’s palace at D—was contiguous to the hospital. The palace was a spacious and beautiful edifice, built of stone near the beginning of the last century by Monseigneur Henri Pujet, a doctor of theology of the Faculty of Paris, abbé of Simore, who was bishop of D— in 1712. The palace was in truth a lordly dwelling: there was an air of grandeur about everything, the apartments of the bishop, the saloons, the chambers, court of honour, which was very large, with arched walks after the antique Florentine style, and a garden planted with magnificent trees.”

”Madame Magloire usually called him Your Greatness. One day he rose from his armchair, and went to his library for a book. It was upon one of the upper shelves, and as the bishop was rather short, he could not reach it. ‘Madame Magloire,’ said he, ‘bring me a chair. My greatness does not extend to this shelf.’”

”Liberation is not deliverance. A convict may leave the galleys behind, but not his condemnation.”

QOTD: What do you think of the prose of Victor Hugo?

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I don't wanna talk about how many treats we went through to get this pic...
But she's just a cute little girl who loves treats and cuddles from mom
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Pictured here is DEFY by Dr. Sunita Sah, out from One World.

I was really excited to read this galley because it both feels really timely and also is perfect for the work I do.

DEFY is about the way we’re trained from childhood to be compliant, to be obedient, and to not make waves. Sah sets out to explore what we lose when we lose the ability to voice our concerns, speak up, and advocate for ourselves.

This isn’t a book about changing the world (though maybe it could be). First and foremost it’s a book about teaching readers to stand up for themselves and others more, even (or maybe especially) when the stakes don’t seem that high.

Sah offers a modern history of compliance, great case studies of moments when compliance leads to disastrous results, along with lessons in how to become a more active participant in the decisions that impact your life.

Being about two chapters in, I’ve noticed a lot of parallels with case studies from research on psychological safety, so I’m excited to see the overlap between this and that subject area. And, of course, I’m looking forward to learning more strategies on how to defy.

QOTD: what new book are you most looking forward to in 2025?

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It’s been a minute since I posted, so here’s a shot of a book I really enjoyed last year.

This novel in verse about the Sami, Ædnan, came at the perfect time for me. It’s a delicious looking book and also an important piece of literature to see in translation since it isn’t every day you get to read a novel by a Sami poet.

Of course, it’s stark and sad, but also beautiful.

QOTD: did you read this one or is it in your TBR pile?

I know it was long listed for the National Book Award but did it make it to the short list? I can’t quite remember.

Anyway, perfect way to travel through space and time.

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I just wanted to pop over and share a contemporary book from 2024 that I really enjoyed and that continues to have an impact on me.

What an incredible read and reminder to live intentionally and never give up your principles.

“The sentencing figure is not for me. It is for you. You, not I, are being frightened and deprived of the will to resist. You are being forced to surrender your country without a fight to the gang of traitors and thieves, and scoundrels who have seized power. Putin must not achieve his goal. Do not lose the will to resist.”

I have my country and my convictions. I don’t want to give up my country or betray it. If your convictions mean something, you must be prepared to stand up for them and make sacrifices if necessary.”

QOTD: did you read this book? Or, if not, what was a book that left a mark on you in 2024?

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