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Summering with Ben-Hur and Jean Valjean — 5 Comments

  1. Good for you! I have discovered that there are some books that I will never enjoy…no matter how long they stare at me from my dusty bookcase. BUT there are others that I can now truly appreciate.

  2. I think our friend Anne was an unusual prodigy. Many of the books I read in my youth were positively wasted on me.

    I am starting a new effort to read one old book for every 3 new books I read. It’s C.S. Lewis wisdom, and I have been kind of immersed in him this summer.

  3. Oh, how I love this post, Maryleigh. I have not…NOT…read “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.” “Les Miserables” was one sitting there, read partially about 3 times, and then, finally I read it. I read it before the movie and have not seen the movie. I saw “Ben-Hur,” the movie so many years ago, that I barely recall it. I can see Mr. Heston in a crowd but that is about all! I love the quotes you pulled from each. I love the way you were able to diagnose the “books” and the percentages. But, what I see most here is that God pulled you so into these stories that you saw Christ woven throughout each one and God gave you more to ponder in your walk with Him. WOW! I know I loved Les Miserables when I finally read it through. It took me months. I took notes. My husband, too, asked me if I would indeed finish it this time, where I was in the story (as he had read it years before and recalled it all which I do not), and did I see this or that in the story. I have some reading to do, some rereading, I do believe.
    I am reading a WWII novel..”Everyone Brave is Forgiven” by Chris Cleave. I am only about halfway so will report later.

  4. I don’t believe in ditching a book because it’s challenging or doesn’t capture my attention right away. To me, that’s an indication that it might have something to teach me. Glad you didn’t give up.

  5. Maryleigh, I love the quotes you have shared – each one thought provoking. Thank you for sharing them as I needed Ben-Hur and Valjean to speak to my heart this morning.

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