Les Misérables

Ahhh that lovely thick book they based a musical off of! We all have enjoyed singing "One Day More" or "On My Own" around the streets. Now the book may seem intimidating but it is worth it. I will forgive you if you skip the Waterloo ramble, but the story itself is not to be missed. Les Misérables is full of trials, redemption, grace and bitterness. This book captures both the suffering of the people and the glory of justice. The characters are richly developed and read as people we can easily identify in our every day lives. I highly recommend reading this in the original French!

Notre Dame De Paris

Before singing "Out There" or "Hellfire" wouldn't you want to read the masterpiece those songs came from? Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame is a beautiful animation, and the book is even more powerful. I love both of these stories on their own accounts, and Hugo's Notre Dame de Paris is as magnificent as the cathedral itself!

Candide

Voltaire's satire and humor about every day life and people are best captured in the original French!

Moliere

Moliere's plays and stories are not only comical, they speak at great lengths as to our society and its flaws. I strongly recommend these also for French humor.

The Social Contract

Rousseau's works are truly timeless! From the Social Contract to Political Economy, Rousseau poses wonderful solutions to problems that the world still faces today. His quotes can easily be uttered at your local hipster coffeehouse as well. Much of Rousseau is best read in the original French.

Spirit of Laws

Perplexed at the lack of checks and balances in governments today? Montesquieu has somethings to say to you my friends! His works not only have wit and style, they touch on important hot topics of culture and government, as well as usurpation of power!

His works are also very easy to read (as is Rousseau!)

A Cinq Heures Nous Serons Tous Morts

For anybody interested in Les Miserables- this action packed pamphlet is the true account of the June Rebellion. It is short and full of action in every page. It was written by Charles Jeanne, one of the leaders of the June Rebellion, whom in the midst of great adversity stood his ground for liberty.

Trust me- you will enjoy every word.

Count of Monte Cristo

Dumas is a wonderful author! and this is an honorary mention to another amazing Francophone classic :)