While I am by no means an expert (note my lack of a degree in...anything...), If I can answer some specific Les Miserables question for you...I'd be glad to try.
We were required to study from eight to nine in our rooms, with the doors open. They would check on us during that time to be sure we were reading and not goofing off.
Now...there was NO way I needed to study an hour a day. An hour a week woulda been more than enough, since most of it was just basic computer facts that I more or less knew. So I held Les Mis inside my tech booklet and sat with the cover of the booklet facing the door.
It was a very good book...but as I've already confessed, I'm not as fond of history as I should be. I skimmed pretty quickly through the more historical chapters to get back to the "good parts". I'm a baaaaaad hobbit...
It's one of our favorite stage shows. We've seen it 5 or 6 times. Seeing it inspired me to read the book.