How To Read A Book | Monica Wood

Who doesn't love a good story? One that makes you feel good about yourself and other people, and the world? Sweet but not sappy, redemptive but not preachy. Just people you come to care about making their way, and coming out in a good place in the end. That's what How To Read A Book is. It's a good story. I can't recall if I've read other books by Monica Wood, but I've just reserved some of her past work at the library. As a bonus, the title has one of my favorite title words. Who among us can pass up a book with a title that includes book, bookshop, bookseller, library, or librarian?

The main character is 22-year old Violet Powell, who's serving time in a Maine prison for manslaughter. It's clear from the start that she's filled with remorse, and also that she's an intelligent and compassionate young woman. She meets Harriet, a retired English teacher who's volunteering at the prison, in the prison book group. Frank is a retired engineer who's working part-time in the local bookstore where Harriet buys the books for the group. He's also the husband of the woman killed in the car accident where Violet was the driver. So you can see the set-up, right? It's not a big mystery what's going to happen, yet the way the author gets us there showcases her gentle style of writing and empathy with her characters.

The story is about forgiveness and redemption and compassion and second chances. There are other characters but they're really just devices to show where characters have been and to set up choices they make. Violet, Harriet and Frank are the center. I kept thinking that it could even be a compelling stage play. One reviewer said that it reminded her, in feeling, of Remarkably Bright Creatures and I agree. Maybe also Lessons in Chemistry, in the way you're left with a smile on your face when you turn the last page.