Book Review: How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

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Book Summary: How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

This is a book about redemption, forgiveness, and starting over. While not obvious at first, it is also about complex family dynamics. Harriet is a retired English teacher who leads a book club in a women’s prison near Portland, Maine. Imagine the most buttoned-up woman among felons, and you have this very unique group of women.

When the book opens, Violet is an inmate at the prison (and in the book club) and about to be released. After she is released, she moves into an apartment close to Harriet’s house. Not only that, but it also turns out that Harriet’s new friend Frank (who is the handyman at the bookstore she frequents) was married to the woman Violet killed in a drunk driving car accident. (Do you feel the tension?)

How to Read a Book tells how these three navigate this complex situation in the most beautiful way imaginable.

Book Review: How to Read a Book

This is a spoiler-free review. I hint at some specifics, but I do not reveal specifics that I think will spoil the reading experience for you.

What I Liked . . .

• I love a good story that is well-told, and this book is exactly that.
• One of my favorite parts is when Harriet leads the book club in the prison. I loved the raw and honest discussion about the books and the glimpses into who these women are and why they are there. Some of it is seriously heartbreaking, but I also think that’s where this book shines — by humanizing people we probably don’t think twice about.
• While I’ve read many books where other books are mentioned and may be very significant for a character, I loved how, in this book, you get to sit and listen to characters have in-depth discussions about the books and poetry they read. You can feel the connection (or disdain) they have with a certain book or character.
• It’s pretty funny how they typically dislike the books (and why), and it’s equally interesting to see what books and genres finally win their hearts.
• I love how Harriet teaches them how to approach books even if they find the main characters unlikeable or unrelatable.
• I also love how Harriet teaches them what makes a story a story. (I won’t give this away, but definitely keep an eye out for this.)
• I also love really well-developed characters. This isn’t something I usually even think about until I’m reading a book where this is missing. The three main characters are all in situations in their personal lives where they are struggling with issues of identity and finding their voice and place in the world.
• All the characters are very human — they make both good and bad decisions (and they suffer the consequences).
• One ingredient I’ve noticed that helps add depth to a story is when there are interesting side characters and side plots. These characters and plots play such important roles in the overall story. The book would not be complete without them.
• The birds! Yes, there is a side plot in this book about African-grey parrots that is a ton of fun.
• I loved the older couple romance in this book. It was perfect!
• Last but not least, this book is one of my favorite tropes — the found family. One of my favorite parts is seeing how the three main characters end up becoming a de facto family — something they all need.

What I Didn’t Like . . .

• There was only one thing I didn’t like, and I’m not going to give away the exact details — but there’s a detail about Frank’s wife that I think seemed a little convenient. And I think it would have strengthened and added tension to the plot if the author hadn’t done this. (Let me know if you pick up on what this is.)
• I was also a bit surprised by a choice Violet makes after she gets out of prison, but it turned out that the author thought it was a bad choice, too. (This is one of the human sides to the story — the author lets her characters make bad choices, but they end up being transformative in the end).

Who This Book is For . . .

• If you are in the mood for a heartwarming book that is not the Hallmark Channel version of a book, you will love this book. In other words — heartwarming, gutwrenching, and hopeful at the same time.
• If you are in the mood for a good book that explores some heavy topics with grace.
• If you liked Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, I think you will also like this book. (The actual storylines are very different, but it has a similar feel.)
• If you are looking for a short book that will also be a satisfying read. (It’s less than 300 pages!)
• This is a great book club pick!