How to Read a Book by Monica Wood was chosen based on the cover and the fact it took place in Maine. It was a good choice. The story introduces us to Violet Powell. She is in jail for manslaughter and at 22 has not known much of life, except for the death of the woman whose car she hit.
Violet is part of a book group with Bookie, an older woman who comes into the jail to run a book group with inmates. Harriet Larson, called Bookie by the inmates, is working to help the inmates find a passion for reading. This fills Harriet with purpose.
Frank Daigle is learning to live his life without his wife. She was killed in an accident by a young woman. He has started to work at the book store fixing, painting and other handyman jobs.
The three people run into each other at a local bookstore and through a series of situations form a friendship and a support system for each other. Their stories interweave as they help each other through the difficulties of life.
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood is not an action packed novel. It is a slow burn as each person moves through life with all its unexpected happenings. Violet needs to learn about how to live life after time spent in jail while Frank and Violet find a second chance with each other. The books might bring them together but they need to learn how to let go of guilt and live. How to Read a Book by Monica Wood is a good read.
