How to Read a Book by Monica Wood was impossible to put down. It was quick, punchy, and it landed deep. It was gut-wrenching at times, but also so hopeful. And most of all, the plot felt uniquely original.
The Prison Book Club
Our book opens with us meeting one of our three main characters, Violet, in the middle of a book club session, in prison. We meet the rest of the book club and the host of the book club, Harriet, a retired school teacher, turned once-a-week prison volunteer.
The prison book club connection is such a unique premise. There is something deeply moving about literature being the meeting ground between people whose lives would otherwise never intersect – yes, even in a women’s correctional facility. The novel explores guilt, shame, and accountability without turning a of our characters into caricatures. They were all deeply human. That balance is so hard to strike and our author Monica Wood does it so beautifully. I really don’t want to say more, or the connection to our third main character, nor anything further about the plot, because I think going into this novel blind (the way I did), would be ideal.
Alternating POV’s
I love a multiple POV novel when it’s done well. In this particular case, we move between our three main characters, each voice distinct and believable. Our narrative was woven through past and present for all three of our characters, but never in a confusing way, I always knew who’s thread we were dealing with, and when. And most importantly, I cared deeply about all three of our main characters and all of the minor characters too, all were lovable in their own way.
The structure of this book allows you to see how one moment, one mistake, and an act of mercy can reverberate outwards. It was so beautiful.
Characters You Actually Care About
Again, I loved each of our three main characters. They were flawed, but they felt real. People carrying invisible history and people who were imperfectly trying to do better. Each of our three came with backstories incredibly rich and deserving of our time. It was impossible not to turn the pages, to let curiosity get the better of us, and wonder where we were heading, but also, just happy to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Quick, Punchy, Get-Wrenching – and Also, Hopeful
This book moves quickly. Characters are short. Prose is clean. No wasted space. And yet, the emotional impact lingers. There were moments that genuinely made my chest ache, especially the last chapter. The story believes in repair, in connection, and the fact that people are more than their worst choices.
After I finished this book, I had to sit with it awhile. I had to take a breather and not jump into the next book on my Kindle queue. I needed to sit, and think about it, and maybe cry a few tears.
And honestly, that’s how I know a book has done its job. Happy reading, can’t wait to hear your thoughts.