Book Review - How To Read A Book by Monica Wood



How To Read A Book by Monica Wood

Available in Kindle edition

Harriet is a retired teacher and runs a book club for imprisoned women. She visits the prison once a week and initiates discussions about the latest book read by the convicted women who never fail to amaze her with their sharp observation, strong opinions and underlying courage.

Violet, a young girl in her early twenties gets released from the prison and faces the daunting task of starting life anew.

Frank, a machinist tries to get his life back on track after losing his wife who was killed by Violet.

These three lost souls meet and thus begins a poignant story of friendship, second chances and redemption.

The book club discussions are extremely interesting. I liked how Harriet views the women as just readers without judging them for their crimes. I liked the dynamics shown between Harriet and Frank. The story has several emotional moments that make you pause and reflect.

The narrative proceeds at a leisurely pace and is supposed to be read so too. There is grief but there is also the stoic virtue of temperance, urging people to keep moving no matter what happens in life.

I would recommend this to all those who love stories featuring book-clubs and who are looking for poignant and inspiring reads. This is one to read and to store in your memory forever. 

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