How to Read a Book

Have you ever had someone recommend a book so you pick it up but it doesn’t do a darn thing for you? That happened to me last week so I put it down and grabbed one that another person said I should read—and this one hit all the right notes. It took me less than three days to whip through the latest from Monica Woods—who I’ve not read before but will add to my list of authors to look for again.

“How to Read a Book” is a charming, thoughtful read. I’m not sure that it has the best title, though it does revolve around a book club in a women’s correctional facility. I think I might have gone with “Second Chances” but maybe the editors didn’t think that was intriguing enough or that it might suggest a bent towards romance. No matter the title, I liked it. A lot.

Considering that I tend to look for books with fast moving plots, it is the strength of the characters that really drew me in. There’s Harriet, the retired English teacher, who introduces the joy of reading to a group of female inmates; Violet, one of those young women who learns how to make her way on the outside; and Frank, the unlikely hero (in my opinion) who epitomizes grace. And I can’t forget the parrots, particularly Oliver. There’s a cast of supporting characters as well, though most fail to live up to the expectations of this reader. But don’t most books have conflicts?

One of my favorite books is Elizabeth Berg’s “The Story of Arthur Truluv” and “How to Read a Book” has many of the same vibes—intergenerational friendships, overcoming grief, helping others to find their way in life. But this one has the added benefit of including reading, bookstores, even mention of a library. And you may find yourself wanting to read the books that Harriet introduces to the group of women, hidden away from society yet becoming empowered through works of literature.

Harriet had the group begin each discussion this mantra “I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.” That’s not a bad way for any reader to start each day.