How to Read a Book by Monica Wood is a beautifully written story full of emotion.

It tells Violet, Harriet and Frank’s stories which inevitably intertwine.

Violet is in jail for vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence with her boyfriend. They were running away together. The victim was Frank’s wife.

Violet is part of a book club while in jail which is led by Harriet, a volunteer and retired teacher. Harriet carefully chooses their books at a bookstore in Portland, Maine. Frank is a part time employee at this bookstore.

Each character’s background is developed with the emphasis on present time. It turns out that Frank was in the process of being divorced by his wife. Although, his grown daughter thinks it was due to his own infidelity.

Meanwhile, Violet is released but is essentially orphaned. Her mom passed while she was in jail, and the rest of her family (aunt and sister) have disowned her. They blame her mother’s death on the stress that her trial created.

Luckily, her connection to Harriet is rekindled on the outs. Harriet’s niece puts in a word for Violet to work as an assistant to an avian scientist, Misha, who is studying the intelligence of parrots. Violet is able to handle his abrupt manner and she loves the birds in their care. And she begins to love Misha too.

Eventually Frank, Harriet and Violet develop a familial relationship toward one another. There is kindness, forgiveness and a beautiful patience and love of story woven throughout.