Welcome to my world where every day is Book Lover’s Day! I fall hard for books about books, librarians/libraries, booksellers/bookstores, and the reading life.

I echo the thoughts of H.C Newton @ The Irresponsible Reader in his blog post:

I’m not sure that “Lover” is the best way to describe me—buying, reading, and surrounding myself with books is just who I am. “One does not love breathing,” as Miss Jean Louise Finch, said.

Or in the words of Patrick Rothfuss, “I always read. You know how sharks have to keep swimming or they die? I’m like that. If I stop reading, I die.”

On my blog, I often think and talk about the reading life…..you will find many of these posts here. If you are a bibliophile, how are you celebrating or observing National Book Lover’s Day? For me, it’s business as usual!

In recognition of National Book Lover’s Day, I have a review of How to Read a Book. Contrary to the nonfiction-sounding title, this is a fiction story by the author who brought you One-In-a-Million Boy, Monica Wood.

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Book About Books, Friendship, Found Family, Parrots, Portland (Maine), Prison

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary of How to Read a Book:

Prison + Parrots + Book Club + Friendship + Found Family +Second Chances = 1 memorable story!

In How to Read a Book, Harriet, a retired English teacher volunteers at a prison and runs a book club for female inmates. Her mantra for them: “I am a reader. I am intelligent. I have something worthy to contribute.” Violet, a twenty-two year old inmate, is being released from prison after serving a drumk-driving charge. Frank, a retired machinest who works as a handyman at a book store, is dealing with the loss of his wife who died as a result of the drunk-driving incident. The paths of these three individuals cross at a bookstore and their lives begin to intersect. Also, parrots are involved.

My Thoughts:

Kindness, Second Chances, & Found Family

Although the story is gritty and dramatic in places, the loveliest part of this multilayered and compelling story involves kindness, second chances, and found family. My favorite themes! The characters are dynamic, realistic, and likable. They each have a growth arc.

Alternating Perspectives

We are treated to three alternating perspectives in this story: Hariet’s, Violet’s, and Frank’s. I loved each one. Harriet is an ardent reader and strives to make a difference in the lives of women inmates. Violet makes an unfortunate choice that has severe consequences. Can she turn her life around? Frank is lonely and at loose ends. He needs to be needed and appreciated. Even though the story is character-driven, it’s balanced by a page-turning plot.

Parrots

If you love parrots, you might find the inclusion of parrots especially interesting! The parrots who live in a scientific research lab add some light-hearted moments.

Content Consideration: drunk driving, prison, toxic relationships, age-gap affair, infidelity, profanity (one character)

Recommending How to Read a Book

How to Read a Book is a memorable and unique story recommended for fans of multilayered stories from multiple points of view and poignant themes. It would make an interesting and discussable book club selection.

Related: You might enjoy One-In-A-Million Boy from the same author.

My Rating:  4.5  Stars

Meet the Author of How to Read a Book, Monica Wood

Monica Wood is an American novelist, memoirist, and playwright. She grew up in Mexico, Maine. In 2024, she was the commencement speaker at University of Maine at Farmington’s graduation.

---

---

QOTD:

Does this title intrigue you or is it on your TBR?

---

---

Happy Book Lover’s Day Bibliophiles!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

---

---

Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter/X
Blue Sky
Instagram (Threads link in bio)
Goodreads and StoryGraph
Pinterest
Reading Ladies Book Club on Facebook

---

---