The perfect pick to really light a fire under my book club, and yours....A reminder that goodness, and books, can still win in this world." — New York Times Book Review "A beautiful, big-hearted treasure of a novel." —Lily King National Bestseller * From the award-winning author of The One-in-a-Million Boy comes a heartfelt, uplifting novel about a chance encounter at a bookstore, exploring redemption, unlikely friendships, and the life-changing power of sharing stories. Our Reasons meet us in the morning and whisper to us at night. Mine is an innocent, unsuspecting, eternally sixty-one-year-old woman named Lorraine Daigle… Violet Powell, a twenty-two-year-old from rural Abbott Falls, Maine, is being released from prison after serving twenty-two months for a drunk-driving crash that killed a local kindergarten teacher.

Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher who runs the prison book club, is facing the unsettling prospect of an empty nest. Frank Daigle, a retired machinist, hasn’t yet come to grips with the complications of his marriage to the woman Violet killed. When the three encounter each other one morning in a bookstore in Portland—Violet to buy the novel she was reading in the prison book club before her release, Harriet to choose the next title for the women who remain, and Frank to dispatch his duties as the store handyman—their lives begin to intersect in transformative ways.

How to Read a Book is an unsparingly honest and profoundly hopeful story about letting go of guilt, seizing second chances, and the power of books to change our lives. With the heart, wit, grace, and depth of understanding that has characterized her work, Monica Wood illuminates the decisions that define a life and the kindnesses that make life worth living. "A deeply humane and touching novel; highly recommended for book clubs and fans of Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures." — Booklist

In a world overflowing with words, How to Read a Book: A Novel invites readers to immerse themselves in an unprecedented exploration of the art of reading within the boundaries of fiction. This enchanting novel offers an introspective lens on the symbiotic relationship between reader and text. Seamlessly blending thought-provoking narratives with profound insights, this book crafts a space where stories are as much about the readers as the characters themselves.

It encourages a transformative experience, drawing you into its depths while leaving a lasting impression, which urges contemplation long after the last page is turned.

Reading is an active process involving connecting with the text on a deeper level. Every reader brings a unique perspective and background to their interpretation of a book. This novel emphasizes the transformative power of books to shape thoughts and perceptions.

How to Read a Book: A Novel offers a profound journey that delves deep into the relationship between readers and literature. It intertwines sophisticated storytelling with the philosophy of reading to challenge conventional narratives. Readers find themselves reevaluating the way they engage with and interpret books.

Through an intricate plot, the novel provocatively questions assumptions about comprehension and understanding. It presents reading not just as an activity, but as a lens through which life is artfully surveyed and dissected. This literary masterpiece constructs a vibrant tapestry where multiple layers of meaning converge in heartfelt dialogues.

Characters embody the human quest for knowledge and connection. Their journeys reflect our own pursuits of identity and understanding. As they traverse the lines between reality and fiction, readers are invited to embark on an odyssey of self-discovery alongside them.

The novel's unique narrative structure serves as a mirror reflecting our inner worlds and ultimate quests for truth. Seamlessly blending wit and wisdom, each chapter unveils a new dimension of what it means to truly engage with books. The result is a captivating exploration that prompts both soul-searching introspection and invigorating discussion.

Its stimulating prose is replete with nuances that encourage readers to ponder long after its eloquent finale.

This novel reimagines the conventional narrative offering an exploration into the art of reading transforming the reader's perception Its innovative storytelling blurs the lines between reality and fiction Through its intricate plot structure and multidimensional characters it presents a fresh perspective on the relationship between readers and texts Each interaction becomes a journey in itself rich in depth and understanding Captivating prose combined with philosophical introspection makes this book a compelling read It resonates with those who seek a more profound engagement urging both exploration and dialogue through its eloquential narrative.