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How to Read a Book
- Author
- Monica Wood
- Narrator
- Eileen Stevens
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date
- 12 February 2026
- Run Time
- 10 hours 18 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
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What to expect
When Violet Powell is newly released from prison after killing someone in a drink-driving crash, she longs for a chance to start over.
Harriet Larson believes stories can light a way through the loneliest chapters. Now she must hold onto that belief more than ever.
Frank Daigle works as a handyman in the bookshop. His quiet grief connects them in ways none of them anticipated.
As their lives intertwine among the bookshelves, small acts of kindness open the door to healing. Can forgiveness grow where it’s least expected?
"A reminder that goodness, and books, can still win in this world." New York Times Book Review
"A deeply humane and touching novel; highly recommended for book clubs and fans of Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures." Booklist
"Incandescent and unforgettable." Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You and Pictures of You
"What a master of plot and character Monica Wood is. I love the various worlds How to Read a Book took me to" Margot Livesey, New York Times bestselling author of The Boy in the Field and The Flight of Gemma Hardy
Critics Review
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"An utter gem; funny, sweet, and moving." People
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"I laughed and wept my way straight through …” Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Euphoria and Writers
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"Gorgeously told … A finely wrought story, with deeply memorable characters.” Kirkus Reviews
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“A wry, hopeful celebration of literature, unlikely friendships, and the power of small gestures of connection." Shelf Awareness
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"What a master of plot and character Monica Wood is. I love the various worlds How to Read a Book took me to" Margot Livesey, New York Times bestselling author of The Boy in the Field and The Flight of Gemma Hardy
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“incandescent and unforgettable." Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You and Pictures of You
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Details
- Author
- Monica Wood
- Narrator
- Eileen Stevens
- Duration
- 10 hours 18 minutes
- Release Date
- 12 February 2026
- ISBN
- 9780008831714
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Genre
- Narrative theme: death, grief, loss, Romance: unlikely or unexpected lovers, Family life fiction / Stories about family, Narrative theme: love / relationships, Modern and contemporary fiction: literary and general, Humorous fiction, Contemporary lifestyle fiction
Synopsis
The runaway international word-of-mouth bestseller – an uplifting and heartfelt novel, perfect for fans of The Correspondent "A beautiful, big-hearted treasure of a novel." Lily King One bookshop. A thousand ways to rewrite a life. When Violet Powell is newly released from prison after killing someone in a drink-driving crash, she longs for a chance to start over. Harriet Larson believes stories can light a way through the loneliest chapters. Now she must hold onto that belief more than ever. Frank Daigle works as a handyman in the bookshop. His quiet grief connects them in ways none of them anticipated. As their lives intertwine among the bookshelves, small acts of kindness open the door to healing. Can forgiveness grow where it’s least expected? "A reminder that goodness, and books, can still win in this world." New York Times Book Review "A deeply humane and touching novel; highly recommended for book clubs and fans of Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures." Booklist "Incandescent and unforgettable." Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You and Pictures of You "What a master of plot and character Monica Wood is. I love the various worlds How to Read a Book took me to" Margot Livesey, New York Times bestselling author of The Boy in the Field and The Flight of Gemma Hardy
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