How to Read a Book

Three strangers converge in a Portland bookstore, each carrying the weight of a devastating tragedy that connects them in ways they don't yet understand. Violet, a young woman recently released from prison after a drunk-driving accident that claimed a life, seeks solace in the novel she was reading behind bars. Frank, a retired machinist and widower, struggles to process the loss of his wife in that same accident. Harriet, a former English teacher who led the prison book club, faces her own crossroads as she navigates retirement and an empty nest. As their paths intertwine through literature and unexpected encounters, each must confront guilt, forgiveness, and the possibility of healing.

Eileen Stevens delivers a nuanced performance that captures the distinct voices and emotional landscapes of Wood's complex characters. Her portrayal of Violet's tentative hope, Frank's quiet grief, and Harriet's compassionate wisdom creates an intimate listening experience that draws audiences deep into their interconnected stories. Stevens' measured pacing allows the weight of difficult conversations to resonate while maintaining the book's underlying current of hope. The audio format particularly enhances the story's exploration of how books and reading create connection, as Stevens' expressive narration embodies the transformative power of storytelling that lies at the novel's heart.