Lake Oswego Reads has done it again. With their selection of How to Read a Book by Monica Wood, organizers have given us a timely book that uses fiction to get us to think about our current reality. A chance encounter at a bookstore brings together a retired English teacher, a former prisoner, and a handyman, leading to transformative relationships and the power of books to change lives.

Here are some reasons why you should read How to Read a Book.

The author also wrote The One-in-a-Million Boy which won several awards, including a finalist for Book of the Year by The World magazine .

It has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with 3,401 readers.

Goodreads gives it a 4.4 based on reviews from 20,550 readers.

Comments from Lake Oswego Selection Committee members perhaps give some of the most compelling reasons to pick up this story.

Andrew Edwards, Executive Director of the Lakewood Center for the Arts describes it as “A deceptively layered tale filled with thoughtful observations on how simple acts of kindness can powerfully impact our lives.”

“This book left me with a glow of love which I would wish the community to share,” explains steering committee member Cherie Dupuis. “But the book offered more than feelings—fascinating content about animal intelligence, the prison system, Spoon River Anthology, forgiveness and redemption.”

Definitely food for thought which will be cooked up by the programming the LO Reads has scheduled throughout the month of April. Here are a few highlights. Find a complete schedule online.

PORTLAND BOOKS THROUGH BARS. Hear speakers from this organization dedicated to combatting educational inequity for people who are incarcerated. Wednesday, April 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street.

HISTORY OF DRUNK DRIVING LAWS. Under pressure, Violet, one of the three main characters in How to Read a Book, drives under the influence and causes a crash that kills another driver. Convicted of manslaughter, Violet is sentenced to two years in prison but is released six months early on good behavior.

What would Violet’s story have been if her DUII crash had occurred in Portland, Oregon, rather than Portland, Maine? Two presenters, Lake Oswego attorney Peter Glazer and Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, will cover the history of drunk driving laws in Oregon and how prosecutions are handled these days. Thursday, April 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

LAKE OSWEGO READS CELEBRATION OF BOOKS. Listen to artist Melody Bush share her creative process in making the book sculptures on display all month in the upstairs area of the library. Her presentation (from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) will be followed by games, treats and a book swap. All participants of the swap will be eligible to win a one-of-a-kind book sculpture donated by Melody Bush. Saturday, April 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:000 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

ANATOMY OF A BOOK: ART CLASS.  LOPL librarian Alicia Yokoyama, along with Creativebug’s Jody Alexander, will introduce participants to the art of bookmaking, creating a finished book perfect for sketching, journaling or gifting. This free program is for ages 13+ and all materials are provided. Registration is required and limited to 10. Register by emailing loref@lakeoswego.city or calling 503.675.2540.  Sunday, April 6 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

LIVE MAN WALKING: WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE GUILTY? Join death row investigator and author Rene Denfeld as she discusses the devastating impact of mass incarceration in Oregon. How do we fix the damage that has been done and what do we do about people who break the law? Wednesday, April 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library 706 Fourth Street.

PRISON THEATRE SYMPOSIUM. Prison arts programs have been operating in Oregon prisons for over a decade. Join two providers and one former participant to learn of their transformative experiences as well as how theater can aid in the emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth of incarcerated populations. Sunday, April 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

LAKE OSWEGO READS AUTHOR PRESENTATION. Monica Wood will be here in person to discuss her book and answer questions from the community. Free tickets to hear her in person are available all month starting April 1 at the front desk of the Lake Oswego library. If you don’t have a ticket you can watch the event later on TVCTV television channels as well as on the Library’s YouTube channel. Thursday, May 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lakeridge High School Auditorium. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) 1235 Overlook Drive.

Enter the Lake Oswego Reads Passport drawing for a chance to win a gift basket donated by the Lake Oswego Library Advisory Board. Download the form online, indicating which activities you have completed and return to the library with your contact information.

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