This story is about how books can bring together people that maybe you would never think could become friends.  Mukesh is a widower who is not really a reader.  He enjoyed watching his wife read but never really got into it himself. Aleisha is a young college student who has a summer job at the local library.  She is not an avid reader other than what is needed for school.  She helps take care of her mentally ill mother with her brother during her off time.  Aleisha finds a list of books recommended "in case you need it" and she and Mukesh start off on an adventure of discovering books.  I like how each book brings out a spark in each.  Not just living through the characters but learning about themselves.  You don't have to be familiar with each book to understand the story but I think if you have read each one it brings so much more the emotion.  I have 2 to read and then I will come back and re-read this story.  The list you should read 1st to get the full love of the story - A Time Traveler's Wife (not on the list but important to the story), To Kill a Mockingbird, Rebecca, The Kite Runner, Life of Pi, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Beloved and A Suitable Boy.  Recommend (I am sure I will adjust by rating once I re-read)