by Ann Napolitano (Downloadable Audio)
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2023 so far. Hello Beautiful gives all the feels of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, but is a more contemporary novel written for modern concerns.
Although the focus of the book is
about a family of four sisters, the book begins with the perspective of one of
the main male characters, William Waters. William lives a very solitary life,
as his parents cannot cope with the loss of his newborn sister. He eventually
turns to basketball in high school and college to give his life meaning. But
then his freshman year in college he meets Julia Padavano. She is the oldest of
four sisters. In her family he finds love and a warm and welcoming home like he
has never experienced before.
Once William meets Julia, the book
is often narrated by Julia and her three sisters. Julia is smart and driven.
Sylvie is a book worm, working at the library and waiting for a great romance.
Cecilia is the artist, but her wild spirit causes her to make risky choices,
becoming a teenage mother. Cecilia’s twin Emeline is happiest taking care of
children and her family.
In the beginning, the sisters seem
inseparable. But thrown into a world where depression and mental illness,
divorce, and sexual orientation cause divisions, their family could be torn
apart. Can love overcome a perceived wrong, even if it seems unforgivable?
Ultimately the book causes a person
to think: who do we think we are? Or who do we think we have to be? One theme I
carried from the book relates to the Padavano father, Charlie, who often spoke
the phrase “Hello Beautiful” to his family members. He was a poet and a dreamer
and did not have fame or fortune, which is hard-working wife lamented. But the
author reveals that Charlie’s life was rich from the kindness and caring he
showed towards everyone around him. He was fondly remembered by everyone whose
life he touched. Perhaps, I suppose, it’s not about who we think we are, but
who we are to the people around us.
(If you enjoy this, you may also
wish to try Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano or Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.)
( official Ann Napolitano
web site )
Recommended
by Cindy K.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service
Have you read or listened to
this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?
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