Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano is a story about families. The plot is conveyed through different characters’ viewpoints over a lifetime. Each chapter progresses the timeframe.
William is an outsider. He’s a tall, quiet man who has been disconnected from his own parents his whole life. This is due to his older sister’s death when he was first born. Basketball has been his therapy. While in college, he meets Julia. She is one of four Padavano sisters, and they are extremely close.
William marries Julia and becomes part of the family. They have a daughter quickly and this is when William begins to unravel. His depression changes everything. He gives up rights to his daughter Alice. Julia moves to NYC with her. She breaks off all contact with her family after discovering that one of her sisters is in a relationship with William.
Years progress and we witness each character’s ups and downs until one sister’s brain tumor reunites everyone.
This book is beautifully written and captivating in its exploration of family dynamics over time. There is love, loss, change and acceptance. A top read!
Read, Review, Repeat 