Hello Beautiful

A Novel

By: Ann Napolitano

Narrated by: Maura Tierney

Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • MORE THAN ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! From the author of Dear Edward comes a “powerfully affecting” (People) family story that asks: Can love make a broken person whole?

“Another tender tearjerker . . . Napolitano chronicles life’s highs and lows with aching precision.”—The Washington Post

ONE OF THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, Time, Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Post, She Reads, Bookreporter

William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him—so when he meets the spirited and ambitious Julia Padavano in his freshman year of college, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. With Julia comes her family, as she and her three sisters are inseparable: Sylvie, the family’s dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book; Cecelia is a free-spirited artist; and Emeline patiently takes care of them all. With the Padavanos, William experiences a newfound contentment; every moment in their house is filled with loving chaos.

But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable devotion to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most?

An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

©2023 Ann Napolitano (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Radiant and brilliantly crafted . . . Napolitano’s [work] resists the easy satisfactions of the sentimental and never settles for simple answers to emotional predicaments faced by her characters.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

“This sumptuous family saga is one of those rare novels whose singular characters are so beautifully rendered, it’s as if they’re your best friends, and you’re grateful to be in their orbit.”—Oprah Quarterly

“Hello Beautiful will make you weep buckets because you come to care so deeply about the characters and their fates. . . . [Napolitano] compels us to contemplate the complex tapestry of family love that can, despite grief and loss, still knit us together. She helps us see ourselves—and each other—whole.”—The Washington Post

Excellent story

Loved the characters and was sorry when it ended. Maura Tierney’s narration takes a little getting used to, but became really pleasant after awhile.

The most beautiful novel I’ve read in many years!

I did not want this book to end. I wanted it to go on & on forever. I looked forward everyday to listen to Maura Tierney share the lives of the Pavano sisters & William & Alice & Kent & Charlie & Rose & Izzy. Such rich characters. Bravo Ann Napolitano on writing such a beautiful book!!!

One of the best books I’ve ever read

Good grief, the character development in this book should be used as a case study. Simple, clear writing for people who are anything but. Excellent story.

A book that keeps you coming back

I could have listened to this book straight through if time wasn’t an issue. The format of chapters being timeframes from the perspectives of the different characters really helped develop the story and keep things clear. The characters were all very likable. I was sad when this story ended.

Beautiful fan

Such a wonderful listen. Characters are all very memorable. I cried and laughed. Loved it!

I should have read it

Although this was an interesting story, too many of the characters were unlikeable and unforgiveable. Maura Tierney could be one of the least inspired narrators I have ever listened to. I do not recommend this audiobook.

Loved It!

A well written story of family and love! The narrator did an excellent job!

I loved this book!

After reading the deeply moving story, Dear Edward and watching the screen adaptation on Apple+ (which by the way, was phenomenal!) I was ready to read or I should say, listen to another Ann Napolitano book. She did not disappoint me with Hello Beautiful! As one of six sisters, with an alcoholic dad and a deeply religious mother, I could relate to each of the sisters, especially Julia. I understand the need to want to have control over one’s own life after such an upbringing.
I loved how Napolitano gave each of the voices rich character and she brought to life what it would have been like growing up in a working class, mostly Catholic neighborhood where everything centered around the church.
I also appreciated the different points of view that were explored and how some of the characters changed theirs after certain life events, some joyful and some tragic, made them realize they had to consider another’s perspective.
I cannot complete my review with mentioning the narration done by a very talented actor, Maura Tierney. She was superb!

Incredibly Poignant

Loved this story. So many emotional layers to these characters. Heartwarming, beautiful, sad and joyful. Did not want it to end.

Terrific story

A story of four sisters - I always wanted a sister and this book confirms that need.