Within Arm's Reach

A Novel

By: Ann Napolitano

Narrated by: Ray Porter, Marin Ireland, Gilli Messer, Kimberly Farr, Cassandra Campbell, Brittany Pressley, Ann Napolitano

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The tender and perceptive debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful, about three generations of a large Catholic family jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy

“This stunning . . . exquisite, skillfully written gem addresses serious issues–e.g., guilt vs. loyalty, the past vs. the present—[but] remains hopeful and includes ample doses of humor and wit.”—Library Journal (starred review)

No one in my mother’s family ever talks about anything that can be categorized as unpleasant or as having to do with emotions. . . .

This spellbinding novel by bestselling author Ann Napolitano is a poignant reminder of how connected we are to those we love, even when we cannot find the words to say it. The unforgettable story of three generations of an Irish American family, Within Arm’s Reach is another rich and deeply satisfying novel from the author who captured the many dimensions of grief in Dear Edward and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood in Hello Beautiful.

©2024 Ann Napolitano (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Napolitano writes with beauty and power, skillfully bringing her characters within arms’s reach until your heart is taken and this family becomes your own. This novel is a must-read for any book group.”—Hannah Tinti, author of Animal Crackers

“Napolitano has created a fascinating family in crisis. . . . Successfully skirting melodrama, [she] gives us a family drama that says even the most contentious can find a bit of happiness.”—Hartford Courant

“As if we are friends she brought home for the holidays, Ann Napolitano plops us onto the living room sofa of a big family with big problems and gives us an intimate view of what goes on behind closed doors. Within Arm’s Reach is a deft, vivacious novel whose author compels us to stay seated until the very last word.”—Helen Ellis, author of Eating the Cheshire Cat

Interesting story from multiple perspectives

I always love books that tell the story, but from multiple characters perspectives. Because isn’t that just how life is? I would have liked to deal a little deeper into some of the characters personalities, but all in all I enjoyed this book and listen to it from start to finish within two days on and off.
I do have to say, I struggled with the narrator of Catherine’s character, Kimberly Fararr, as she always sounds like she’s reading some thing at half speed, instead of inhabiting the character. It drives me crazy every time she is included in book narration. Otherwise, everyone did a stellar job, particularly Ray Porter.

I loved these women!

Strong family. Loads of love loss and miracles in this wonderful novel. I’m glad I got to read it.

Not impressed nor moved

I love Ann Napolitano and her writing style and read all of her books at this point. Sadly, as much as I wanted to love or, at least, like this one, I didn’t. It was underwhelming and, at times, boring and anticlimactic. I’m happy, however, that the author continued to work on her craft and created more beautiful work over the years, Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful.

The love and need for family

The four letter language. I have never been a fan of it. However when used rarely, it makes a point.

Multigenerational masterpiece!

Love family sagas! This author never fails and the readers were amazing! Not difficult at all to keep up with the multiple characters and they were all well developed.

Family Complexities

Good story. Complicated relationships as in all families. Family time line was very useful in keeping up with who was who.

Louis was the only character I liked.

Kelly was whiny, not a good person. None of her children or grandchildren were very nice people. Strange family dynamic.

Character development and growth

This booked Pulled me in and held me. A real connection to how complex families are!!

Early Ann Napolitano read

I am a big fan of Ann Napolitano. I picked this up without realizing it was an early work of hers.
I did enjoy the book, but the the lead characters and story line are not as well developed as in her later novels.
Interesting topics were marginally explored, descriptive writing a bit overboard at points.
The book did keep my attention to the end partially due to excellent narration.

Family & Love

Growing up, growing apart and tons of family issues in between. Loved the characters and the interaction among them and the people in thar community.