Reviews

Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano

bookofcinz's review against another edition

dark emotional medium-paced

2.5

Having read and loved Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful, I was so excited to read this book. I have to say, I was underwhelmed. I couldn't relate to all the characters and at certain points I didnt want to. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and the book felt all over the place. 

This didnt work for me. 

vlaniganfoffimreading's review against another edition

4.0

Ann Napolitano is the author of one of my all time favorite books, Dear Edward. When I saw her debut novel was being re-released I jumped at the opportunity to read it.

.

Her writing is simply stunning. She knows how to write a story and she can write a family saga like no other. This book was worth revisiting.

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Thank you #dialpress and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 

woahshereads's review against another edition

challenging emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 In the early stages of this book I initially thought that I would enjoy this book more than Hello Beautiful and I was shocked to realize this was Ann's debut novel that had since gone out of print. After her success with HB, her publisher had decided to re-release the book with an updated cover.

Within Arms Reach follows three generations of an Irish American family with themes ranging from rebellion, sexuality, tradition & religion and, largely, loss of connectivity, especially within the familial structure, webbed between it all. This book was messy as real life is but I just wasn't engaged enough nor connected with the characters story developments.

The synopsis and description of the book states this family is "..jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy" however; the majority of the family does not find out about the pregnancy until like 85% of the way through. AND because each character had such a dense sublot that wasn't touched on as much, I felt the reaction I was anticipating wasn't as strong either. The book just kind of ends with them accepting the pregnancy but never moves beyond that so we don't get to see any of the other characters grow or development beyond this "crisis".

Overall, I was left with too many questions left unanswered and found myself wanting more than the book gave me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the advance reader copy of this book! 

heatherd's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

After the success of Napolitano's two most recent novels, her publisher decided to re-release this, her first book, twenty years after its original publication date. While the novel is very well-written and pretty impressive for a first novel, after reading Hello Beautiful, I would say that Napolitano has improved in her writing immensely since writing Within Arm's Reach. I liked this book a lot while reading it, but having finished it, I have forgotten a lot about the characters and the plot. In contrast, I think about Hello Beautiful all the time and still remember the characters fondly, even though it's been quite some time since I read it. Having said that, I do think that I'll read the two books by this author that I haven't read yet, and look forward to whatever she writes next.

nataliebonetti's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

readwithvicky's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I love the way Ann Napolitano writes about family. Her stories differ from my personal experiences but the soul of what she writes feels so familiar. This book follows the Mclaughlin family from the perspective of several family members. The characters are working through each of their flaws while also experiencing the complexities of family life, as their matriarch, Catherine, nears the end of her life. It’s a beautiful story but also very raw and sometimes dark as it touches on themes of death and grief. I loved Hello Beautiful and I loved Within Arms Reach all the same! 4.5 ⭐️ 

bdholloway256's review against another edition

fast-paced

5.0

 

I will accept no criticism for Ann Napolitano!! She can do wrong & Within Arm’s Reach is yet another example of her brilliant talent.  Her writing style is very unique and she has the ability to hook you from the first page. I loved the multiple POV, family drama aspect of this book. Family secrets, drama, heartbreak, and so much dysfunction- yes yes yes!!! Within Arm’s Reachl is brilliant!! 

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group-Random House for an ARC copy of this book.

 

mindi1083's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

carolinebrooks's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

toriestories06's review against another edition

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0