Reviews with content warning for Child death - Hello Beautiful

Reviews tagging 'Child death'

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

95 reviews

peachy_gene's review against another edition

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reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.75

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tyras_bookshelf's review against another edition

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Wasn’t into the structure (3rd person POV, repetitive and seemingly unnecessary time sections) which made the story move really slowly for me. The audiobook kept me in partially interested while I was reading but I wasn’t excited to read when I put the book down.

I think the characters were written well as in they’re complicated with a range of motivations, but certainly not likable. I understand Julia’s coping with her lack of control and security in life but she was so manipulative and selfish. I understand William’s childhood severely damaged him but he was so meek and dishonest with himself.

I really struggled throughout the whole of what I read to reconcile the very real human emotions of grief and loss and anxiety and disappointment and entitlement that the characters are experiencing. To balance a very black-and-white perception of what is right and what is wrong; it was so frustrating and upsetting to be upset with these characters that are going through real stuff and have all of this baggage and all of these wounds they didn’t ask for, but also knowing that I hate them as people and I hate their choices and the things that they’ve let themselves attach to rather than doing the right thing.

I think that’s why I didn’t finish it. It’s very emotionally complicated.
It made me feel like maybe I need to examine my own emotional intelligence, but also let me revel in the feeling of being angry with someone for doing something that hurts you (or another character) is okay, even if you understand why they’re behaving that way. Both emotions can exist side-by-side.
Does that make sense?

Anyway, this wasn’t me.

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megreads12's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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desireejohnston's review against another edition

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5.0

DO NOT read this if you are in any sort emotional state!!! Make sure your life, family, parental, marriage relationships etc. are on solid healthy footing before you start this book. If you struggle with depression, I caution you. A strong chance this one will trigger you.

That said, this was the most raw and real thing I’ve ever read. Emotionally destroyed, but I couldn’t put it down. Usually I don’t love different POVs but this one was tasteful and no character seemed stronger than the other. Beautifully written about family life. Wow.

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annagerman's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Story was fine, writing was fine, narration was fine. but nothing really stood out. Some plot points felt melodramatic, others too mild. Overall I wasn't invested.
It lacked a sense of place and time - Chicago in the eighties could be a fascinating setting, but it didn't really play a role.

However I did find the portrayal of depression and mental health well done and honest. I liked the calm acceptance that the family showed, it was refreshing.

Maybe I'm not the audience for this types of stories - I like familal sagas and family drama, but not stories that focus too heavily on sisterhood. I felt a similar sense with the vanishing half. Maybe as an only child it just doesn't resonate with me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

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