A review by inked_in_pages
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What did you think of the novel overall? 
I absolutely loved this novel. It is a devastatingly beautiful book that was perfect for my family drama and generational story loving heart. Napolatino manages to cover almost 50 years of one family's battles with status quo, mental health and codependency with ease and in a way that is completely captivating to the reader.  The mental health representation highlighted the many ways depression and anxiety can show up in a persons life and it was done tastefully without overdoing it. 

Was there anything challenging about the novel? Surprising?
 I loved, and was surprised, that there were so many odes to Louisa May Alcott's little women and the beloved March sisters, it almost read like a retelling at times.  The novel itself is slow paced but there are so many nuances and perspectives that it feels like it moves quickly at times. 

Was there anything you didn't like? Or anything for readers to know before they read it?
  This is not a fast paced novel, it is one that is meant to be read slowly and with no end point in mind. I loved that aspect of the book but recognize that it's not everyone's cup of tea. 

Who would you recommend it to? Hello Beautiful is the perfect read for anyone who is looking to immerse themselves in a character's life and feel the character's feelings alongside them. It's a character driven, slow paced, family drama that will be the a great read for anyone who loves dynamic family stories. Perfect for lovers of The Dutch House and fans of Little Women. 
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