Take a photo of a barcode or cover
leahgustafson 's review for:
Hello Beautiful
by Ann Napolitano
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was drawn to this both as a Little Women retelling and for the complexity of the characters and family dynamics. This is more loosely based on Little Women than I was expecting, though I did really enjoy the references to reading, books, and the sisters’ discussion of Little Women throughout the story. I might have gone into this one with my expectations a little too high, but all in all, I think this one is a solid four stars.
•
Initially I was a little put off by Sylvie and William’s relationship. When processing it further, though, this is actually a key component of the traditional Little Women storyline. This relationship also grew on me as time went on, and I really appreciate the honesty and authenticity of it. Its imperfections and complexity mirror real life.
•
I really enjoyed the nonconventional nuances about the sisters’ daily lives. It’s a great commentary on building a life that you love, one that serves you, and allows you to be your authentic self. Julia, who lives in direct contrast of this, is extremely unhappy despite her outward indicators of living a “successful” life.
•
Ann Napolitano is a very talented writer. I think her prose are absolutely beautiful, and I love how she writes Charlie in such away that even though he is dead for ninety percent of the book, he still feels like an active, living character throughout the entire story. Part of me does question how neat and tidy the ending is, though I’m mostly okay with it.
•
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
•
Initially I was a little put off by Sylvie and William’s relationship. When processing it further, though, this is actually a key component of the traditional Little Women storyline. This relationship also grew on me as time went on, and I really appreciate the honesty and authenticity of it. Its imperfections and complexity mirror real life.
•
I really enjoyed the nonconventional nuances about the sisters’ daily lives. It’s a great commentary on building a life that you love, one that serves you, and allows you to be your authentic self. Julia, who lives in direct contrast of this, is extremely unhappy despite her outward indicators of living a “successful” life.
•
Ann Napolitano is a very talented writer. I think her prose are absolutely beautiful, and I love how she writes Charlie in such away that even though he is dead for ninety percent of the book, he still feels like an active, living character throughout the entire story. Part of me does question how neat and tidy the ending is, though I’m mostly okay with it.
•
Check out what I'm reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent