ellieamongthestars 's review for:

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

4.5

dark hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I picked this book up on a whim (partly because I’d seen it recommended on various book websites and on Instagram pages), and I’m so glad it became my first read of the new year. It moved me deeply and has stayed with me-- I’m still thinking about it almost a month later. Napolitano masterfully tackles tough subjects with both the sensitivity they deserve and sharp realism that makes the character feel vividly alive, as if they were a real family, and I’m being told a history. I connected deeply with every character, which made me love and hate them even more with each decision they made. This book gave me a greater understanding of people as a whole. Few books have had such a lasting impact on me, but Hello Beautiful is a truly remarkable example of storytelling.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment

Moderate: Homophobia