A Little Hope

A Novel

By: Ethan Joella

Narrated by: Shaun Taylor-Corbett

A Read with Jenna Bonus Selection

An “immersive…illuminating” (Booklist) and life-affirming novel following the residents of an idyllic Connecticut town over the course of a year, A Little Hope explores the intertwining lives of a dozen neighbors as they confront everyday desires and fears: a lost love, a stalled career, an illness, and a betrayal.

Freddie and Greg Tyler seem to have it all: a comfortable home, a beautiful young daughter, a bond that feels unbreakable. But when Greg is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, the sense of certainty they once knew evaporates. Throughout their town, friends and neighbors face the most difficult of life’s challenges and are figuring out how to survive thanks to love, grace, and hope.

“A quietly powerful portrait of small-town life…told with wisdom and tenderness” (Mary Beth Keane, author of Ask Again, Yes) A Little Hope is a deeply resonant debut that immerses the reader in a community and celebrates the importance of small moments of connection.

Critic reviews

"Author Joella creates characters who love, hate, and mourn with a depth that Taylor–Corbett's performance mirrors. Ultimately life-affirming and uplifting, Taylor–Corbett’s delivery allows a hopeful tone to enter the story's last stages, which are characterized by both heartbreak and affirmation. There are times when A LITTLE HOPE is all we can ask for and — as depicted by Joella and aided by narrator Taylor–Corbett — is all we need."

Good Grief

Do not read this book unless you are grieving and want a book to commiserate. I read Ethan Joella’s second book “A Quiet Place” and felt it had many redeeming qualities which prompted me to buy and read this book. The writing quality is excellent, hard to keep up with all the characters but the ending was very good and the only thing that made this book more than miserable.

Not the best or the worst I’ve ever read

The character development is so-so. The story does jump around a little, the performance is good and the plot is interesting enough. I wouldn’t say this book is outstanding, there is a feeling of never really lifting off, but it’s an okay read.

Good book to give you some hope

I liked that this story revolved around various characters. I did have to pay close attention though or else I would get lost. It follows the lives of several people that live in a small town and their lives intersect.

The accuracy of the grief experienced by the characters.

I loved the entire story. Ethan is an incredibly talented writer. The character development was perfect. I’m looking forward to reading his next book.

Outstanding!

This book touches upon the day to day lives of people in a small Connecticut town. They are all intertwined in a beautiful way. It is peppered with ups and downs but somehow always has a thread of hope!