Hello Beautiful

A Novel

By: Ann Napolitano

Narrated by: Maura Tierney

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • MORE THAN ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! From the author of Dear Edward comes a “powerfully affecting” (People) family story that asks: Can love make a broken person whole?

“Another tender tearjerker . . . Napolitano chronicles life’s highs and lows with aching precision.”—The Washington Post

ONE OF THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, Time, Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Post, She Reads, Bookreporter

William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him—so when he meets the spirited and ambitious Julia Padavano in his freshman year of college, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. With Julia comes her family, as she and her three sisters are inseparable: Sylvie, the family’s dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book; Cecelia is a free-spirited artist; and Emeline patiently takes care of them all. With the Padavanos, William experiences a newfound contentment; every moment in their house is filled with loving chaos.

But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable devotion to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most?

An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

Couldn’t get past the monotone narration

Really couldn’t push past the monotone and emotionless narration. Not engaging at all. Almost as if the performance sucked the life out of whatever structure and flow this book had. Returned the audiobook and going to read paperback version instead.

Mixed Emotions about the Book

At first I didn’t like the narrator but then I realized that she fit the narrative. And then I realized I didn’t like the story. I mean I liked the story okay at times but I couldn’t put my finger on what it is about this book that is slaying people and eliciting 5 star reviews. Closer to the end I was choked with emotion at the story of Silvie but feel neutral about most parts of the book. I don’t know. I’m not sad I listened to it and it was a good story but also not a favorite for me.

Disappointed

An emotional story of a family with struggles, love, and loss. It’s ok. And while I admire Maura Tierney as an actor, she is not a good narrator. Her reading is very flat and she’s an odd choice for such a book as this. Her reading is monotone and emotionless and not performed or narrated in an engaging manner.

Wow. Just wow!

Bought the physical copy today- this will be a lifelong favorite!
Many other reviewers mention not
Liking the narrator/reader- I love her!

I didn’t want it to end!

I loved this story. I didn’t want it to end. I thought the narrator was perfect. I’ve enjoyed listening to this book.