Reviews with content warning for Suicide attempt - Hello Beautiful

Reviews tagging 'Suicide attempt'

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

437 reviews

clairebartholomew549's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book grew on me slowly until it became one of my favorites in recent memory. Ann Napolitano immediately takes us into the chaotic, loving, all-encompassing world of the Padavano siblings, and getting William's perspective right away allows us to understand how different William's upbringing is and sets the stage for his struggles and growth throughout the book. Although the book spans decades, it feels grounded, and it takes its time building out the emotions and key relationships and moments. I felt very moved by the sisters' bond and how they tried to stay together despite huge changes and obstacles. This book is loosely based on Little Women, and it gave me a lot of emotions as when I saw Greta Gerwig's rendition: filled to the brim with affection for the characters and their relationships, buoyed by the narrative's revelations about independence and love and family and mental health, and all together profoundly touched.

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kjlewis494's review against another edition

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God this was BORING. I knew it was an homage to Little Women when I started it and that was my fault. (I can’t stand Little Women). I’m apologizing to my book club for quitting this one. I just cannot believe how bored I was.

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bwblue's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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kabarranco's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I absolutely ADORED this book. This is a beautifully written novel about tough decisions, intergenerational resilience, trauma, and healing. Napolitano masterfully brings her characters to life, and what truly stands out is how she makes you root for them—even when you hate their choices in the moment. The empathy I felt for each character sort of stunned me. The complexity of their struggles and the way the story explores both the damage and strength passed between generations is profoundly moving — I’m a sucker for an intergenerational trauma, resilience, and healing.

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