Hello Beautiful (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

thenextgoodbook.com

What’s it about?

The four Padavanos sisters (Julia, Sylvie, Cecelia and Emaline) grow up in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago with a fierce mother and a loving father. The sisters all have their specific roles in the family and these roles often drive their behavior. They also have a deep love for each other. When the oldest sister, Julia, meets William Waters on the campus of Northwestern University the family welcomes him as their own. But when darkness surfaces in William’s life a rift will emerge that will change the family.

What did it make me think about?

Family- the beauty, messiness, and love that most families share.

Should I read it?

I enjoyed the whole reading experience of this book. I was so sorry to turn the last page and have to put it down. This book will especially appeal to those who have loved “Little Women” in the past. Ann Napolitano has written about family and sisterhood in a way that would make Louis May Alcott proud. Whether we like it or not- our families shape us…

Quote-

“Her family was a mirror in which she recognized her reflection.”

"Hello Beautiful" is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, focusing on relationship challenges and how individuals cope. The story revolves around the four Padavona sisters, who grew up in a Catholic household. Their mother instilled a deep respect for saints, while their father, an idealistic dreamer, struggled to provide financial stability. Another key character, William Waters, came from a loveless home and found solace in basketball, eventually earning a scholarship that took him away from his troubled past. When William meets Julia Padavona, one of the sisters, she views him as a potential project, envisioning him as her ideal partner. The narrative spans several years, capturing the ups and downs of family life, filled with drama, humour, and emotional moments that resonate deeply. The writing flows smoothly, and while some characters may frustrate the reader with their choices, this complexity adds to the story's intrigue. The bond between the sisters is particularly captivating, providing insight into relationships unfamiliar to the narrator, who does not have sisters. The book thoughtfully addresses various themes, although it takes some time to engage fully, and a few characters feel less memorable, slightly diminishing the overall impact. Nonetheless, the journey of self-reflection, forgiveness, and familial love makes it a moving read.

** THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS***

I had a very difficult time getting into this book. I eventually had to DNF this one. I don't know is I was not in the right head space for it at this time, but I felt that the characters wallow in self pitty and I had enough after Julia started the whole..." I never needed you. Did you know that?" after she gave birth. I ended my journey of the book on page 134, so I did fairly give its time. Maybe this is one of those books that I can come back to and try again. I did see how others love this book and gave it a high rating. I just couldn't get there.

Book #59: Debbie's book choice, discussed via Zoom!

Interesting dynamics