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

"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

What a gift. Such an emotionally intelligent read. The story is plausible yet complicated as many families,and relationships are. So grateful to have read this. I rate this book a 9 out of 10, wondering why it doesn’t earn that one last rating… I fault it to my own impatience, the book starts to grip me at page 56 or at this chapter and maybe it is the “ordinariness” of the characters but it has a true commitment to its characters and richness in describing love. Great read!