Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

★★★★★

A book that pays homage to Little Women and references Michael Jordan. Yes, please! 

Hello Beautiful is a well-told family saga about the relationship between the four Padavano sisters and William Waters, a young man haunted by his upbringing. 

The book opens with William on the basketball court – the only place he’s ever felt at home until he meets Julia Padavano. Julia, the oldest of the sisters, has it all together. She’s always known what she’s wanted, and when she decides William is the one, her surety about their futures is enough for both of them.

“It was hard for me to accept the fact that we don’t choose who we love, because who you love changes everything.”

Ann Napolitano, Hello Beautiful

Julia’s sisters – Sylvie, the bookish one, Emeline, the caretaker, and Cecilia, the artist – all welcome William into their family. The story spans decades as William and the Padavano sisters experience love, loss, and health challenges.

I have a soft spot for books about siblings, which means I’ve read many over the years. I absolutely loved this one. Napolitano’s exquisite prose vividly brings the personalities and the connection between the sisters to life. 

Hello Beautiful is one I will not soon forget. In fact, it may have earned a spot on my list of favorite books of all time.