58 pages • 1 hour read
Hello Beautiful
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1970s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano follows William Waters, a lonely child whose sister's death leaves his parents emotionally withdrawn, leading to his own struggles with depression. He finds solace in basketball and later meets Julia Padavano, whose vibrant family becomes intertwined with his life. After he suffers a career-ending injury, their lives face dramatic changes, ultimately leading to familial reconnection and personal redemption. The novel contains discussions of mental illness and death by suicide.
Emotional
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ann Napolitano's Hello Beautiful masterfully explores complex family dynamics and emotional resilience. Critics praise its rich character development and engaging narrative style. However, some find it overly sentimental and predictable. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of human relationships.
Who Should Read Hello Beautiful?
A reader who enjoys Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano is likely to appreciate intricate family dynamics, emotional depth, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere will be drawn to the complex relationships and rich storytelling found in Napolitano's work.
Julia Padavano
Julia Padavano
The eldest Padavano sibling, known for her independence and problem-solving skills. She marries William but raises their daughter, Alice, on her own after their estrangement.
Sylvie Padavano
Sylvie Padavano
A book-loving sister who seeks deep philosophical understanding. Sylvie's romantic interest in William and her terminal illness play significant roles in the story.
Cecelia Padavano
Cecelia Padavano
An artistic sister who becomes a strong, independent woman and single mother. She pursues her passion for art and serves as an inspiration to her siblings.
Emeline Padavano
Emeline Padavano
The nurturing sister who dreams of having children. Emeline's journey includes coming out as a lesbian and achieving her dream of motherhood through fostering.
Alice Padavano
Alice Padavano
The daughter of William and Julia, raised in New York City. Tall like her father, Alice seeks connection with him and discovers a broader family love in the process.
400
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1970s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.