Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Named among the best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, LibraryReads, The New York Times, Amazon, NPR, and others.

Hello Beautiful is an emotionally layered and engrossing family story that asks: Can love make a broken person whole? 

William Waters grew up isolated and unloved in a house silenced by tragedy — so when he meets the spirited and ambitious Julia Padavano in his freshman year at Northwestern, it’s as if the world has lit up around him. 

With Julia comes her tight-knit Chicago Italian family, including her three sisters: Sylvie is the dreamer, happiest with her nose in a book; Cecelia is a free-spirited artist; and Emeline patiently takes care of them all. With the Padavanos, William experiences a newfound contentment; every moment in their house is filled with loving chaos.

But then darkness from William’s past surfaces, jeopardizing not only Julia’s carefully orchestrated plans for their future, but the sisters’ unshakeable devotion to one another. The result is a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. Will the loyalty that once rooted them be strong enough to draw them back together when it matters most?

An exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, Hello Beautiful is a profoundly moving portrait of what is possible when we choose to love someone not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

About the Author

Ann Napolitano is the bestselling author of Hello Beautiful, which was selected as Oprah’s 100th Book Club pick; Dear Edward, an instant New York Times bestseller, a Read with Jenna selection, and an Apple TV+ series; A Good Hard Look, and Within Arm’s Reach. Napolitano was previously the associate editor of the literary magazine “One Story.” She holds an MFA from New York University and has taught writing at Brooklyn College, NYU, and Gotham Writers Workshop. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Learn more at annnapolitano.com.

Finale Event with Author ​Ann Napolitano

​Sunday, March 1, 1-2 pm • In-Person or Zoom
Stevenson High School
1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire

Celebrate the culmination of One Book One Community's 10th anniversary with novelist Ann Napolitano as she shares her inspiration and insights behind this year's selection, Hello Beautiful. Don't miss your chance to purchase a copy and have it signed at the event, courtesy of the Book Bin of Northbrook. 

The event is free and open to all. The in-person event is FULL, but you are still able to join online by registering below.

attend online