“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.” —W. Somerset Maugham
I know it’s our nation’s birthday, which is, of course, cause for celebration. But I’m still lamenting the fact that Rae and I were in the same zip code yesterday and we couldn’t get together. Work has taken over our days. Tired has taken over our bones. It ain’t right. Our charmed lives have fallen, and they can’t get up. Thankfully, we’ve constructed a refuge from the occasional miseries of work—a refuge in books. Fabulous books.
Hello Beautiful is a fabulous book. In fact, guilt washed over me this week when I read “The 20 Best Books of 2023 So Far, According to Amazon’s Book Editors” because Hello Beautiful was ranked number 1—and I read it over a month ago. I should have told you sooner. (But work has taken over my life.) I should have told you sooner about Ann Napolitano’s intimate story that focuses on four close-knit American-Italian sisters. Their warm family orbit is as quirky as it is lovely. And their unique familial bond appears to be invincible. When relationships begin to rupture and estrangement ensues, Napolitano seizes the moment (and our hearts) to teach us about the power of interconnectedness and learning to love each other for who we are. Having read Dear Edward and now Hello Beautiful, I’m inclined to agree with the reviewer who said, “I feel Ann Napolitano is one of the best literary fiction writers out there today. Her novels are so moving, vivid and truly capture the essence of humanity.” Thanks Ann, for refuge when I’ve needed it most.
P.S. I almost fell off my seat when I listened to Napolitano’s acknowledgements. Because one of her main characters is a basketball player, it makes perfect sense that she recognizes sources like the history of basketball. When she said—and I quote—“Nothing makes me happier than sitting on my couch with my husband and two sons to watch a Golden State Warriors game,” my heart leapt. Then she followed with “I would like to thank Steph Curry for the joy with which he plays”; I nearly lost my mind. I’ve got three words for you Napolitano: Hey, Soul Sister.