Printable Book Club Questions for Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Hello Beautiful is a homage to Little Women. What are your thoughts about homage storytelling? Were you a fan of Little Women prior to reading this novel?
While the novel is very much focused on the four sisters—especially Julia and Sylvie—the story starts off with William’s tragic past. Why was it important to focus on William in the beginning?
Let’s talk about the four sisters and their different personalities. Do you feel you’re similar to any of the sisters? And if you come from a family of sisters—how is your family dynamic compared to the ones displayed in the novel?
What drew Julia and William to one another?
Sylvie is very much a dreamer. In what ways was Sylvie similar to their father?
Julia is very focused and has her life all mapped out and even picks out a career for William. After dealing with a hard background, William is grateful he’s no longer alone. Why were these two not a fit in the end?
Do you think William ever did love Julia or was it more about being welcomed in by her family?
In what ways did William’s traumatic upbringing impact him and his relationships?
William has been working on a book and when Julia reads it, she’s horrified. Instead of finding a polished, studious effort: it really showcase William’s insecurities and feeling lost. How did reading this book change Julia’s opinion about William?
And on the same note, why did Sylvie feel a connection with William after she read his book?
When he finds out he’s going to be a father, he’s not thrilled and doesn’t seem to put much effort when Alice is born. After his lies catch up with him, William leaves Julia and his daughter Alice and tries to commit suicide. The basketball team and Sylvie end up rescuing him. What were your thoughts as this all unfolded?
Why did William give up custody to his daughter?
Julia is completely done with William and even tells Alice that her father died. Do you understand why Julia lied about William or do you think she should have told her the truth?
The sisters have a fierce bond. But once Sylvie falls for William—everything changes. What were your thoughts about Sylvie and William? Do you think Sylvie was in the wrong or was it undeniable true love between the two of them?
Julia feels betrayed and pretty much cuts off all communication with all her sisters. And as a result, Alice has no relationship with them or her cousin. Why did Julia cut ties with everyone? What would you have done if you were Julia?
William is not in Alice’s life but she ends up looking more like him—even has his similar height. And her personality seems to align a bit more with William as well as she does struggle a bit socially. How did the absence of family impact both Alice and Julia?
It’s eventually revealed that Sylvie has terminal cancer. Let’s talk about the eventual reunion with her and Julia.
How will Sylvie’s passing change the family for good?
Alice arrives to Chicago in hopes to meet with William. It takes a while but they finally talk. What did you think about their reunion? Will William remain a figure in Alice’s life?
It’s eventually revealed that William’s cold shoulder to Alice was from deep-rooted insecurity—he truly thought she was better off without him. What were your thoughts about this? Do you think William is ready to finally move forward and leave the past behind?
What happens next for the characters?