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Within Arm's Reach
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
9 posts | 10 read | 6 to read
No one in my mothers family ever talks about anything that can be categorized as unpleasant or as having to do with emotions, and, as a result, they no longer have anything to say. For them its not a matter of keeping secrets; its a matter of being polite, mannerly, and tough. The McLaughlins couldnt spill their woes or ask for help even if they wanted to, because they dont have the vocabulary. They are stranded within themselves, convinced that the only way is to silently persevere. Within Arms Reach follows three generations of an Irish-American Catholic family who are jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy. This lyrical first novel is told through six different points of view, including those of the unmarried, pregnant Gracie, a local advice columnist; and her grandmother, the matriarch, who is struggling with her commitments to both the living and the dead. Within Arms Reach is a poignant reminder of how interconnected our lives are with those we love, how much more we inherit than wills decree, and how the ghosts of our ancestors walk by our sides every day. Ann Napolitano artfully paints a riveting portrait of a family in crisis, depicting how the ties that bind us so closely to one another are often the ones that cause us the most pain. As the McLaughlins respond to the unplanned and profound change in Gracies life, their own memories and personal stories begin to emerge. In the end, Napolitano creates a family quilt of sorts, each persons life and actions closely woven throughout the fabric of the past, present, and future. Within Arms Reach is a rich and deeply satisfying narrative of guilt, love, betrayal, and the ultimate loyaltythat of blood. From the Hardcover edition.
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quote
BittersweetBooks
BittersweetBooks
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image

Nobody needs to live alone. You‘re just more comfortable that way. A little discomfort might do you good 🛋️

ManyWordsLater Is that a quote from the book? I love it. 1mo
BittersweetBooks @ManyWordsLater yes, it is! Instead of doing book reviews on this app, I highlight my favorite quote(s) from each book. I love going back and reading them over time. 1mo
25 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
MysticFaerie
MysticFaerie
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image
Pickpick

4⭐️/5⭐️

9 likes
review
Kboltz
Kboltz
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image
Pickpick

I keep reading Ann Napolitano and the books just keep getting better. This is her first book that failed and I give it 5 stars! An Irish Catholic family, loss, the result of Catholic guilt and how women kept quiet in the past. Loved it. Her and Kristin Hannah are my go to authors.

6 likes
review
Amor4Libros
Amor4Libros
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image
Bailedbailed

This was just not doing it for me. I kept putting it down and forgetting about it and then did not even remember what I had read previously when I went back to it.

MysticFaerie Oh no... was really looking forward to this one. Hope I have better luck. Sorry it was a no go for you. 🫤 4mo
MysticFaerie Oh no... was really looking forward to this one. Hope I have better luck. Sorry it was a no go for you. 🫤 4mo
Amor4Libros @MysticFaerie Hopefully it will go better for you. I think she‘s a great writer, I LOVED Hello, Beautiful and a lot of people here seemed to like this one 😊 Looking forward to your review when you get to it 4mo
44 likes3 comments
blurb
Amor4Libros
Amor4Libros
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image

Been reading this for a couple of weeks and have not gotten very far. I find myself forgetting about the book entirely, which is never a good sign…

39 likes
review
robinb
robinb
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image
Pickpick

I loved Hello Beautiful and liked this one as well, just not as much. (4/5⭐️)

My review is longer than usual so I‘m leaving my GR link below for anyone interested.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6172713059

51 likes
review
Hooked_on_books
Hooked_on_books
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
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Pickpick

I‘m thrilled by Napolitano‘s recent success, as I think she‘s great. As a result, her debut is back in print. It follows a family, the women in particular, as they try to navigate life and end up making some bad decisions. I liked this, but by the end my attention was waning and I feel like it could have been trimmed up a bit. Low pick.

BarbaraBB I wasn‘t a fan of Dear Edward but loved Hello Beautiful. Can‘t wait to see what she‘ll write next. (edited) 7mo
52 likes1 comment
review
marleed
marleed
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
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Pickpick

I saw Ann‘s 20-yo first and out-of-print book was being republished following the success of her last two books so I had to check-it-out (literally 🤣). I was expecting to be curious about her progression in storytelling even if underwhelmed with the writing or a feeling the story was dated. But honestly, I forgot all about my preconceptions and just enjoyed this family drama.

72 likes2 stack adds
review
TorieStorieS
TorieStorieS
Within Arm's Reach: A Novel | Ann Napolitano
post image
Pickpick

Twenty years since Napolitano‘s debut novel came out, it‘s being re-issued at the end of April. I appreciated the author‘s note letting us know how personal the characters truly are & I enjoyed watching this family story unfold. Set in New Jersey, the McLaughlin family knows plenty of loss. But an unexpected pregnancy changes them all as they regard their pasts & present lives. Through multiple perspectives, it‘s sure to start lively discussion!

47 likes1 stack add