I’m so glad I got approved to read the re-released first novel by Ann Napolitano! This was a novel about a large Irish Catholic family, told through the perspective of the matriarch/grandmother, mother & father, and daughters, Lila and Gracie. This book was such a beautiful exploration of family, expectations, religion, motherhood, relationships, and finding your place in the world.

I related to so many pieces of this story, and this novel had me reminiscing on my own childhood and my own (Slovakian) Catholic grandparents and the ways they had friction with generations that came after them. Napolitano does an amazing job of building characters that are flawed and sometimes angry with one another, but the thread that weaves this story together is love.

A really beautiful book!

3.5 ⭐️
This book was originally published twenty years ago & is being re-released given the author’s recent popularity. The writing & story gained momentum from a slow & unengaging start to an ending that is reminiscent of the author’s talent and is filled with memorable writing and thoughtful insights.
The new cover is a gorgeous improvement over the original.
Took a while for the title to resonate with me but ultimately found it quite fitting to reflect the characters' struggles and searching.
Told from five different characters voices, some of the endings seemed somewhat ambiguous but there is enough content included in their individual & collective stories that the reader is left with a sense of resolution.

With great thanks to NetGalley, Madison Dettlinger at Penguin Random House and Dial Press for this e-ARC!

My thanks to Random House Publishing and Dial Press for the opportunity to preview this book, “Within Arm’s Reach” by Ann Napolitano (reissue coming May 28, 2024).

This is another wonderful family saga from Ann Napolitano. Originally published in 2004, this was her first of four novels (the most recent being “Hello Beautiful”, one of my favorite books of 2023). I’m really glad to see that this one’s back in print!

The story revolves around the lives of three generations of the McLaughlins, an Irish-American family in New Jersey. The story is narrated through the voices of six different characters, including the family matriarch, one of her daughters, and two of her granddaughters. Each of the narrators has a different perspective, a different and engaging story to tell us. These narrative threads reveal the loves, griefs, loyalties, and betrayals that have led to the family’s grievances and dysfunction. Their lives are fraught with suspicions, secrets, long-held grudges, sibling rivalry, mental illness, and unwise choices, These characters make a lot of mistakes (don’t we all). We learn how their pasts have led to the present situation, but we also see that people can grow and change in a way that gives them, and us, hope for the future.

It’s really quite a masterful piece of writing, especially for a first novel. The work is both ambitious and fully realized. Characters are interesting and well developed, and the pacing is just right. Once into the story, I just couldn’t stop reading. I found all of it compelling and, in the end, satisfying. I really loved it.


A couple of side notes (which I have not included in my social media reviews): As a long-time editor, I found a couple of recurrent grammatical goofs distracting. Several times, the characters claim to feel badly about something, rather than feel bad, which is correct. One feels good or feels bad. Badly is an adverb. Also, the author almost consistently follows many prepositions (most notably off) with “of” — e.g., get off of drugs, rather than just get off drugs, or shakes the tomato juice off of his hands. I realize that “off of” is sometimes useful for emphasis (get off of me!), but its overuse is annoying.

Why does Lila always refer to Weber as a boy? As in “Has a boy named Weber been here to visit my grandmother?” Lila is well into her 20s and presumably Weber, a fireman, is no boy.

Aside from these distractions, a very smooth smooth read. And I really did love it!

4.5 stars rounded to 4 stars

I became a huge Ann Napolitano fan after reading Dear Edward and especially Hello Beautiful. In February 2023, I declared the latter to likely be my favorite book of 2023 and that prediction, unsurprising to me, became true on December 31, 2023. And that was after reading over 40 other pretty darned good books. Thus, when I was offered the chance to read the re-release of Ms. Napolitano’s 2004 debut novel Within Arm’s Reach, I jumped!

Within Arm’s Reach is a compelling family drama revolving about the large McLaughlin clan of New Jersey. The story is told from the points of view of 5 family members and a nonrelated woman. At first, I had a bit of trouble keeping everyone straight (this is a BIG family), but a little family tree in the front pages helped a lot. A myriad of different threads, subplots, and other issues grace this narrative, all of which drew me in. The novel touches upon many themes, including the loss of connectivity, sexuality and its meaning for different people, the messiness of love, pregnancy out of wedlock, guilt, shame, sibling rivalry, long held grudges, tradition, mental illness, the art of settling, and the huge challenge of holding a family together, which really is the most important thing of all.

I was shocked when I saw the low rating average of 3.35 on Goodreads. What??? Was this the book I just read and loved? The characters so well-drawn. I thought about the characters and their situations when I was away from the book and couldn’t wait to get back to them. Ms. Napolitano is a wonderful writer with whom I have strongly connected during the reading of three of her books. Maybe Within Arm’s Reach is not as polished as Hello Beautiful or as gripping as Dear Edward, but there was enough family drama to keep me riveted and musing on how I would handle the myriad of situations that came up. I admit it—I am a big, big family drama fan.

The only thing that disappointed me was the somewhat open-ended ending though I have to admit Ms. Napolitano left enough breadcrumbs for us to imagine how these characters carried on. But darn, I love epilogues, and I really missed having one at the end of this book. Oh well. Instead of spending time mourning the lack of an epilogue, I moseyed over to the Libby App and got in a very long line (several month wait) for the final Napolitano novel I have yet to read—"A Good Hard Look.” I can’t wait.

If you are an avid reader of family dramas and all that entails, forget the 3.35 composite rating on Within Arm’s Reach and grab a copy. Oh, and try to read it with someone you can discuss it with. A very meaty read indeed.

I would like to thank Madison Dettlinger of Random House Publishing, Net Galley, and Ann Napolitano for an advanced copy. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book, but there was a lot that left me feeling underwhelmed as well. The character development and family dynamic was interesting and well-articulated. The internal struggles of a family and the unwillingness to talk to each other or ask for help is something that I think many can identity with. I felt especially for Gracie who made a mistake (we are all humans) and was treated with judgement and shame by the people that are supposed to love and support us. However, it is also clear that the family DOES care… they just don’t do a good job of expressing it.

My biggest issue with the book is that there was a lot to digest and I don’t feel like we ever got through it. What happened with Grandma? Did Gracie marry Grayson? Did the family find a semblance of acceptance and understanding? The book ended so abruptly that it definitely left me wishing for more.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is another solid book by the author of Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful. The characters are well developed and the reader can't help but get drawn in by the story. I'll definitely read more by Ann Napolitano in the future!

There is something about a generational Irish story that tugs at all the senses and this one did it for me. With her keen sense, the author shows us life through various perspectives of the McLaughlin family from Catherine, the matriarch, to Kelly, one of her daughters, two of her grandchildren, each struggling with their relationships and consequences of their fallout. Catherine has suffered immeasurable loss over the years, quietly and to herself, her son-in-law Louis harbors guilt that consumes him leading him astray from his wife Kelly, leading her into the arms of another man. Gracie is constantly seeking love, yet her actions are futile. Each character is struggling to find love and comfort without knowing it’s right in front of them, within arm’s reach. The distance they’ve created by shutting down or shutting themselves off prevents them from moving forward – whether it’s Louis sleeping in the den away from his wife, Kelly shutting herself off in a room of her own, Catherine pretending to be asleep when her family comes to visit, Gracie’s love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude, Lila’s coldness toward her patients. The tension amongst Catherine’s children is palpable, as if they are frozen in a block of ice and not even hot air can melt it. Catherine copes by talking to dead people whom she believes she sees but the people who could benefit from her wisdom are alive, right in front of her. Will they be able to open the door to their souls and let each other in? A stranger crosses several character’s paths (they cross hers as well) and her impact is delicately woven into the story, you almost don’t see it coming. People run away, hide in plain sight, a woman reflects upon a long life, she is eager to welcome a new life (I loved this juxtaposition). Without giving anything away, it was a bit deflating that two of the characters felt they needed a man to find their way. Don’t get me wrong, Napolitano’s stories captivate me, this left an imprint and fully realized characters draw me in as does a moody vibe. The six different perspectives kept me engaged and never confused. Read it for the messed up extended family who drive each other crazy (if that’s your thing, you’ll be so pleased), a wonderful Gram, couples going through simultaneous crises, and seeing into the minds of young characters trying to find their way in the world. I love that this is Napolitano’s debut novel! I had no idea, so what a special treat that it’s being re-released 20 years later!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

To be honest, I didn't enjoy this book - it felt amateurish and slow. I thought there were far too many perspectives; the characters and their motivations - while ostensibly distinct and even in tension - were muddled; and the writing felt literal and clunky.

To give credit where it's due, I pushed through (I don't like to abandon ARCs!) and was pleasantly surprised by the ending - I expected a neat and tidy resolution, and I appreciate how Napolitano resisted that.

More so, I'm impressed that she's the same writer who went on to bring Dear Edward and (especially) Hello Beautiful into the world - in contrast to this, they're incredibly vivid books that stuck with me for weeks after reading. I feel like her writing and character-building has improved by leaps and bounds, to the point that I respect her more as an author because it's clear how committed she is to her craft. (I've spent twenty minutes trying to find a way to express this that sounds sincere and not patronizing, and I don't think I've succeeded - but hey, I'm not a writer!)

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book - but I'll be recommending her newer work even more enthusiastically.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion (which I'll be posting here only, not on Goodreads.)

This is a five star read and my favorite Ann Napolitano book. The author has a way of getting us to truly understand her characters, and in this case the focus is one two sisters who are just trying to figure out who they are. Their mother and father’s relationship is equally complex and we root for them to figure things out. I just loved being swept along through all the family sagas because each and every one was relatable. This is a really interesting drama about a big Irish family who care too much about what people think about them but eventually figure things out.
I was shocked to learn that this novel was written in 2004- it makes me wonder what great books I have missed. Thank you NetGalley for introducing me to this book and providing me with an ARC.

This is re-release of Ann Napolitano’s first published novel, Within Arm’s Reach. With the success of her most recent books, Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful, it was interesting to go back in history two decades to read her debut novel. This book shows she was an extremely talented writer from a young age; the family drama kept my attention, the characters were well developed and relatable, and the plot was full of humor and heart, I’d recommend it!

Thank you very much to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

THank you NetGalley for an arc of this book by one of my favorite authors. This is her first book written years ago and I enjoyed this touching family drama story. The characters were well developed and I felt connected to their saga. I am also Irish so I enjoyed the connections on that level. A sweet story.

I have loved every book I've read by Ann Napolitano, so when I got the chance to review this republished edition of her first novel, Within Arm's Reach, I was thrilled and immediately bumped it to the top of my list. And like Napolitano's other novels, I loved Within Arm's Reach. If you've read Ann Napolitano before, you probably know to expect long, slow, sad novels. I don't always love that type of reading, but I find something about Napolitano's writing style incredibly beautiful. Just know that's what you're signing up for.

Within Arm's Reach is a family story. An ailing matriarch, Catharine, and her adult children and grandchildren, with a focus on the two granddaughters - Lila and Gracie. Lila is a brilliant medical student, at the top of her class, but lacking in empathy. She doesn't seem to connect to people and it's never been a problem, until the supervising physicians say her lack of compassion might be harming patients. Gracie is 29. There's a lot of talk about her promiscuous lifestyle, but no real shame about it. And now she's pregnant by a man she doesn't really want anything to do with. The judgment comes when she decides she wants to be a single parent. Everyone but her 70-something, Irish Catholic grandmother thinks it's a terrible idea, but Gram is supportive and seems to think this baby will bring the family back together in a way nothing else can.

I loved all the characters. Each one has something to care about. The kooky, possibly insane brother, the cheating mother/sister, the father/brother-in-law broken by a tragedy at work, the granddaughters, and oh the best grandmother ever. Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ann Napolitano is a talented storyteller. I find her characters interesting, and I learned in the author’s notes at the end that some of the characters in this book are based off family members she grew up with.

Within Arm’s Reach quickly drew me in and kept my attention. Not all of the characters are likable, but I did enjoy the family history and subtle “tells” used to explain situations without actually explaining.

Re-print reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

This book is about the McLaughlin family – a very Irish family living in New Jersey. This family takes the fun out of dysfunction. It is told from multiple POV’s from within the family and a couple outside of it. Catharine is the aging matriarch who either has a gift of sight to see those who have died or is slipping into some form of dementia. She has lost three children in her life but has six living children who each have issues of their own.

We’ve all been to uncomfortable family gatherings. The McLaughlins take cringe to the next level on Easter as Gram lets loose some sensitive information no one else knew. The chapter is so well-written I almost had to put the book down. The awkwardness was palpable. Michael Scott “Diversity Day” level of awkward. I give the author applause for how real and difficult that was to read.

The crux of the story centers around the eldest living daughter, Kelly, her husband Louis, and their two daughters Gracie and Lila. There isn’t a healthy family dynamic in the whole book. But each of these three characters grow as their arcs unfold. It was good to see the bond between the girls reform.

Ann Napolitano has become one of my favorite authors. Her prose is beautiful and very moving. Her books are not fast-paced, but they feel very authentic. She creates atmosphere, especially within families, that could be happening in my home or my relatives. I can relate, which makes me enjoy her work. This was her first book that has fallen out of print, and I am glad I got the chance to read it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've read some of Ann Napolitano's more recent work, but this is an older novel that is being re-released. I found the same lyricism and languid writing that I'm used to from her, but I felt less connected to it.

I literally just finished Within Arms Reach. I am so sad it ended! I turned the page and it was over! The ending was fitting but I am still bereft! I wanted it to go on and on, to watch and listen and be a part of the lives of all the characters, as they soldiered on.. I am so grateful to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #WithinArmsReach, #NetGalley, #RandomHousePublishngGroup.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I hesitate to call it an ARC because the book was originally published in 2004 to little fanfare and it has since fallen our of print. The recent success of the author's latest books, Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful, has created the need to re-release this fine earlier work.

This book is more about characters than plot. It is about family, an Irish-American family, three generations of family. The plot, such as it is, centers around Gracie, a single woman in her twenties, who gets pregnant out of wedlock. How does Gracie handle her pregnancy? How will the child be raised? Will the father have a role in the child's upbringing? How do Gracie's siblings, her parents, her aunts and uncles and especially her grandmother react to the surprise pregnancy?

But this book is not all about Gracie. Her younger sister Lila is also featured. Lila is studying to become a doctor, but may not have the will and desire to complete her studies. Gracie's parents are also featured, as their marriage is somewhat on the rocks and each of her parents may be on the hunt for another partner.

And the grandmother (Catharine) has sort of a regal presence in the book. She is close to 80 years old but commands the respect of the younger generations, some of whom fear her wrath to this day.

Excellent writing. Six different narrators from around the family, but not confusing because the story basically stays on one timeline, though some essential family history is effectively and efficiently presented along the way.

An ARC of the re-published novel Within Arm's Reach was offered to me by the publisher, and loving Ann Napolitano's previous novel Hello, Beautiful so much, I was excited to start this one right away.

Within Arm's Reach is a story of an Irish Catholic family whose members have drifted apart over three generations. Widowed matriarch, Catherine, is determined to pull her family together after the realization that her granddaughter, Gracie, is pregnant. Gracie lacks direction in her life, and the father of the unborn child is not in the picture. Not everyone in the McLaughlin family is as optimistic about Gracie's pregnancy as Catherine. While Gracie's situation is at the heart of the novel, the story unfolds through six different points of view. We meet Lila, Gracie's over-achieving sister; her mother, Kelley; father, Louis, who is Kelley's husband and son-in law to Catherine; and later in the novel we are introduced to Noreen, a grieving wife and not part of the McLaughlin family, yet woven into the fabric of the family through tragedy.

This novel is very much character-driven. While I enjoyed the story, I did not connect with any of the characters very much with the exception of Noreen, whose story was the least shared. The ending also left me wanting to know more. This is the third book I have read by Ann Napolitano and it seems each book gets better. Within Arm's Reach is her freshman book. I definitely enjoyed Hello, Beautiful and Dead Edward more, but it is clear with this book that she has great promise and I will continue to eagerly reach for her upcoming books.

Thanks to Dial Press Trade (Random House) and Netgalley for this ARC.

This is Ann Napolitano's debut novel, having adored Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful, I could not resist reading this. You can see all her promising talent laid bare here, a storyline that focuses on the complexities and dysfunctions of a New Jersey Irish Catholic McLaughlin family and the impact and repercussions of the unmarried Gracie's pregnancy on the different members of the family. Narrated by members of the family, we are given their distinctly different and personal perspectives, and their past histories, beliefs, the births and deaths, the towering figure of strength that is Gram (Catherine), who is delighted with her coming great great grand child, the bond between Gracie and Gram is so strong. However, Gram is dying, watched over by Noreen Ballen.

You get a real feel for the ways families have their own particular unspoken language, the silences, lack of communication, the emotions, the love, guilt, the secrets, what it is to be an outsider, and all the other aspects that define what it is to be family, the pros and the cons. I have no doubt there will be much that is likely to resonate for readers. An understanding and perceptive family drama, of life, death and birth, a debut from an author who will go on to grow in stature. Many thanks to the publisher.

Dear Edward had me ugly snot crying. I jumped at the chance to read Napolitano's first novel. I flew through the first 150 pages and hated to put it down.
I loved that we have a story about a family that spans over 3 generations. While my family is not huge, we are a big family. My aunts and uncles were/are my second parents. My cousins are more like my siblings and our children are the same. So a lot of this hit home for me!

Thank you NetGalley!