BLOG TOUR & REVIEW: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid @tjenkinsreid @atriabooks
Beyond excited and thrilled to be today's blog tour stop for Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Let me just say that you would be doing yourself a disservice if you do NOT read this book. It is now my favorite book of the year. FAVORITE I tell you! I had glimpsed stellar reviews and was afraid to fully read any so the "hype" didn't get to me. Ladies and gentlemen - it lives up to and beyond the praise that is going around. Scroll below for a synopsis, my review, author info and links to the author's social media and links for you to BUY THE BOOK! Because you really should. Just go buy it now and then come back and read my review. GO!
ABOUT THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO:
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Written with Reid’s signature talent for “creating complex, likable characters” (Real Simple), this is a fascinating journey through the splendor of Old Hollywood into the harsh realities of the present day as two women struggle with what it means—and what it takes—to face the truth.
MY REVIEW:
I honestly don't know even where to begin with this book. So let's start at the beginning. Monique Grant is towards the bottom of the rung as a journalist. She's talented but knows she needs to work her way up and prove herself. Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood icon, requests her specifically to come write a piece based on dresses being donated to charity. Monique is floored and then STUNNED to find that Evelyn wants her to write her biography exclusively.
Thus begins her journey into Evelyn's life - her rise to stardom, her seven marriages, and all the ins and outs of her life - every lie, deception, love, pain and heartache. She finds Evelyn to be ruthless, unapologetic and selfish... and yet has great respect for her candor and attitude towards life in general.
MIND BLOWN. BOOM. SPLAT. Taylor Jenkins Reid truly knows how to weave a tale. The intricacies of Evelyn's past, combined with Monique's attitude and how Evelyn's inspiring her over their short time together, is subtly done and we, as readers, begin to feel DEEPLY about both of them.
"The world doesn't give things, you take things."
If you want something, go after it. Looks like the author took this same advice when she told her editors what she wanted to do... it's a blessing they know she's talented enough to make this happen is such a beautiful way. Evelyn takes her saying to heart and Monique begins to learn these things as they go along.
"Be wary of men with something to prove."
Hallelujah, Evelyn, hall-freakin'-lujah! We've all succumbed to reading our "smut" magazines and ingratiating ourselves into the lives of celebrities. Now see how the author takes you on the other side of the equation. Money, power, popularity - these can come and go on a dime... and do you ever really know if people love you for YOU and not what you can do for them?
This book was beyond my expectations. I could rave about this forever. I became more and more involved with each marriage... more and more involved with Monique's journey during Evelyn's life journey.. I have a serious book hangover and I think I need a support group! Bringing everything full circle with a reveal that gave me more face wrinkles from the tears I fought hard to keep back, I am utterly floored and in love with everything about this book. Do yourself a favor and get involved. This part contemporary, part historical fiction is something people will be talking about for years. Touching on racism, classism and sexism, we get an adventure from the 1950s on. My brain. My heart. I'm spent. It's such an amazing feeling when a book can dig deep into your every pore like this one does. I do know one thing, if all this came to life and I saw Evelyn Hugo, or even Monique Grant, on TV, I'd end up chipping a tooth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Taylor Jenkins Reid lives in Los Angeles and is the acclaimed author of One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her books have been named a “Best Book of Summer” by People, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, InStyle, Good Housekeeping, USA TODAY, Redbook, Us Weekly, Parade, PopSugar, Buzzfeed, Bustle, Brit+Co, Goodreads, and others.
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Atria | ISBN: 9781501139239 | On sale: June 13, 2017 | 400 pages | $26.00
Atria eBook | ISBN: 9781501139246 | On sale: June 13, 2017 | 400 pages | $11.99
FIND Taylor Jenkins Reid ONLINE:
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Huge thanks to Atria Books for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion!
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