From the Bookshelf of The Perks Of Being A Book Addict…

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Start date: February 1, 2023

Finish date: February 28, 2023

Discussion: Group Books of the Month (BotM)

Why we're reading this: Chosen by members as one of our February 2023 group BotM. Previously read December 2019.
[close] Chosen by members as one of our February 2023 group BotM. Previously read December 2019.

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What Members Thought

Aug 12, 2019 Candice rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, books-i-own, english-literature, lgbtqia, adult-fiction, 2019

Oh my goodness you guys!! This was so good!!

I saw people raving about this book for months, a friend of mine kinda pressured me to read it (in a kind way of course!) and I finally caved in. I started it while it was raining outside and decided somehow, this was the perfect setting to read it.⁠
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I was instantly pulled in and couldn’t stop reading. TJR managed to create a compelling story about a (fictional) famous actress and her seven husbands. The thing is, you go in expecting a basic story; y ...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Dec 16, 2020 Gregory Williams rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

After reading Daisy Jones and now this, I can certify that Taylor Jenkins Reid is a wonderful writer and I'll definitely be reading more of her work. Without giving away critical elements of the plotline, this story is the retelling of an aging A-list actress' life to a young writer. It's full of fascinating stories, of grit, sage advice, warmth and insight. I just really enjoyed this and whipped through it (don't mean to sound cliche, but I literally couldn't put it down!)

I've purchased copies ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 25, 2019 Meera rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: scribd, historical-fiction

2.5

Initially I really liked this book and Evelyn. I liked how strong she was while she pursued her goals. But as it went on, I started losing interest because it seemed like the same storyline being repeated. I thought this was going to be more serious than it was. It was entertaining at times but because I was bored the rest of the time, I don’t know if I’ll read any of her other books.

4 likes · Like · see review

Jun 06, 2019 Lauren rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2019

Try as I might, I just didn't care about Evelyn or her huge boobs. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 28, 2019 Kitty Marie rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-finished, 2019-books

Solidly written with an approachable writing style. Enjoyable to read and consistent throughout. But it was not the life changing amounts of great that I was expecting given the hype behind this book. I've been watching a lot of book reviewers on Youtube lately and this book comes up constantly, followed by a glowing and universal praise unlike any other newer novel I can think of. Long story short, I liked Evelyn well enough as a character so I liked the storyline. I think people who dislike or Solidly written with an approachable writing style. Enjoyable to read and consistent throughout. But it was not the life changing amounts of great that I was expecting given the hype behind this book. I've been watching a lot of book reviewers on Youtube lately and this book comes up constantly, followed by a glowing and universal praise unlike any other newer novel I can think of. Long story short, I liked Evelyn well enough as a character so I liked the storyline. I think people who dislike or don't connect with her as a character will really struggle with this novel.

Evelyn Hugo is an old Hollywood superstar on the level of Marylin Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor. Contained within these pages are a bunch of tabloid-style little articles and references to her career that are well crafted and convincing. It feels like she's real and we follow her journey from a broke and motherless orphan living in squalor to a life of hard-won superstardom, and finally the lattermost years of her life as she recounts every main event, every relationship, and some shocking secrets to a an interviewer.

My main issue is that Evelyn and the interviewer were the two most vivid characters. There are so many characters in this book- between Evelyn's 7 husbands, relatives and friends, and a few others of import, and none of them feel as realized. Somehow it all ends up working though from the sheer force of Evelyn's personality. Her reactions to these people and how they drove her life forward give the story enough flavor. There are many great passages and the ending is quite moving. I'm leaving out a massive part of the plot in this spoiler-free section, as I feel like mentioning it is too big of a spoiler. (view spoiler) ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Sep 04, 2023 Mekerei rated it it was amazing

This is the second tale I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I think it is a perfect book telling the tale of a glamorous actress and her husbands.

I loved all the characters in Evelyn's life. I almost believed I could go and look her up on Wikipedia.

This tale has twists and turns that read like a Hollywood story.

"People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of the ...more

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