The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid -- Restarting May 1st 2024

[Keyona]

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 through the decades—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.

[Zihan]

Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ I'm really not sure what I think about the two main characters so far. We haven't got into the "real story" (i.e. Evelyn's seven husbands yet) but the things that Evelyn said are already quite brutal and selfish, things like "I have compassion for myself" (what about your compassion for others?) or like "don't be so tied up trying to do the right thing when the smart thing is so painfully clear" (em, speaking of morals?).

Also, I understand the importance of idolizing Evelyn at the beginning of the story but the way Monique describes Evelyn's charms and the way Monique doubts herself in contrast make me quite uncomfortable. Can holding a coffee cup count as "enchanting?" I'm interested in seeing how Monique's feelings toward Evelyn changes as the story unfolds. (hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Chapter 7

(view spoiler)[ Ok first husband "Poor Ernie Diaz" done. So basically she faked her age to use her first husband to get to Hollywood, and a whole TEAM helped her fake her identity to help her become a star? Plus a lawyer to get rid of her first husband? I understand what she did, and I understand why she did it. What I don’t understand is, even though she didn’t regret anything, how could she not be sorry? (hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Chapter 17

(view spoiler)[ Manipulation taken to another level (fake miscarriage?? SH*T. Is this how they spin stories in real Hollywood?).

It's also interesting how Evelyn and Celia started their relationship using each other and could now find solace in each other's company. The way Evelyn watched Celia though... could it be something more?

One thing I find weird is how Monique hasn't inserted any of her thoughts into the story yet. How could she not have any reaction when she heard some of these outrageous stuff?
(hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Chapter 18

(view spoiler)[Wait Celia's a lesbian? So could there be something more between her and Evelyn? Is this why she didn't answer who the greatest love of her life was? Maybe none of her husbands were. Maybe it was Celia. (hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Chapter 30

(view spoiler)[50% of the book. 30 chapters. 3 husbands. The pattern is Evelyn gets married and then gets divorced whenever a problem comes up. And justification comes to her mind naturally. I'm honestly no longer curious about the next four husbands. (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ So far I am enjoying this tell all. Evelyn is a very interesting character. That was pretty slick of her to send out the fake rumor that she couldn't have kids. I like that she took Celia under her wing instead of continuing to be threatened by her like the other ladies. (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

Chapter 30 (view spoiler)[ Finally folks are on to Celia and Evelyn. I had a feeling their relationship would get sexual after that scene in the closet with the freckles lol. She loves the fact that Celia loves her more. I'm also loving that Monique finally has some leverage and is making a name for herself. I'm still trying to figure out how they are connected. The only thing I can come up with is that Evelyn was in love with Monique's late father. Perhaps a bit of a reach...but we'll see! (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

Zihan wrote: "Chapter 30

[spoilers removed]" 3 Husbands? Am I missing husbands? lol so far I only have Don and she's about to get Mick.

[Zihan]

Keyona wrote: "Zihan wrote: "Chapter 30

[spoilers removed]" 3 Husbands? Am I missing husbands? lol so far I only have Don and she's about to get Mick."

The first one is Ernie :)

[Zihan]

Chapter 36

(view spoiler)[ Wow I can't believe Evelyn and Harry are actually getting married. Harry is probably my favorite character in the book, but still... (hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Chapter 43

(view spoiler)[ I understand Evelyn being beautiful is critical to the story, but I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable with the message the book is hinting. Like Don saying everyone woman would want ot look like Evelyn. Ummmmm seriously? (hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Chapter 55

(view spoiler)[ Evelyn finally won an Oscar. Phew. But Celia, she's dying??? (hide spoiler)]

[Zihan]

Finished

I am at a loss for words.

p.s.
(view spoiler)[ Monique's father was in love with Harry? (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

Chapter 55(view spoiler)[I can't believe Harry and Evelyn had a baby. Actually pretty genius that Celia and Evelyn could be together while their husbands were actually together at the same time! (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Finally we see what all this is about with Monique!! Monique's dad and Harry being together. Definitely a shocker. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting October 10th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

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[✨Skye✨]

Starting now :)

[✨Skye✨]

Up to chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ I'm so into this! I feel a little sorry for poor Ernie,how quickly he was forgotten. Don is an absolutely awful man and I hate him. Evelyn is definitely up to something, but she has a determination that I have to admire. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

Up to chapter 28 (view spoiler)[ I was not expecting things to go in this direction! I like it though. It's so unusual to see a f/f romance in a book like this. Celia seems great though. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 42 (view spoiler)[ I love Harry so much, and I love the idea of soulmates that can just be friends. It was sweet to see them as a little family together. Evelyn's description of motherhood was so poetic. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 56 (view spoiler)[ I think Celia can be unreasonable. Sure, Evelyn definitely made mistakes but Celia seems to react quickly and not think about it. I'm glad they've reconciles but they never should have broke up to start off with. Max is such a different guy from Evelyn's other husbands. (hide spoiler)]

End (view spoiler)[ What an emotional ride! Seeing everyone Evelyn loved and cared for pass away was heartbreaking, as was learning how Evelyn is linked to Monique. I hope Monique does reveal all to her mother one day-I think she'd understand. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting June 20th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Katie]

Chapter 12


(view spoiler)[ I meant to post something earlier about this book, but this just grabbed me from the beginning and I didn’t stop reading! I love the beginning and the quickness it took to get into the story. I can’t wait to find out the real reason Monique was asked to write this book for Evelyn!!! I’m now onto husband #2!! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Chapter 26

(view spoiler)[ I’m still on husband 3 and Evelyn is making a comeback from her divorce with her new French movie. I’m curious to see where the story goes with 4 more husbands with her being in love with Celia. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Chapter 37

(view spoiler)[ I’m enjoying this book very much! My heart aches for Evelyn and Celia. I enjoy reading from points of view of morally gray characters and Evelyn Hugo is exactly that... she’s a bit cunning and deceitful, and will do what she needs to do for herself. But I can’t stop cheering for her and her happiness. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Finished

(view spoiler)[ I really enjoyed this book! It was very emotional and raw, but I think I spoiled it for myself so the "wow" factor wasn't there for me with this book. Before I started reading this, one of my friends (non reader) said..."Jeez...why 7 husbands?" And I said, "My guess is she's either gay or bisexual growing up in Hollywood in the 60's so all of these husbands are probably fake and aren't real loves, and the author asked to write her book is probably a daughter from one of her failed marriages or a daughter from a family she ruined..." Sigh... So when that was literally the entire story, I was kind of bummed. However, Taylor Jenkins Reed can write characters!! My goodness she knows how to write characters! And so many great quotes! I really enjoyed this book! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Shar]

Sorry I wasn't able to read this as the library loan expired before I was able to read it :(

[Maddie]

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Date changed. Restarting February 1st 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[iana]

hi! I'm hopping along with this one, if that's alright! :)

[HeatherH]

Welcome! I'm excited to start this one!

[HeatherH]

ch 1-10

(view spoiler)[ I love love love the narration of this audiobook and the style in which it is written. I love how blunt Evelyn is in telling her story and I'm enjoying the slow reveals of Monique's story as we go. (hide spoiler)]

[iana]

so am I! will be starting in a bit here. :D

[mars]

@HeatherH I haven't had the audiobook but the writing is gorgeous. I maybe relatively new to avid reading but I hadn't come across a 'bad-ass and class' female lead like Evelyn until this book. Her character is so strong, so refreshing!


I actually finished this book weeks ago but I'll be following along this thread. Might end up gushing a little, hope y'all don't mind.

[iana]

of course! feel free! :D

I’m really not at all far into it, though I’ll admit that I’m somewhat adjusting to the writing style. I blame that on the third-persons I’ve been reading. currently, the style feels a bit lacking for me but, ‘course, too soon to tell, so it’ll take a bit. :)

[HeatherH]

mars wrote: "@HeatherH I haven't had the audiobook but the writing is gorgeous. I maybe relatively new to avid reading but I hadn't come across a 'bad-ass and class' female lead like Evelyn until this book. Her..."

Don't mind at all! I love fellow book-gusher's haha!

[HeatherH]

through ch 30
(view spoiler)[ I ADORE the love story between Evelyn and Celia but man my heart breaks for the world they lived in and how they had to hide it.

And Harry <3 I love Harry! Evelyn didn't have many people but she had good ones.

I'm very intrigued on why she is so dead set on having Monique write this story.. (hide spoiler)]

[mars]

@HeatherH

(view spoiler)[Evelyn's friendship with Harry is absolute goals❤ Did you reach the chipped tooth part yet? That was so cute oof (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

mars wrote: "@HeatherH

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ YES!!!! I was cracking up >.< (hide spoiler)]

[iana]

chapters 1-10

(view spoiler)[I'm sorry for going through this so slowly but ahh! I've got an ebook but I'm considering continuing with an audiobook, now that Heather's backed it up! :)

this far, I take back what I said about the writing style. it's got personality. Evelyn's story is super intriguing, especially when she's kept to being such an enigma for so long. it's fascinating to see her just unpack everything, and I admire her will to get her truth out there and how she acknowledges that it isn't easy for her to not spin them. she exudes power. actually, I'll pepper in a line she said that just might have decided I adore her: "I find it very important, with a journalist who will hold my legacy in her hands, to say exactly what I mean and to mean what I say."

on the characters, Harry Cameron is someone who I like very much, and that ever so vague reveal that piques my curiosity even higher about his marriage with Evelyn. also, eek, Don Adler. the first thing I thought about after reading that last, sudden line was the foreshadowing of 'at least at first's at the beginning of his telling.

anyway, I jabber too much. I can't wait to delve more into both Evelyn and Monique's story, of whose mother's visit I'm looking forward to reading about! x (hide spoiler)]

[mars]

she's so cool, im bout to start a fan club but that would be pathetic bc she doesn't exist :(

[iana]

she exists within the pages and therefore within our hearts so I’m all for it! actually, there just might already be an existing fan club. if ya ever start and/or find one, lmk and I’m on board with you! :9

[HeatherH]

I’m so beyond on board for a fan club! Evelyn is just an very well written, strong incredible female. I love that her character isn’t shying away from telling it like it is.

[mars]

I seriously need more books with similar female leads like this. Any recommendations? Needta pick up that class :(

[iana]

agreed, she’s simply wonderful.

no books with characters under the same category are coming to mind. :( then again, I haven’t read enough to know much. looking for some similar recs too. if I hear any chatter, I’ll make sure to bring it up! :)

[mars]

Yes, I'd appreciate it!

[iana]

classes are going back up again and I've been drowning in the consequences of my procrastination so I'm sorry for the speed I'm trudging this through with but (view spoiler)[I have a feeling about where the Celia thing is going. I'm totally jumping headfirst into conclusions here, but if it is what I think it is (which it probably isn't), then I'M EXCITED. I don't want to voice it out because it's an irrevocably incorrect theory and since you guys are way far ahead of me, it's going to be silly. I don't know, I just had an epiphany about Evelyn's marriage with the last husband, Celia's brother, and thought it would make so much sense. but, of course, these are ramblings of a fool at 3am starting and finishing a whole month's worth of an assignment four hours before it's due.

(hide spoiler)]

[iana]

also, I'm not sure, but I believe we're missing one more person for this buddy read? I recall seeing someone else on the wanted thread, who hasn't checked in yet, if that was the case.

[HeatherH]

Guiana wrote: "classes are going back up again and I've been drowning in the consequences of my procrastination so I'm sorry for the speed I'm trudging this through with but I have a feeling about where the Celia..."

I'm betting you're maybe correct if you're thinking what I'm thinking that you're thinking hahah!

And yeah, I think there was one other person too.. sometimes people jump in late so there's still hope!

[mars]

I'm so out of the loop, what u thinking @Guiana

[iana]

@HeatherH, haha, that was a mouthful! and hopefully!

@mars, (view spoiler)[wellll, I was thinkinggg, maybe a whole secret, developing forbidden romance between Evelyn and Celia that people back then would've most likely absolutely condemned sheltered by Evelyn's marriage with Celia's brother as a sort of convenient mask for their (would have been) so-called scandal. those are the dots my deprived brain has somehow managed to decide to connect. if it IS that, it's brilliant and I'm believing in it no matter how the story goes and no one can stop me. I don't know if Heather and I were agreeing on the same thing at all, lol, but we'll see. and since you've finished the book, you already have the foresight to judge my speculations, haha. now I really can't wait to get back into it! (hide spoiler)]

[mars]

ooooooh, I get it. I'll just wait til y'all read on 'fore I'll comment on that lol can't spoil it