The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A page turner that holds empowering insight. Marketed as a beach read and promoted in fun women’s magazines like Cosmo, this book is way better than it needed to be to live up to its branding.

One of the world’s biggest movie stars, Evelyn Hugo, has agreed to give her first interview in years to Vivant Magazine. Her only requirement? The interview be conducted by virtually unknown writer Monique Grant. Surprised and confused, Monique agrees - and ends up getting far more than an interview. She is asked to record Evelyn’s life story in an exclusive, tell-all biography. The tale of Evelyn’s climb to the top, her struggles, sacrifices and deep humanity, fundamentally change how Monique understands success.

This book has an expertly crafted plot arc that satisfies all the way through, including its powerful ending. TJR has a clear, punchy writing style that makes it easy to slurp down on the beach with your pina colada. But I think this book also holds more insights than its marketing implies.

TJR was writing from a place of experience – what it means to be a woman who wants something people consider near-impossible – fame and fortune in a creative field. TJR is uniquely qualified to reflect on this, given her stints on the best-sellers list.

A lot of what it takes to be a movie star is the same as what it takes to be a best-seller. Paraphrasing Evelyn, you have to be willing to be exactly what the world wants you to be. With this book TJR delivered exactly what readers (at least this reader) wanted.

Evelyn took risks, failed, fought for what she wanted like she had nothing to lose. She faced the consequences of her ambitions with clear eyes.

I would put this story in the category of a fairy tale, in many ways. Fairy tales occur in unlikely or unrealistic scenarios, but sometimes they are uniquely able to offer the allegorical force that punches you in the gut right where you need it.