Synopsis: (as told by the back of the book)

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 is more astounded than Monique herself.  Why her?  Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere.  Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jump-start her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious Manhattan apartment, Monique listens in fascination as Evelyn tells her story.  From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the 80s – and, of course, the seven husbands along the way – Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love.  Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, 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 mesmerizing 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 costs – to face the truth.

Morgan’s thoughts:

It’s plain and simple – this is a good book.  It feels like it’s been a while since I fell so head over heels into a book like I did with this one.  I sat down and consumed it over the course of one afternoon (and evening and night).  I took one 17 minute break to pick up dinner and was upset that it was raining because it meant I had to carry my umbrella instead of continuing to read on my 3 block walk to Sweetgreen.  That’s how hooked on this story I was.

I think the cover image of this book is completely erroneous.  To me, it implies a story of a woman as a sexual object.  It is in no way that.  Evelyn is one badass book babe; she is in control of her own destiny for the entire story, despite every single obstacle the world tries to throw in her way.

I don’t want to give too much away besides telling you to read this book if you want a love story that will inspire and empower you.  So I think I will leave it at that.

What was the last book you read that sucked you in completely?