Y’all, this book. THIS BOOK. If you can’t tell by my tagline and content, I’m a little media obsessed. I love a good celeb tell-all (we’ll need to discuss Jessica Simpson’s book soon) and Evelyn Hugo, is as juicy as any gossip on Page Six.
The story is told from the perspective of a journalist, Monique Grant, who gets the gig of a lifetime: Writing a biography of America’s most iconic actress, Evelyn Hugo. While renowned for her acting career, she was also famous for having married seven times. You’ll devour this novel as you learn about each marriage of Evelyn’s, as well as the sexist film industry she somehow managed to succeed in (albeit with lesser pay, lesser roles, etc.) from the ’50s up to her retirement in the ’80s.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is sexy, heartbreaking, juicy, riveting and captivating. From gender, race and class issues, the story beautifully captures the stigmas America has overcome and yet shows how far we still have to go.
Have I sold you yet? Go pick up this A+ read today–it’s going to stay with you for a lifetime.
Every year, we reflect back on that day. Do you remember where you were? I was in school. An administrator came to our classroom to tell our teacher and she burst out in tears. She was inconsolable. The administrator simply said, “America has been attacked.” My teenager brain didn’t quite understand what that meant. After all, in history and social studies, we’d heard of wars as involving boats coming ashore, bombs dropping, men with large guns sneaking up on unsuspecting military bases. In all these scenarios, the “attacks” were in desolate areas and the “fight” was between two military organizations. I couldn’t have known that in 2001 “attacked” meant hijacking airplanes with innocent civilians on board, flying the plane into buildings and watching one of the most loved, populated city crumble to pieces. Literally.
I remember that moment in time every year. I can remember my dreadful outfit. I was wearing a blue surf shirt from Hawaii and a puka shell necklace with blue jean capris and white platform sneakers. I can remember the beige, old classroom I was in and where my desk sat had the perfect view of the hallway as my teacher crumbled in tears.
After that moment, the rest of the day was a complete blur of news broadcasts, fear, questions and worry. Except for one thing–I remember asking my parents “Why?” They didn’t have the answer. I don’t think any of us did.
In the years since, I reflect back on that day. I think about how small I felt the world was before that moment and how large and complex I realized it was afterward.
One way I pay homage to that point is time is by watching NYC based movies and television. I remember all the FDNY apparel the “Friends” cast wore in the months after the attack. I remember the “SNL” episode. And, I remember how the “Sex and the City” had to remove the World Trade Center from season four, which had already been filmed.
Today, I’m watching the “Sex and the City” episode “Anchors Away,” which paid tribute to our men and women in uniform. But, I want to know what you do every year so that you never forget? Let me know if a book, television show, movie, quote, etc., helps you today. I’d love to hear how you connect back to that time.
A Parody of “The Office” Starring the Trump Administration
Some people listen to white noise as they fall asleep, I listen to “The Office.” Michael Scott and co. have been in my bed every night for as long as the show has been on Netflix. And, I decided to watch the show from the very beginning, while conscious, to bring me a little joy during these terrible, no good, very bad times we are living in. A.K.A. a global pandemic.
I should mention that this was inspired in part by The Office Ladies Podcast hosted by stars Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela). Watching it back after hearing their inside scoop makes the episodes even better, and funnier, if you can believe it.
Now that I’m rewatching it, awake and alert, I can’t help but notice a few episodes could easily air today, with our current administration as the stars. Did I mention this version is less funny because it’s rooted in some truths? See what I mean about a show I’d like to call “The (Oval) Office” below. If you like this, let me know and I’ll continue to create a 2020 version for you!
SEXUAL HARASSMENT Original Air Date: September 27, 2005 Season 2, Episode 2
Original Premise: When the CFO resigns after sexual harassment allegations made by his secretary, Michael Scott‘s (Steve Carell) “best friend forever” Todd Packer (David Koechner) offends the staff with crude gossip that Michael finds HILARIOUS. With the company in crisis, head of HR, Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein), informs Michael that the office will need to participate in a review the company’s sexual harassment policies. Michael thinks the HR review will ruin the mood of the fun, easygoing environment of The Office. When corporate realizes they do not have Michael’s full support, they send a lawyer down to talk to him. CHAOS ENSUES. – Wikipedia
If you’re a fan of “The Office,” you’ve probably seen it’s renaissance thanks to Netflix. New fandom = new merch. Check out these fun items I’ve found to entertain you during quaranboredom or get you through the day:
There is nothing like getting wrapped up in a good book on a lazy Sunday. Especially a thriller. I believe Lena Dunham once described how procedural shows like “Law & Order” bring her great comfort when she’s feeling a little anxious because they’re guaranteed to have a beginning a middle and an end within an hour or two. That must be why SVU has lasted for nearly two decades. And why I’ve watched nearly every episode many, many times.
With that said, there is something comforting about a thriller you can read within a few hours, too. I desperately needed an escape the other day and found one with The Last Flight.
Julie Clark’s novel is told from the perspective of two women that lead complicated lives. Claire appears to have it all: the perfect townhome, a rich bank account and a handsome politician husband. But behind closed doors, her husband’s rage leaves a mark. After a chance meeting at an airport bar, Claire and Eva hatch a plan to trade their boarding passes: Claire will fly to Oakland as Eva and Eva will fly to Puerto Rico as Claire. The plan was perfect. That is, until the flight to Puerto Rico crashes.
Now that the world believes Claire is dead, the politician’s wife assumes Eva’s identity and subsequently learns why Eva was all to eager to stay away from her home in Oakland.
Overall, I’d give The Last Flight an A grade. Grab a copy and save it for a day where you really need a quick escape.
If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking, “it’s book smart.” But this is my blog and I like calling myself “booksmart.” One word.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told, you’re really smart, but sometimes you’re kind of stupid. And it’s true. I am a very literal person. I read any and all instructions–from how to apply mascara properly to my 2009 Toyota Camry’s car manual. Sometimes I read instructions twice, just to make sure I understood correctly. And, let me tell you, if those instructions do not work as described I flounder. FLOUNDER. And for that reason, I avoid Ikea furniture at all costs.
As a booksmart person, I’m also pretty naive.
I believed that celebrities really were guests on late-night or daytime talk shows and that no exchange of money or goods occurred for their appearance. I think reality TV is real. I thought Britney and Justin were end game. I think if someone’s brand is kindness, they must be kind (like Ellen Degeneres). My buildings’ rules say not to leave boxes in our trash closet, so I don’t (even though my neighbors leave boxes there all the time). If a parking spot says no parking, I don’t park there–even if I’m going in to drop off or pick up something in less than five minutes. I listen to the safety messaging before every flight. I didn’t have Napster because I knew it was illegal. My high school campus had a rule not to walk through the grass on campus and I swear I haven’t cut through grass ever since. I. Am. A. Rule. Follower. I’m by the book. I’m booksmart. And these are my stories. Glad to have you here.
Booksmart Betty 