“Because deep down, people think something is wrong with you when you aren’t married or engaged at twenty-seven. It starts to be strange.” (p. 142)
Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford (one of our August picks) was an absolutely wonderful summer read. I will admit, the delightful cover was the first thing to grab my attention. The green, white, and pink chandelier was so inviting! When I first started reading, I was a little worried that I was diving into a trashy piece of chick-lit. As the story progressed, I realized that I was way off.
In Everybody Rise, Clifford deals with character. Evelyn Beegan is a social climber who inserts herself into an elite circle in New England, using her job at a new elite social network called “People Like Us” as an excuse to assume a lavish lifestyle. Soon, she is completely wrapped up in a pretentious crowd simply because it makes her feel seen.
As the story progresses, Evelyn gets tangled in her own web of lies and her façade comes crashing down.
As I read Evelyn’s story and saw her dig herself into a deep hole, it was easy for me to condemn her. After all, what idiot would tell white lies to get invited to parties and beach houses? Who would rack up thousands of dollars in credit card debt just to maintain an “in–season” wardrobe? Who would lie about their family history in order to be taken seriously?
But that’s the reality for so many people, isn’t it? Sometimes the façade seems easier than the truth. It’s easier than dealing with social expectations for marriage and careers.
Clifford proved that the truth is always better and there is redemption no matter how low a person has sunk. Ultimately, Evelyn comes to terms with the fact that her pretentious circle of friends were not really her friends. It took hitting rock bottom, but her redemption is a beautiful reminder that those most important in our lives are the ones who love us and accept us for both our triumphs and or failures.
I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Everybody Rise while the weather is still warm and enjoying it with a glass of iced tea on the beach.
Did you get a chance to read it? What is your reaction? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and be sure to tag your copy of the book on instagram with #TWTBookshelf.
Live, Love, Learn,
Candice & The Write Teacher(s)