Happy Saturday! It’s been a minute since our last Book Club book but have a few in the queue over the next few weeks. This one, is one that I read at the very beginning of the quarantine so if you need an escape, this one DEFINITELY does the trick. The book I’m talking about today was even called an ‘Escapist Masterpiece’ by Vouge.
Today, I’m discussing a book that envisions an America that looks much, much better than it does today. That book is Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. The story is about the first son of President of the United States (who is a woman by the way) falls in love with Prince of Wales. The story brings to light all of the realities of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community while also being in the public eye. It’s romantic. It’s emotional. And it’s by far the best book I’ve read all year.
Overall Rating of Red, White & Royal Blue: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I’ve talked to you at all in the last few months, I’ve convinced you to read this book. It’s the perfect mix of romance, political scandal, celebrity drama, and diversity that you wish you saw in our own government. The romance and drama aside, I also appreciated this fictional look at what it’s like to grow up in the White House and how the first children’s ‘private lives’ aren’t very private at all.
What I loved the most about this book, was how real it felt until you put it down and realized it was all just a dream. I loved how Alex and Henry talk about what Hogwarts House they belong in and Star Wars. I loved the real political and public figures mentioned like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anderson Cooper, Roxane Gay, etc. And I loved the juxtaposition between the American and British lifestyles. I don’t know if it was this book or We Met In December, but I think I’m into British ChickLit now.
See below for this month’s Book Club questions and share your thoughts in the comments. On Tuesday, I’ll be hosting a live Book Club discussion in The Preppy Book Club Facebook Group.
1|Are you a Henry or an Alex? Why?
2|Alex and Henry’s communication escalates from texts to phone calls, and eventually long-form emails. How does their correspondence add to the story?
3|Alex and Henry’s family and friends were essential to the story. Who was your favorite supporting character? Why?
4|I love anything related to the Royal family and this book fed that craving. What was your favorite Royal element of the book and why?
5|I had a lot of mixed emotions around Alex + Henry’s relationship going public. How did it make you feel?
6| Red, White & Royal Blue takes place in the United States and the United Kingdom that closely resembles our own but ultimately exists in an alternate universe. How do the politics in this book make you feel about what’s happening in the real world?
1| This one is so hard because I love them both SO much. If I HAVE to pick, I would say I’m more of an Alex than an Henry. Henry is way too rationale and level-headed for me. I’m more likely to go with my feelings in the moment, just like Alex!
2| Ugh, I love this so much! Long live long phone calls and even love letters written ON PAPER (the horror!). I love how their communication medium matured as their relationship did and made their long distance feel closer. This actually made me think of my first boyfriend who I dated before texting was really a thing so we would spend hours on the phone and hand each other letters in the High School hallways. Just like Alex & Henry, it truly was a rite of passage.
3| Okay I can’t pick one! It is a tie between Nora and Zahra. Nora was exactly the kind of friend Alex (and June for that matter) needed during this time. She had her besties back and would do ANYTHING to protect him. I also loved their little presidential squad they made, if this was real life, I’d definitely be the one reading all about them in the tabloids. Zahra made me lowkey stressed but I felt her pain. I do think she wanted what was best for Alex but knew her job (and President Claremont’s campaign) was on the line. She’s a badass that DEFINITELY needs a promotion.
4| Hmmm I think this book shone a light on elements of the Royal family that are rarely talked about. I love the tradition of it all, the hierarchy, the rich history, etc., but have only recently started to talk about the pressures of being a Royal (with the departure of the real Prince Harry). I absolutely loved Henry’s mom was able to advocate for him to the Queen but it is awful that it was even a discussion.
5| On one hand, I was angry that they were outed publicly without their permission. I HATE that their relationship got pulled into the politics 1) because it’s just awful and I can’t believe a human being could be so cruel and 2) They worked so hard to be careful and secretive that it was just a disappointment after everything they went through. On the other hand, the love and excitement that the couple received from the public was absolutely incredible, and something I wish existed in our current world.
6| The politics in this book is so beyond what we’ve experienced not just in the last 4 years but way beyond that. And honestly, probably anytime soon. However, it did give me empathy for the First Family and how their private life is made public, despite whether they want it or not. Alex and Henry didn’t have a choice and I imagine some of the members of the U.S.’s first Family and the U.K’s Royal Family feel similar.