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Simply Irresistible: Unleash Your Inner Siren and Mesmerize Any Man, with Help from the Most Famous - and Infamous - Women in History
It's said if you want to succeed, watch successful people and do what they do. Simply Irresistible is a humorous manual of case studies that show how the greatest sirens of history did what they did and got what they wanted, nearly all the time. Our role models-many of whom are still weaving their charms today- include Eva Peron, Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, Nigella Lawson, Angelina Jolie, Edith Piaf, Lucretia Borgia, Anne Boleyn, Mata Hari, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Simply Irresistible gives practical, sexy, and sometimes downright outrageous advice on modern seduction. It exalts the siren archetypes of the Companion, Competitor, Goddess, Mother, and Sex Kitten. The cheeky histories of the iconic real-life women are paired with a fun array of quizzes, quotes, photos, tongue-in-cheek captions, and personal stories of triumph and tragedy. (Mata Hari and Anne Boleyn were, after all, both executed.) The wisdom of these famous sirens is fleshed out with the contributions of everyday, lesser known charismatic women. The conclusion? All women have an inner siren-the ability to bring men to their knees-just waiting to come out. Now they'll know how.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
49 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 24, 2013
I checked out Simply Irresistible from the library mostly because I was curious about which "famous and infamous" women in history would be included in the text. In that aspect, I was not disappointed. The women discussed are well-varied, ranging from Cleopatra to Angelina Jolie. However, this book only escapes receiving a two-star rating because I was able to ignore Ellen T. White's frankly terrible advice and pretend that I was just reading a book full of interesting tidbits about some of the most fascinating women that history has to offer.
The first section of Simply Irresistible covers what White calls the "siren stereotypes": The Goddess, the Companion, the Sex Kitten, the Competitor, and the Mother. Personally, there's quite a lot about this section (and the rest of the book, but particularly this section) that I found sexist. While she never comes right and out and says it, Ms. White continually implies that intelligent women cannot be sirens. For example, she states that a Sex Kitten like Marilyn Monroe would never EVER be caught doing things like "balancing a checkbook" or "Beginning a conversation with, "Studies show that..."." (OK, so that's an admittedly boring way to start a conversation, but what's the message here?) She tries to backtrack while later discussing how Clare Boothe Luce's intelligence helped her land a man--but then states, "A smart women without "central heating" undercuts her Siren goals." What a classic stereotype--women can't be warm and sensual if they're too busy being intelligent. Bitch please. I know from personal experience that it's possible to be sensual and intelligent at the same time.
On a similar note, something else that bothered me was White's insistence that male/female double standards simply don't exist if you ignore them. Honey, that isn't how it works. Double standard doesn't mean that men can sleep around and women are somehow physically incapable of it. It means that when men sleep around they get rewarded, and when women sleep around they get demonized. And that will happen whether you ignore it or not.
There were little things that irked me too. For example, White spends the entirety of her section on Nicole Kidman arguing that women can only be sexy if they have long hair. I won't argue against the sex appeal of long hair, but I've also met some pretty devastatingly sexy women with bobs and pixies. While attempting to counsel on how to be "wild in bed", White proffers up the stellar advice, "Offer to tape it for the internet." I hope that I don't have to explain why this made my jaw drop. Once, she makes a reference to "the author of Pride and Prejudice" instead of saying "Jane Austen." That just annoyed me.
While the women analyzed in Simply Irresistible were undoubtedly compelling, I unfortunately cannot say the same about the author. She is obviously attempting to be some kind of hip, sexy champion of girl power, but she just comes off as a proponent of the idea that a woman's only power should be her sex appeal, and strangely jealous of intelligent women who can pull off short hair.
The first section of Simply Irresistible covers what White calls the "siren stereotypes": The Goddess, the Companion, the Sex Kitten, the Competitor, and the Mother. Personally, there's quite a lot about this section (and the rest of the book, but particularly this section) that I found sexist. While she never comes right and out and says it, Ms. White continually implies that intelligent women cannot be sirens. For example, she states that a Sex Kitten like Marilyn Monroe would never EVER be caught doing things like "balancing a checkbook" or "Beginning a conversation with, "Studies show that..."." (OK, so that's an admittedly boring way to start a conversation, but what's the message here?) She tries to backtrack while later discussing how Clare Boothe Luce's intelligence helped her land a man--but then states, "A smart women without "central heating" undercuts her Siren goals." What a classic stereotype--women can't be warm and sensual if they're too busy being intelligent. Bitch please. I know from personal experience that it's possible to be sensual and intelligent at the same time.
On a similar note, something else that bothered me was White's insistence that male/female double standards simply don't exist if you ignore them. Honey, that isn't how it works. Double standard doesn't mean that men can sleep around and women are somehow physically incapable of it. It means that when men sleep around they get rewarded, and when women sleep around they get demonized. And that will happen whether you ignore it or not.
There were little things that irked me too. For example, White spends the entirety of her section on Nicole Kidman arguing that women can only be sexy if they have long hair. I won't argue against the sex appeal of long hair, but I've also met some pretty devastatingly sexy women with bobs and pixies. While attempting to counsel on how to be "wild in bed", White proffers up the stellar advice, "Offer to tape it for the internet." I hope that I don't have to explain why this made my jaw drop. Once, she makes a reference to "the author of Pride and Prejudice" instead of saying "Jane Austen." That just annoyed me.
While the women analyzed in Simply Irresistible were undoubtedly compelling, I unfortunately cannot say the same about the author. She is obviously attempting to be some kind of hip, sexy champion of girl power, but she just comes off as a proponent of the idea that a woman's only power should be her sex appeal, and strangely jealous of intelligent women who can pull off short hair.
March 2, 2009
I must say that I've never read a book that was more empowering as a woman while at the same time not taking itself too seriously. It is a wonderful read that is fun yet informative, and most of all utterly fascinating.
I was riveted by the women whose lives were highlighted. I appreciated how White grouped the "Sirens," with each one offering a "lesson," while interspersing their tales with wonderful and relevant quotes. But even more, I loved gleaning from their stories and learning how to best accentuate the fabulous parts of me, to bring them out in the best possible light... to strut my inner Siren. I was continually inspired.
This is a beautiful book, coming across almost like an art book, making one feel a bit luscious and indulgent... and, well, fabulous in the process of reading. I highly recommend it to the women in your life who need to realize the Siren she is.
P.S. It works!!! Live it, girls!
I was riveted by the women whose lives were highlighted. I appreciated how White grouped the "Sirens," with each one offering a "lesson," while interspersing their tales with wonderful and relevant quotes. But even more, I loved gleaning from their stories and learning how to best accentuate the fabulous parts of me, to bring them out in the best possible light... to strut my inner Siren. I was continually inspired.
This is a beautiful book, coming across almost like an art book, making one feel a bit luscious and indulgent... and, well, fabulous in the process of reading. I highly recommend it to the women in your life who need to realize the Siren she is.
P.S. It works!!! Live it, girls!
February 9, 2017
Here lies all the speculations about the women who captivated our attention and imagination. History is full of sirens and goddesses yet why they continue to fascinate us and what can we learn from them is covered in these pages.
September 21, 2016
I am not entirely sure why I read this whole thing, unless it was out of a sense of curiosity so to whether or not the author could continue saying such bizarre things.
The answer is yes, yes, she could and did.
Not a book for feminists, as the whole idea behind the book is fitting into one of the "archetypes" described and apparently making men fall all over themselves to have you. Also avoid if you aren't straight: although the author profiles several bisexual/queer women, their interest in the same gender is dismissed in a phrase or two. Unless she's using Collette to illustrate how turned on guys are by "switch-hitting." Ew. Oh, and with the exception of Josephine Baker, pretty much everyone covered is white.
The profiles of the famous historical figures are interesting and well written, so you might want to pick it up if you can handle a hefty dose of wtfery along with them.
The answer is yes, yes, she could and did.
Not a book for feminists, as the whole idea behind the book is fitting into one of the "archetypes" described and apparently making men fall all over themselves to have you. Also avoid if you aren't straight: although the author profiles several bisexual/queer women, their interest in the same gender is dismissed in a phrase or two. Unless she's using Collette to illustrate how turned on guys are by "switch-hitting." Ew. Oh, and with the exception of Josephine Baker, pretty much everyone covered is white.
The profiles of the famous historical figures are interesting and well written, so you might want to pick it up if you can handle a hefty dose of wtfery along with them.
June 16, 2008
Very fascinating history of amazing sex symbols throughout history (women). However, the author's anectodal stories were simply bbbbbbbbooooooooooooring and a snozzzzzzzzzzzzzfest. This book would have been better if she would have focused on the very interesting woman subjects without her boring interjections. Still an ok read, but I skipped around her irrevalent personal editorial points.
January 21, 2012
If read for the history, this is a charming, entertaining and interesting book. If read as a real "how-to" guide about men and how to manipulate, it is more nauseating than anything else.
April 27, 2023
- A broad guide of seducing men. In it, author noted several noted archetypes of Sirens. Few I found interesting:
- Goddess. The author used Eva Peron as an example. A poor girl who "slept her way" to the top. Author suggest that Peron used exclusivity as a charm to lure people, that she only reveal a sliver of her glamorous self. She only presented herself (physically as well) above other people. Giving people hope of what a true fleshed formed Goddess might be like
- Sexual allure: the author suggests that Marilyn Monroe's openness about her orphanage background was an intentional package of the sexual allure she wanted to present. Monroe understood that man have innate desire to help a "helpless" woman (even if the woman is more than capable of doing such thing herself). That being passive, "helpless" in itself is an insatiable lure for men that few female possesses
- Goddess. The author used Eva Peron as an example. A poor girl who "slept her way" to the top. Author suggest that Peron used exclusivity as a charm to lure people, that she only reveal a sliver of her glamorous self. She only presented herself (physically as well) above other people. Giving people hope of what a true fleshed formed Goddess might be like
- Sexual allure: the author suggests that Marilyn Monroe's openness about her orphanage background was an intentional package of the sexual allure she wanted to present. Monroe understood that man have innate desire to help a "helpless" woman (even if the woman is more than capable of doing such thing herself). That being passive, "helpless" in itself is an insatiable lure for men that few female possesses
May 18, 2020
The book was extremely entertaining. The author starts by giving you the 5 archetypes of the siren and the uses women throughout history as case studies. I enjoyed reading their stories (most of which I hadn’t come across prior) and felt there were a good amount of tangible tips within the pages. I was captivated and inspired by the women in the book. However, this is not something you would just “copy and paste” into real life. Take what helps and leave the rest. The goal isn’t to be exactly like the women in the novel but to use their knowledge to better yourself.
January 6, 2022
Uplifting, fun book
This is a fun, kicky and uplifting read. I like giving copies to female friends because this book makes me feel connected to other women from all over throughout history. It’s a lighthearted and fun way to assess one’s feminine allure and turn it up or tone it down a notch. I wish the author would write a follow up that includes more non-white and gay/bi/queer women of history.
This is a fun, kicky and uplifting read. I like giving copies to female friends because this book makes me feel connected to other women from all over throughout history. It’s a lighthearted and fun way to assess one’s feminine allure and turn it up or tone it down a notch. I wish the author would write a follow up that includes more non-white and gay/bi/queer women of history.
February 23, 2020
Ooo deliciously excited I found this book with it’s sinful pages, as I read my excitement dropped to the floor faster then a drunk chicks panties at a metal show.
Although very interesting with it’s fabulous ladies, it was hellishly boring, like a dry bagel in need of some very moist spread.
Although very interesting with it’s fabulous ladies, it was hellishly boring, like a dry bagel in need of some very moist spread.
December 12, 2020
The best book about tapping into your femininity and seductiveness that I have read. Gives extensive case studies of real women. It's surprising to find a book that both entertaining and insightful, specific and applicable.
April 19, 2021
Through short "case studies", Ms. White provides a look at 34 very different, very strong women from early history to present. The focus is their relationships with men, which is quite entertaining. These archetypes could be used for historical fiction and fiction ideas for the cast of characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
Awkward fusion of women's history and dating guide, I didn't find this particularly engaging. There were a variety of women highlighted from different periods of history, but the analysis was superficial and the dating advise mind numbing. Great illustrations.
June 15, 2019
I like the ladies mentioned in the book and it is fun to get a quick glimpse into their lives, but man, the parts about being a siren to get a man are way irritating.
December 19, 2019
Cute book. I consider it to be the watered-down version of The Art of Seduction which I've also read. If you like beautiful photos and not a lot of details, this book is a great, quick read.
April 23, 2020
I read this book every year. It interesting to see how I change compared to the summaries of famous sirens in history.
January 3, 2023
if u overlook the internalised misogyny, there is some good advice here
April 2, 2025
2003 ahh jabs at feminism meets 80's conspiracy theorist going on about 30's and 60's Hollywood meets 2011 ahh making light of incest. Idk.
September 21, 2010
Not only was this book witty, humorous, tongue in cheek, informative, interesting, fascinating, and totally enjoyable, but it was absolutely gorgeous to flip through. Unlike the book you don't have to be drop dead gorgeous, although that doesn't hurt, to be a siren, you only need to use all the femininity that you have inside. Ellen gives some wonderful examples of ancient and modern sirens and how they used their feminine wiles to the fullest. While each of these sirens are completely different they do have some common ground...they absolutely love men (which is such a fun adventure in itself) and then they magnified who they are through the lens of their own unique femininity. In order to emulate such siren's as Carole Lombard, Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Bernhart or my favorite Nigella Lawson all women have to do is be confident in who they are, realize that being a woman and all that entails is the best come hither we have and then be true to ourselves. I read this in a day I just couldn't put it down, I was having too much fun.
"One of the best things about love is just recognizing a man's step when he climbs the stairs"--Colette
"A woman can be beautiful at twenty, charming at forty, and irresistible all her life." --Coco Chanel
"Age cannot wither her,/nor custom stale/ Her infinite variety:/ other women cloy/The appetites they feed,/but she makes hungry/ Where most she satisfies:/ for vilest things/ become themselves in her."--Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra
"Noel Coward wrote that it was strange how potent cheap music can be; the same--in a different sphere--holds true in the kitchen." -Nigella Lawson
"Cooking is not about applying heat , procedure, method, but about the transformation of a more intimate kind." -Nigella Lawson
"Whenever a gifted male artist has embraced his Muse he has in fact made a woman appear in the art...It is not the man speaking through the woman; it is the woman speaking through the man." -Arlene Croce
"I used to be Snow White but I drifted." " I generally avoid temptations unless I can't resist it." "When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before."--Mae West
"If God wanted us to think with our wombs, why did he give us a brain?"--Clare Boothe Luce
"One of the best things about love is just recognizing a man's step when he climbs the stairs"--Colette
"A woman can be beautiful at twenty, charming at forty, and irresistible all her life." --Coco Chanel
"Age cannot wither her,/nor custom stale/ Her infinite variety:/ other women cloy/The appetites they feed,/but she makes hungry/ Where most she satisfies:/ for vilest things/ become themselves in her."--Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra
"Noel Coward wrote that it was strange how potent cheap music can be; the same--in a different sphere--holds true in the kitchen." -Nigella Lawson
"Cooking is not about applying heat , procedure, method, but about the transformation of a more intimate kind." -Nigella Lawson
"Whenever a gifted male artist has embraced his Muse he has in fact made a woman appear in the art...It is not the man speaking through the woman; it is the woman speaking through the man." -Arlene Croce
"I used to be Snow White but I drifted." " I generally avoid temptations unless I can't resist it." "When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before."--Mae West
"If God wanted us to think with our wombs, why did he give us a brain?"--Clare Boothe Luce
August 26, 2011
This is a book about seduction. It's actually a how-to guide. It divides women into distinct archetypes, gives real life examples of each (Winston Churchill's mother and grandmother, Mae West, Veronica Franco, Carole Lombard, etc.) and then offers tips on how to embody the archetype that is you. Because every woman has one. There's even a few helpful quizzes to find out which you are. The goddess, the companion, the sex kitten, the mother, the competitor. I'm a companion/sex kitten. Anyway, I love books on human interaction and because it's categories are so distinct, it actually helped me with my own writing. Suddenly I was able to archetype my heroines and see "well, if this is the way they are, then they're more likely to do this than that." Also, it's a fun book. And now I have a whole bunch of female role models I didn't even know I had. For realsies, Lady Randolf Churchill was awesome.
April 1, 2008
Just finished this book and I want to start it again. Biographies of famous (and infamous) women and what made them "irresistible". The chapters are organized by female style such as "Mother" "Companion" "Goddess" etc with examples of women we have heard of and those we should have heard of. My favorite part are the lists of how to unleash your own siren self by learning what has worked for women before you. Fun and fabulous read.
April 24, 2012
What a fun book to read! One of my favorite concepts from this book is: Sirens absolutely adore men!
I immediately recognized that my own personality is embodied in some of these Siren archetypes, especially The Goddess, but White also discussed unfamiliar archetypes, such as The Competitor, which opened my eyes to understanding a side of men that has previously confounded me.
I will keep this book to reread a few pages here and there whenever I need a spark of inspiration.
I immediately recognized that my own personality is embodied in some of these Siren archetypes, especially The Goddess, but White also discussed unfamiliar archetypes, such as The Competitor, which opened my eyes to understanding a side of men that has previously confounded me.
I will keep this book to reread a few pages here and there whenever I need a spark of inspiration.
September 11, 2008
Really an amazing read! It shows various women from throughout history and why they were a siren and how they were a siren. Very interesting, very amusing. I wouldn't say it's self help but you could take some advice from some of the ladies.
April 9, 2010
It was something I saw at the library and walked out with it. I have enjoyed reading it. This is one of those books you give to a friend on a big birthday or have to distract people at work from talking to you about things you can't change.
May 21, 2012
It's best read as a quick and dirty overview of some very famous and powerful women who used their feminine charms to change the world. The advice bits are pretty cheesy, as it can read like a cosmo mag quiz, but there are lessons to be learned from all of the little biographies.
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February 2, 2016o carte interesanta, uneori intuila, alteori contradictorie, deseori amuzanta si plina de indemnuri absurde - in totalitate, pentru multe, s-ar putea sa merite citita, dar doar in cazul in care vrei sa te orientezi in viata spre relatiile cu sexul opus.
June 5, 2008
i found this book rather amusing.
While i cannot speak for every woman, i know that i have each of the Siren archetypes inside of me.
Not a serious read, but worth a few chuckles.
June 17, 2009
A wonderful read on how to be completely and totally irresistible to others without becoming a Stepford wife. A true delight.
June 12, 2010
Loved it!
July 31, 2012
Great little bios of sirens throughout history. I loved the categories she created for the various siren types: companion, competitor, mother, sex kitten and goddess. Fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews