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Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All

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In Life Is Not a Reality Show, breakout star of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards reveals everything she’s learned about succeeding without getting stuck up, with insights into everything from keeping a marriage fresh while juggling four kids (with not a nanny in sight) to finding the best beauty steals and home-decorating inspirations.

Pop culture fanatics and fans of hip, no-nonsense women’s books from Kelly Cutrone, Bethenny Frankel, and Brandi Glanville will find all they’re looking for and more in Richards’s Life Is Not a Reality Show.

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2011

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1043 people want to read

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Kyle Richards

2 books11 followers

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5 stars
152 (14%)
4 stars
167 (15%)
3 stars
369 (34%)
2 stars
249 (23%)
1 star
133 (12%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Formanski Duffy.
340 reviews25 followers
March 3, 2013
Kyle is my fav Bev Hills Housewife. My coworker saw me reading this yesterday and raised his eyebrow at me. But I HATE it when people get all snooty-pants about light reading. In this day and age, as a librarian, it makes me happy when people enjoy books. ANY books. My reading habits are all over the place. Next on my list is The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir. So I guess I'm interested in women's life experiences of all sorts??? I just pick up whatever appeals to me at any given moment. It's one of the great joys of working in a library. You never know what you'll come across.

Anyway, the reason Kyle is likable on the Real Housewives is that she seems sane and grounded compared to the rest of the cray cray women on the cast. She's got a great marriage, four beautiful daughters, and family means everything to her. And I like that she's against a lot of the Bev Hills trappings. She's against plastic surgery, she doesn't have a nanny, and she doesn't judge people by how much money they make. She does her own hair and makeup, and she actually gives some helpful tips on grooming and style. She brushes her hair before a shower so that all the loose hair doesn't clog her drain. I read that and thought, "Uh, duh, why have I never thought of that?" Kyle's gorgeous hair is one of her trademarks, and I'm not sure if I believe she only uses Pantene shampoo. But maybe she's just blessed by nature.

So it may not be feminist literature, but Kyle wrote a fun book with some helpful tips for women. And if you want to look down upon me for reading something like this, I say you need to lighten up!
Profile Image for Jessica.
34 reviews
April 12, 2012
Kyle, Kyle, Kyle. Love you on the show, but an author you are not.

Glad to read several stories about Kyle's past and to finally get a few of her beauty product suggestions, but wasn't too thrilled about the rest of the book. And if I had to read, "Ha-ha!" one more time, I was going to start pulling out my hair. Not that Kyle would be happy with that, of course. ;)
Profile Image for Ashley.
463 reviews64 followers
July 26, 2016
I so badly wanted this to be good! Instead, it's just a bunch of her rantings on things that really have no "real life" application. For instance, she says over and over how she doesn't have a nanny -but never explains how she is able to jump up at a minutes notice and run off to something without bringing her 3-yr. old. I love Kyle on the show, but in writing she came off in a very bad light.
Profile Image for Lisa.
127 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2014
Okay I gave this book one star as it wasn't possible to give it a half and I did like looking at the pictures at the end.

Ugh, where do I start? Mmmmm, the Real housewives.....my guilty pleasure.

In the first couple of chapters, I could tell already that this was going to be an annoying and poor written book. Right away, it touched on an area briefly and she mentioned that she would get to it later. If that's the case, why not wait until later to mention it at all. And yesssss I could not agree more about having to see, " HA" or "HAHA" on just about every second page. If I didn't have the fear of burning my fingers as it lay smoldering in the fireplace I would have loved to have flipped through the pages one more time (If I could stand it) and highlight how many times that would be said. The highlighter marker would have probably dried up before the end of the book. Or perhaps you could grab this book to read in your latest book club and all take shots of tequila each time it was said as someone read it out loud. The Kyle Richards drinking game. Cheers !!!!! Bottoms up !!!!!

Also annoying was how she portrayed her views as the perfect solution. Did anyone notice that each time that she mentioned a negative incident, it was always, " I had a friend." "Or my friend" and then would go into a story about the negative incident happening to the friend. It seemed so juvenile and a pathetic attempt at getting her point across. She also had to follow up anything that she deemed as noteworthy with a follow up, " For example". Fer chrissakes, each time you need to give an example, you don't have to mention, " For Example." I think the reader can figure that out on there own. Very repetitive.

I do like the housewives and the drama, I do like Kyle, but I really hated the book. It sucked big time and I was relieved when it was finally finished.I only wish she concentrated more on her individual lifestory and experiences, instead of tooting her own horn and giving out lame advice. The pictures were the best part to look at, and I thought the cover was adorable. If you like the housewives, and you like reading about them, Brandi's first book is a lot more enjoyable.
Profile Image for Debbie.
106 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2012
I liked this book, but felt it didn't have much to it. I didn't expect any gossip from behind the scenes at Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but I also thought it would be more than primarily an advice book. Some of her advice is very old-fashioned, and in some ways I guess that's good, but - as a woman who has had my own experiences with men - I disagreed with some of what she said. The constant "ha ha ha's" got to be a bit much, and I think it brought the level of the book down. If you write well, you don't have to add in prompts like that all the time because your words should do that for you. It was fun to read, but much more of a fluff piece than I expected. Yes, I know she's a Real Housewife, but I thought she'd have more interesting things to say. And I still think she does - She just didn't share them here. She seems to be a truly nice person who is a very good mother, and she seems to have a strong marriage, good relationship with her ex, etc. If you watch the show and if you like Kyle, then you'll probably get somewhat of a kick out of this book.
Profile Image for Emily.
452 reviews30 followers
August 17, 2012
Unlike other Real Housewives books, I think Kyle actually wrote her own book. Ha ha! I think that because it is oddly punctuated with 'ha ha!'s Seriously, there is one 'ha ha!' every could pages. Ha ha! But for some reason it didn't really bug me because I would like to be her friend in real life. I can't explain it. I just think she's cool. And...she has fabulous hair. *sigh* I just have normal-person hair. Oh well.

The book read sort of as a chit chat between girlfriends, one of whom had lots of advice. Was it all good and vital advice? Nah, but it wasn't done in a super obnoxious soap-boxy manner, so I didn't mind.

Again, I'd like to point out that Kyle Richards has fabulous hair that I deeply envy. She tells in the book how she takes care of it, but I don't think my normal person hair would respond the same way. Maybe she has alien hair. In that case, I'm envious of her alien hair.
Profile Image for Melinda Elizabeth.
1,150 reviews11 followers
January 10, 2013
This just goes to show that if you line yourself up with some sort of celebrity niche, you can get pretty much anything out of it. I wouldn't be surprised if she's working on a duet with her famous niece, Paris Hilton or diversifying elsewhere. Indeed she mentions in the book she's working on a handbag line....

Let me tell you, if her handbag line is anything like this book, you'd best steer clear. I was expecting more behind the scenes "tell all, here's my side" of the whole dinner party from hell fiasco but what did I get instead? how to keep a man. how to look good. how to raise beautiful children. how to economise from a woman who has never really had the same idea of "poverty" as the rest of us.

Now, I KNOW I shouldn't be too hard on the book. I KNOW it's aimed at the brain dead audience that watches the show, ha ha! (see what I did there? Have I mentioned that Kyle's "ha ha!'s" are scattered throughout the book with such regularity that I thought I'd accidentally picked up a Simpsons comic?) but even this is bordering on insulting the viewers.

I'd give it a miss if you still want to be able to watch Kyle on RHWOBH without rolling your eyes any more than you're already doing.
Profile Image for Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis.
959 reviews52 followers
January 1, 2013
I like Kyle. I am named after her sister's character on Escape to Witch Mountain, so I have always been interested in Kim. I must admit I read it somewhat to see what was in it about Kim. I like that Kyle is old fashioned, to me it makes her easy to relate to. Obviously, she loves her family, and puts them above her work, which doesn't seem like the norm for Hollywood. I could picture myself being friends with her. I love how she is "don't mess with my kids or touch my husband", I am exactly like that. Some of the advice was repeated and I didn't really enjoy all the HA HA's. The writing style itself wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but what she had to say was interesting. I love that she included so many pictures. Now I wish Kim would come out with a book. I only wished that there was more about her childhood, but it wasn't a biography, so I guess I should be glad that she included what she did.
Profile Image for Erin.
124 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2012
really the only thing I got out of this book was the beauty product recommendations....otherwise, I feel dumber after reading it. It was pretty mindless. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is my guilty pleasure, so I had to read Kyle's book! There were typos in it though, and she actually writes "Ha-ha!" more than a dozen times.
Profile Image for woody.
57 reviews7 followers
Read
January 3, 2015
picked this up to kill time for my appointment. i cannot give it even a one star as it's pure self serving drivel. Four pages on shampoos and the rest on how you should never go dutch on a date if you want to get a man.
Profile Image for Darline Dondl.
42 reviews
October 3, 2025
I'm a huge RHOBH fan since day 1, but I hadn't read Bravoleb books until recently. This book is easy read & casual tone like a conversation. I would have enjoyed an Audiobook option to hear Kyle narrate. I had to look up the publication year, 2011, because Amazon listed as 2024. It had moments that didn't age well, in scope of Kyle & Mauricio separation. I agree with another reviewer who mentioned their frustration with the over use of "Ha Ha!", I even did a search in kindle and found 58 times!
Profile Image for Elizabeth .
1,026 reviews
September 2, 2015
This was a super quick read and very fun too! Kyle Richards is my favorite of all the "Real Housewives" and so I just had to read her book!

It is generally an advice book combined with lots of autobiographical information.

I enjoyed the entire book but I must say my favorite chapter was on her personal hair care, for I love her hair and wish/ want mine to look just like it :-) I took notes as I read the hair chapter since this is a library book and I couldn't mark it up. I'll be looking for some new products the next time I'm at the drugstore. Oh, and by the way, she actually uses products available at a drugstore. Her shampoo is Pantene! I have used Pantene for years as well. Oh, and Kyle and I use the same brand of hair ties (ouchless hair bands by Goody).

My favorite quote in the entire book is this:

"The best way to have beautiful hair is to accept the hair God gave you, love it, and work with it. Don't try to turn it into something it's not."

How many times have I tried to make my hair something it's not. Kyle has really inspired me to work with what I've got (fine thin-ish hair) and stop yearning for what I don't (thick hair and lots of it).
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,005 reviews15 followers
June 4, 2016
3.5 stars = Just came out in hardcover and it’s 249 pages. I watch RHOBH and it’s probably my favorite of the “Real Housewives” franchise. I remember hearing somewhere because they are more interesting due to “mo’ money = mo’ problems”. Ha Ha!

That “ha ha!” is exactly the style that Kyle writes this book. There are TONS of exclamation points (literally every third sentence) and a “Ha Ha!” whenever she found herself amusing. At first it was a bit annoying, but after awhile I started reading the book and hearing her voice in my head… so the “ha ha!” seemed more genuine and made more sense that way. She is a very interesting woman and gives her opinion on all aspects of life: dating, marriage, how to be a good housewife & mom, her mom, “sisterly love” with Kathy Hilton & Kim Richards, her hair, makeup & beauty, fashion, and home life. There are also 2 large sections of the book where she includes glossy color personal photos of her childhood, family, friends & pretty much her life thus far.

For me, it was a quick easy read and fun. Would I read it again? Maybe. If I hadn’t seen her on RHOBH, the book would only be about 20% interesting.
27 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2012
This book was alright. I was really excited to read this one because I've always like Kyle and felt this one could be entertaining and down to earth. But while there were parts in this book that I genuinely enjoyed, there were other parts I could have done without. A good deal of this book came off like a series of blogs rather than a well organized and put together book or autobiography, whatever this was intended to be.

I didn't agree with a lot of her tips on men, but that's probably just personal preference. But why did there have to be so much information on how men are supposed to act with you? I felt like this section of the book could've been greatly reduced.

In the end, I wanted more information on Kyle herself, and not so much her tips on men, hair, makeup, and throwing parties. The parts I enjoyed most were the stories she told of her life growing up and big Kathy, and I would've liked more of that.
Profile Image for Kate.
132 reviews
March 25, 2013
I liked this book more than I thought I would. It's very light and filled with fun advice - make up, clothes, hair, etc. Some of the parts where she talks about her mom were thoughtful, sweet, sad and moving. My one critique of the book is that she assumes you already know much about her life and her history and that of her family's history. I knew a little from watching RHOBH and I was aware that Kyle Richards was Paris Hilton's aunt, but I didn't know much about her as an actress or they type of family that she came from (Hollywood childhood actors/Beverly Hills natives.) Anyway, I enjoyed ths book and it didn't pretend to be anything other than what it was. You could read this in 2 hours on a short flight and it would keep you entertained and make you want to head to CVS after you landed to get some L'Oreal lipgloss No. 8 and a Pantene hair mask.
Profile Image for Jen.
19 reviews23 followers
January 12, 2012
This was a pretty quick read on my Kindle. It only had 12 chapters, which felt like they went by fast. It's not a super deep book (many chapters talk about beauty tips, how to find and keep a man, etc) but I felt the tone was easy and conversational. It was also interesting to hear some of her family history. I particularly enjoyed when she discussed some of the family history of anxiety, etc, because I always love thinking through the habits and behaviors we inherit through our family of origin. (I'm a psych nerd,what do you expect!) Nothing particularly earth-shattering in terms of her ideas when it comes to relationships, but I do feel like I got to learn a little more about one of my favorite reality tv housewives.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
671 reviews44 followers
November 3, 2012
Life is not a Reality Show by Kyle Richards is probably one of the most annoying books I have read in a long time. She tries to come off as someone who is writing a book to tell about her life so you can follow her advice and see if what she did helps you have an amazing life too. All the book did was make me dislike her. I felt like she was bragging about her life and would not stop saying how perfect her life was. Perfect family, clothes, hair, husband, house, etc. Do not read this book. It was bad. I wanted to stop half way through because I was so tired of hearing about her perfect life. But unfortunately, I can't stop reading a book once I start it. Even if it is this bad. So do not waste time on this one.
Profile Image for Jenn.
743 reviews7 followers
February 8, 2013
I watch the Real Housewives of any city. And Kyle is definitely a favorite from Beverly Hills. I hear her voice when I read this book, which is good, but all the "ha-ha!" got annoying, even though I can hear her laughing in my head. The flow of this book on the Kindle was strange too. All the little inserts into the middle of a story got weird for me. I think I expected a little more personal information. I didn't realize this was a self help/guide book type book. And if you are happy in your relationship you can skip the first 5 chapters. To me those were a big waste of time. After them it got considerably better though. I still don't feel like I know too much more about Kyle than the show.
Profile Image for Stacey Giacono.
7 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2012
This was a quick read, but I love Kyle from RHW of Bevery Hills so I really enjoyed it. She gives you a look into her personal and home life and you get the sense that she is like everyone else.

She seems very down to earth and just like someone you would love hanging out with...and getting hair, make-up, and style tips from. I loved the chapters on hair care and skin care b/c you really don't have to spend a fortune to look like one!

I also enjoyed reading the stories of how she grew up with her sisters and the challenges they all faced together. It's good to see they are still so close.

Can't wait for the next season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!
Profile Image for Krista.
23 reviews
January 1, 2012
I love watching the Real Housewive's of Beverly Hills and Kyle Richards is my favorite on the show. So why not read her book? I enjoyed this book with many tips and tricks on beauty, family and social life. I also liked reading about what it is like to film and be on a reality show. I could have done without all the Ha! and Ha-ha's! throughout the book. They were really not necessary. If you like the show, I think you will like the book. Otherwise, I don't know why you would have any interest reading it.
Profile Image for Carrie.
383 reviews30 followers
April 2, 2012
While completely fluffy and frilly...this was still a fun read for a RHBH and Kyle fan like myself. She has some great tips on skincare, makeup, and wearing the right clothes without spending a fortune. But she also has some really wonderful tips on looking for love and keeping it too.

Oh, and as a fan, you'll appreciate reading about some insight into the parts you don't get to see on TV too. She gives a few back stories that fans and viewers want to know. The way she acts on camera is even more understandable after reading this.
Profile Image for Maureen Flatley.
692 reviews38 followers
March 29, 2012
I LOVED this book! Watching the Real Housewives is a guilty pleasure. But it's a thrill to know that at least one of them (ok, there are probably more) is the genuine article. Wife, mother, sister, friend....Kyle Richards' philosophies about life, relationships, motherhood, marriage and beauty resonate wherever you are. Her old school, timeless tips are a sweet reminder that money isn't everything and that life can be good and, most importantly, our children are everything. Get it....read it!
Profile Image for Kristina Piazza.
93 reviews13 followers
January 30, 2013
I would have loved to have had this book and Kyle's advice when I was 18 years old. All of her advice on getting and keeping a guy are really good and useful (I am married so for me, not so much)

At 18 this would have been my guide to dating, friendships, mother/daughter relationship, clothes advice and makeup. She writes a great chapter on makeup with some great products she uses that you can get at Target (what's better then Target?) However, at 26 I still got some good tips.

I was really hoping for some juicy behind the scenes scoop on the other housewives, but that never happened.
Profile Image for maria.
70 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2015
As I was perusing the shelves in Dollar Tree I ran across this "gem" and I thought, why not? It's just a dollar. I'll have to confess that I'm an RHBH junkie but this was like reading a 5th grader's journal. In fact, I just finished rating 125 4th grade essays that read better than this. However, Kyle did write to the prompt and her incessant use of "ha!" only slightly interfered with the readability of the text = rating of 2. So Kyle, let's make a deal: I'll keep watching the show if you and all of the other HWs stop publishing books.
Profile Image for Tricia.
34 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2012
I was pretty excited about reading this book because I thought it would give some "real" insight into her life. And...to some extent, it did. But mostly it was a lot of tips and little stories about her life. I will say that she was my favorite the first season of RHOBH and one of my least favorites in the second season...but this book made her seem more likeable. Easy read...if you are looking for something like that!
Profile Image for Nikki.
858 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2012
By no means did I have high expectations for this book, but the past two books that I read were rather heavy in topic (cancer/advancements in science, rheumatoid arthritis) so this was a light change in pace. However, as much as this book is about the author's "rules" for everything from relationships to mascara, she ignores the rule about how you shouldn't laugh at your own jokes. The constant use of exclamation points and the phrases "Ha-Ha!" and "Ha!" got annoying.
Profile Image for Danielle Hofer.
4 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2012
I was really excited to get this book when it first came out and for some reason I just waited and borrowed it from the library instead. After reading it, I'm not sure I got much out of it other than confirmation of the Beverly Hills mentality. Yes there is importance stressed on the family and being a good person, but it's very empty in how to achieve that. I did enjoy the beauty and hair tips. That was nice to see how to pair store products with high end products.
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