What Would Audrey Do?: Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace & Style

by Pamela Keogh

This charming guide to modern living inspired by the impeccable example set by Audrey Hepburn contains everything one might need to survive in the modern world. So, when in trouble, just ask What would Audrey do?



Audrey Hepburn epitomised grace and style, not only in her appearance but in her very essence. Whether in fashion, relationships, home life, or her work - both on screen and for UNICEF - no role model is more worthy of imitation. So, who better to turn to when pondering the right thing to do in our complex, modern world? In an era fraught with self-interest, artifice and vulgarity, Audrey can teach us how to remain demure, sophisticated, loving and gorgeous, everyday.

Drawing on examples from the actress's extraordinary life, this hugely enjoyable, beautifully-designed book offers advice on dating, seduction techniques and marriage from the woman who enjoyed romances with John F. Kennedy, William Holden and Albert Finney; tips on how to apply Audrey's style to twenty-first-century clothes, make-up and accessories; insights into raising children, taming husbands and achieving a work-life balance and lessons in philanthropy from the star who used her fame to help others.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2015

Reviews

[Christine McGinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love learning about Audrey and this book did a great job shining light on her life from beginning to end.

What inspires me most about Audrey was her humility, her generosity, her kindness, and her search for love and joy in everything. She went through so much pain, yet she chose to love life unconditionally. You can tell human connection meant special something to her. She took herself and her work seriously, but she didn’t take life seriously. She had a deep curiosity for the world and a helped the people in it until the day she died. It’s evident that love was the driving force in her life, for better or for worse. To love and be loved. She demonstrated what it means to truly live.

I loved this book for the direct insight into Audrey’s life, though I didn’t resonate with the writing style. I found the author to depict Audrey in a “pick-me” light with the tone that we will always be inferior to her. Frankly, I think Audrey would have been embarrassed by this depiction. I also found the author’s advice to be dated with misogyny and an unhealthy outlook on women’s bodies. I would keep this in mind if you are reading this book, but the actual quotes, facts and glimpse into Audrey’s life were insightful.

[Diva Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom idolized Audrey Hepburn more than anyone else I could ever imagine. Most children grew up watching Mickey Mouse and Octonauts. Well, I grew up watching Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany's. My mom would play Hepburn's movies on repeat all the time throughout the house. I grew up inspired by Hepburn and I recently bought this book just out of curiosity.

"What Would Audrey Do?" by Pamela Keogh describes in depth the way Audrey lived her life while navigating fame, complicated relationships, and following her dreams. Pamela Keogh did a fantastic job highlighting the habits that Hepburn implemented into her daily life to achieve a glamorous and classy way of living. The book's different sections highlight different aspects of her life, such as healthy habits, romantic relationships, and life in the spotlight.

My favorite part about this book was the realistic way Keogh presented how readers who strive to be like Audrey, can be like her without trying to fit into unrealistic expectations. I think there's a fine line between taking inspiration from someone you admire and wanting to become a clone of them. Wanting to be like someone else that bad can lead to losing your own identity and emphasizing self-hatred. This is exactly why I love this book so much as Audrey was an amazing person, and Keough captures ways that readers can take inspiration from her healthily and realistically. What I found most shocking about Hepburn's life was the fact that her relationships were so complicated, as she was married twice. You would imagine someone with that glamorous of a life to have perfect relationships, but this book shows that reality is not always perfect.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Audrey Hepburn or even just wants a few tips on how to live more gracefully and more peacefully. If there's one thing this book has taught me that will stick with me for the rest of my life, it would be to not give attention to the petty things and people who only bring you down. I'm so grateful that I get to carry these lessons with me throughout my life and this book is the reason behind it.

[Polly Gibbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining look into Audrey Hepburn. I am a fan of Hepburn, but not as a film star, rather as a survivor, a humanitarian etc. so this was a brilliant read for me. It is what it says - you could still follow Audrey Hepburn as a role model and be a stunning style icon because her attitude that led to her success is timeless - a brilliant read for all modern misses aiming above the ordinary ( although smoking two packs of cigarettes a day is one thing not to follow)

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an AH fan, I just enjoyed the stuffing out of this book! Total guilty pleasure read.

[Leanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. No. Just no.

[Minimarzolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't much about Audrey before I read this in an evening, and I'm not surprised by how astonished I am by her life. How impressed. What a beautiful woman.