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What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly
Having doubts about your next step? Ask yourself what artist Frida Kahlo would do in this “beautiful volume . . . sure to inspire” ( Boston Globe ).
NAMED A BEST GIFT BOOK OF THE YEAR Instyle , Oprah Daily , Business Insider , Esquire , Boston Globe , and Redbook
Revered as much for her fierce spirit as she is for her art, Frida Kahlo stands today as a feminist symbol of daring creativity. Her paintings have earned her admirers around the world, but perhaps her greatest work of art was her own life. What Would Frida Do? celebrates this icon’s signature style, outspoken politics, and boldness in love and art—even in the face of hardship and heartbreak. We see her tumultuous marriage with the famous muralist Diego Rivera and rumored flings with Leon Trotsky and Josephine Baker. In this irresistible read, writer Arianna Davis conjures Frida’s brave spirit, encouraging women to create fearlessly and stand by their own truths.
NAMED A BEST GIFT BOOK OF THE YEAR Instyle , Oprah Daily , Business Insider , Esquire , Boston Globe , and Redbook
Revered as much for her fierce spirit as she is for her art, Frida Kahlo stands today as a feminist symbol of daring creativity. Her paintings have earned her admirers around the world, but perhaps her greatest work of art was her own life. What Would Frida Do? celebrates this icon’s signature style, outspoken politics, and boldness in love and art—even in the face of hardship and heartbreak. We see her tumultuous marriage with the famous muralist Diego Rivera and rumored flings with Leon Trotsky and Josephine Baker. In this irresistible read, writer Arianna Davis conjures Frida’s brave spirit, encouraging women to create fearlessly and stand by their own truths.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
227 people are currently reading
11584 people want to read
About the author
Arianna Davis
7 books72 followersBy day, Arianna is the Editorial Director of Digital for the TODAY show. She is also the author of "What Would Frida Do? A Guide to Living Boldly," inspired by the life of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. She is currently working on her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 477 reviews
August 28, 2024
First of all, it should be noted that the author shows great ambition researching, writing a book, and seeing it all the way through to completion. Everyone has an opinion but few actually go the distance. Her ambition should be noted, and this review is not meant to dissuade the author from future endeavors but provide feedback that hopefully will be appreciated if not today someday.
This book was billed as "Self-Help/Biography." It seemed like a perfect fit for a self-identified feminist/social activist and casual interest in Frida Kahlo.
Things to improve:
1) How can there be a book about Frida Kahlo without any of her paintings? The author kept rattling off all of these paintings as if the reader knew all of them by heart. Apparently, the reader was supposed to look up each one of these?
2) The facts about Frida Kahlo were very repetitive. There was not a lot of meat to this book. Where are all of the facts? Where are the conversations? What was Frida good in at school? What was her favorite subject? Did she know how to drive? What did she think of cars? Honestly, this book should be rewritten in chronological order removing any of the repetitive parts. How many pages would it be?
3) This book was preachy at times. And the advice was BAD. "[...] Sometimes if you're looking for a boost, a shot of tequila just might do the trick. But of course, do so safely and responsibly." Wow! Why even go to AA? If someone read this disclaimer, everything would be right in the world. Is this a joke? Self-medicating is not an answer and shouldn't be suggested as such especially in a book which is allegedly celebrating how YOU are enough, that you don't need to drink or appease other people.
4) The author talked about herself WAY too many times. Sorry, the audience cares about Frida Kahlo. "[...] I am guilty of dressing up as Frida for Halloween. And when I did, my friends kept staring at me....." or at least twice in the book talking about how the author imagines Frida Kahlo.
Why is the reader supposed to care about this? Unless you are a celebrity, people don't know you and you are not the subject matter of interest to the reader.
5)The author lacked any and all credibility by way of self-help. As a creator (medium is video versus books), you are encouraged to let the audience know why they should listen. For example, if a video is selected that says, "7 Ways to Grow Your Business". The Creator starts off by saying, "I want to share 7 tips with you on how to grow your business." Great. What makes you qualified? "Using these 7 tips I took my annual sales from $100,000 to $10 million in 12 months." Alright, now I am listening. Or it could be, "I have a Master's in Business Administration, and I have been studying sales for 15 years and published in 15 business journals." Anybody with a computer can offer advice. This advice didn't seem quite right so the question became how is the author qualified. That question was never answered. Ms. Davis clearly knows Frida, but she should have co-wrote with a licensed therapist to assist in the self-help portion. Nothing indicates that Ms. Davis is qualified to hand out major life advice.
Ms. Davis, the purpose of this review was not to discourage you. On the contrary, I hope that this review gives you water and light to grow into the flower you were destined to grow into. I mentioned that I am a creator and nothing irks me more than a coward that gives me a thumbs down without leaving me a comment. Without comments, I cannot grow. Every thumbs down hurts. Trust me. I have been there especially after pouring your heart and soul into your creation and spending hours of your life on it. As one feminist to another, best wishes in your writing career, rock on, and live your truth. Viva la vida!
2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta My Bookstore at Pango
This book was billed as "Self-Help/Biography." It seemed like a perfect fit for a self-identified feminist/social activist and casual interest in Frida Kahlo.
Things to improve:
1) How can there be a book about Frida Kahlo without any of her paintings? The author kept rattling off all of these paintings as if the reader knew all of them by heart. Apparently, the reader was supposed to look up each one of these?
2) The facts about Frida Kahlo were very repetitive. There was not a lot of meat to this book. Where are all of the facts? Where are the conversations? What was Frida good in at school? What was her favorite subject? Did she know how to drive? What did she think of cars? Honestly, this book should be rewritten in chronological order removing any of the repetitive parts. How many pages would it be?
3) This book was preachy at times. And the advice was BAD. "[...] Sometimes if you're looking for a boost, a shot of tequila just might do the trick. But of course, do so safely and responsibly." Wow! Why even go to AA? If someone read this disclaimer, everything would be right in the world. Is this a joke? Self-medicating is not an answer and shouldn't be suggested as such especially in a book which is allegedly celebrating how YOU are enough, that you don't need to drink or appease other people.
4) The author talked about herself WAY too many times. Sorry, the audience cares about Frida Kahlo. "[...] I am guilty of dressing up as Frida for Halloween. And when I did, my friends kept staring at me....." or at least twice in the book talking about how the author imagines Frida Kahlo.
Why is the reader supposed to care about this? Unless you are a celebrity, people don't know you and you are not the subject matter of interest to the reader.
5)The author lacked any and all credibility by way of self-help. As a creator (medium is video versus books), you are encouraged to let the audience know why they should listen. For example, if a video is selected that says, "7 Ways to Grow Your Business". The Creator starts off by saying, "I want to share 7 tips with you on how to grow your business." Great. What makes you qualified? "Using these 7 tips I took my annual sales from $100,000 to $10 million in 12 months." Alright, now I am listening. Or it could be, "I have a Master's in Business Administration, and I have been studying sales for 15 years and published in 15 business journals." Anybody with a computer can offer advice. This advice didn't seem quite right so the question became how is the author qualified. That question was never answered. Ms. Davis clearly knows Frida, but she should have co-wrote with a licensed therapist to assist in the self-help portion. Nothing indicates that Ms. Davis is qualified to hand out major life advice.
Ms. Davis, the purpose of this review was not to discourage you. On the contrary, I hope that this review gives you water and light to grow into the flower you were destined to grow into. I mentioned that I am a creator and nothing irks me more than a coward that gives me a thumbs down without leaving me a comment. Without comments, I cannot grow. Every thumbs down hurts. Trust me. I have been there especially after pouring your heart and soul into your creation and spending hours of your life on it. As one feminist to another, best wishes in your writing career, rock on, and live your truth. Viva la vida!
2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta My Bookstore at Pango
October 10, 2020
I wanted to read this book as I am fascinated by Frida Kahlo and the life she led. The book is nicely separated into sections that describe Frida from when she was a girl to her early death.
What I liked about the book:
* the writing flowed very well
* a lot of historical facts and information that I did not know prior to reading this book
* cute chapter endings as to what Frida would do
What I did not like about this book:
* I was not expecting such a biographical type book but more fun notions as to what Frida would do in certain circumstances (this initially bothered me as it wasn’t what I was expecting, however I did end up enjoying the historical facts and information)
* the author noted that Frida was sexually fluid early on in the book. I noticed that throughout the book she would constantly make note that Frida would have same sex relationships, using this information for attempted shock value. I found it unnecessary and a bit disrespectful. Example from chapter 9: “...her several infamous extramarital liaisons (many of which were, yes, with members of the same sex).”
* there was much description of Frida’s artwork, however there were no actual pictures of them. Having some imagery of her artwork would provide more context to the writing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review.
What I liked about the book:
* the writing flowed very well
* a lot of historical facts and information that I did not know prior to reading this book
* cute chapter endings as to what Frida would do
What I did not like about this book:
* I was not expecting such a biographical type book but more fun notions as to what Frida would do in certain circumstances (this initially bothered me as it wasn’t what I was expecting, however I did end up enjoying the historical facts and information)
* the author noted that Frida was sexually fluid early on in the book. I noticed that throughout the book she would constantly make note that Frida would have same sex relationships, using this information for attempted shock value. I found it unnecessary and a bit disrespectful. Example from chapter 9: “...her several infamous extramarital liaisons (many of which were, yes, with members of the same sex).”
* there was much description of Frida’s artwork, however there were no actual pictures of them. Having some imagery of her artwork would provide more context to the writing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review.
November 27, 2020
I went in thinking this would be a biography, it’s not. It’s mostly the well known stuff about Frida with some connection to modern day self help. It’s just ok. A little too redundant for me.
October 27, 2021
It took me forever to get through this very short book because it was nearly unbearable to read. If this wasn’t our book club novel there is no way I would have finished it. The whole book reads like a poorly researched college essay. Sure, I learned a few things I didn’t know about Kahlo, but all in the introduction. Literally every chapter after that was just the same information repeated, and honestly the format of the book is also terrible. At least I was able to use this book to press some flowers from my vacation - which I think Kahlo would have appreciated.
October 3, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Beth Mowbray
2020, my friends … a year we won’t soon forget! The way this year has been going, we need all the inspiration we can get. So, make sure you add What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly to your reading list. This debut book by Arianna Davis is both informative and fun, drawing on iconic artist Frida Kahlo’s fearless spirit to examine how she would approach life’s most challenging and important situations. Kahlo undoubtedly lived her life passionately and without reservation, an approach we can all learn a thing or two from.
For those unfamiliar with Frida Kahlo and her art, What Would Frida Do? does a wonderful job of providing an overview of her life and works. Her paintings are so highly praised because they reflect intimately and transparently upon her life. Famous for painting self-portraits, Kahlo wanted to show herself as she really was, not as some idealised version of self. Her body ravaged by polio at age six and again in a bus accident at age 18, Kahlo struggled and suffered throughout her life with immense pain and physical ailments. She is also well known for one particular physical attribute: her bold eyebrows. She used her painting to challenge stereotypes of feminine beauty, ultimately showing her strength and confidence, as well as her vulnerability, throughout the many ups and downs in her life. Kahlo’s paintings were also a way to share and promote her love of her Mexican heritage, as well as her strong political views.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
2020, my friends … a year we won’t soon forget! The way this year has been going, we need all the inspiration we can get. So, make sure you add What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly to your reading list. This debut book by Arianna Davis is both informative and fun, drawing on iconic artist Frida Kahlo’s fearless spirit to examine how she would approach life’s most challenging and important situations. Kahlo undoubtedly lived her life passionately and without reservation, an approach we can all learn a thing or two from.
For those unfamiliar with Frida Kahlo and her art, What Would Frida Do? does a wonderful job of providing an overview of her life and works. Her paintings are so highly praised because they reflect intimately and transparently upon her life. Famous for painting self-portraits, Kahlo wanted to show herself as she really was, not as some idealised version of self. Her body ravaged by polio at age six and again in a bus accident at age 18, Kahlo struggled and suffered throughout her life with immense pain and physical ailments. She is also well known for one particular physical attribute: her bold eyebrows. She used her painting to challenge stereotypes of feminine beauty, ultimately showing her strength and confidence, as well as her vulnerability, throughout the many ups and downs in her life. Kahlo’s paintings were also a way to share and promote her love of her Mexican heritage, as well as her strong political views.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
December 14, 2025
عنوان کتاب این حس رو میده که قراره با توجه به ویژگیهای شخصیتی و رفتاری فریدا، درمورد اینکه توی موقعیتهای مختلف چطور عمل میکرده حرف بزنه یا یچیزی شبیه به این.
ولی فقط یه زندگینامه نسبتا پراکنده از فریدا بود. نقطه قوتش که توی کتابهای مشابه ندیدم این بود که بیشتر درباره اتفاقات پس از مرگ فریدا و میراثش صحبت کرده بود.
ولی فقط یه زندگینامه نسبتا پراکنده از فریدا بود. نقطه قوتش که توی کتابهای مشابه ندیدم این بود که بیشتر درباره اتفاقات پس از مرگ فریدا و میراثش صحبت کرده بود.
December 25, 2020
I rarely give such a low score, but I almost abandoned this book several times so let me tell you why. Firstly, this book was boring. Half of the book was filled with the most shallow of information about Frida. Secondly, the first 100 pages were completely repetitive in those shallow facts. There was maybe 50 or so pages in the middle that actually got into any depth or new facts and then right back to being redundant in nature. Third, I also really didn’t love the prose of this book and how it was littered with the author’s life story comparisons or narration. Obviously, I saw that the book was described as a guide to living like Frida but I didn’t know that the book would actually be written as such. So moral of the story, if you have no idea who Frida Kahlo is and want to learn, then this is a good book for you. (FYI I did a survey while reading and I am throughly appalled by how many people have no idea who she is and also don’t recognize her image.) However, if you have an idea then please don’t make yourself suffer by reading this book. I have spoken. Good day.
September 24, 2021
Frida Kahlo is not only known for her great artwork but also her bold spirit. This book explores the icon’s larger than life presence and inspires readers to live as boldly as she did. This book also reveals stories from Frida’s personal life and reveals all of the obstacles the artist had to overcome.
Not only did I find this book awe inspiring but I fell in love with the quotes and illustrations in this book. From fashion, confidence, heartbreak, sex, identity and everything in between this book covers advice on every topic that today's woman goes through.
As much as I enjoyed this book as a grown woman, I feel like this book would also be perfect to inspire young women. This book would make a perfect gift!
Many thanks to Seal Press for the gifted copy!
Not only did I find this book awe inspiring but I fell in love with the quotes and illustrations in this book. From fashion, confidence, heartbreak, sex, identity and everything in between this book covers advice on every topic that today's woman goes through.
As much as I enjoyed this book as a grown woman, I feel like this book would also be perfect to inspire young women. This book would make a perfect gift!
Many thanks to Seal Press for the gifted copy!
September 11, 2024
Subtitle: A Guide to Living Boldly
This is a selection for my Hispanic book club. It’s a combination biography and self-help guide, and frankly, I could do without the self-help advice.
Frida Kahlo was a fascinating woman, and I enjoyed learning a few more tidbits about her life. Davis managed to convey some of her passion and joy for life. She was definitely a charismatic presence. I also liked how Davis notes the growing international interest in the artist so many years after her death.
However, the “lessons” Davis gains from examining Frida’s life are sometimes a bit of a stretch. And I had little interest in the self-hep advice / platitudes.
I would much rather read a straight biography of Frida Kahlo.
This is a selection for my Hispanic book club. It’s a combination biography and self-help guide, and frankly, I could do without the self-help advice.
Frida Kahlo was a fascinating woman, and I enjoyed learning a few more tidbits about her life. Davis managed to convey some of her passion and joy for life. She was definitely a charismatic presence. I also liked how Davis notes the growing international interest in the artist so many years after her death.
However, the “lessons” Davis gains from examining Frida’s life are sometimes a bit of a stretch. And I had little interest in the self-hep advice / platitudes.
I would much rather read a straight biography of Frida Kahlo.
October 28, 2021
The book idea was a good and creative one. The reading was easy. However, each chapter was written with no acknowledgement of previous chapters. It was as though the author never thought that they would be placed together in a book. Facts and references are repeated over and over again (Gringolandia, prep school pranks, specific affairs, bland food, eyebrow pencil, the words “Tehuana-inspired”, etc.) to a mind-boggling degree. I came out on the other side knowing more but questioning why it needed to take that long to reach the end.
Viva la Vida!
Viva la Vida!
August 1, 2020
A great read and what Frida would do. About life and other things. Many different quotes and pictures as well.
December 20, 2020
"I don’t give a shit what the world thinks. I was born a bitch, I was born a painter, I was born fucked. But I was happy in my way. You did not understand what I am. I am love. I am pleasure, I am essence, I am an idiot, I am an alcoholic, I am tenacious. I am; simply I am.”
"I paint myself because I am so often alone, because I am the subject I know best."
Espero alegre la salida y espero no volver jamás,” she wrote. “I hope the exit is joyful—and I hope never to return.”
Frida Kahlo truly is iconic... not just because of her art but her life! Even a person like myself who is not very familiar with her artwork and paintings knows who she is because of the person she was and the life that she lived. She did not live a charmed life....not by a long shot! The kind of cards that life dealt her with--being stricken by polio, a horrendous bus accident that almost destroyed her body and the lifelong physical pain she had to live with--it would make any other person give up but she did not and that is what makes her an icon and an inspiration.
What Would Frida Do? provides an overview of her life and art works through which she brought forth her love for her Mexican heritage, her strong political views, her turbulent love and married life and her own definition of feminine beauty. Every chapter describes an aspect of her life that made her into the woman and icon she became. I only feel some pictures of Frida's artwork and her personal photographs could have been included with the text.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers Perseus Books/Basic Books and the author Arianna Davis for the e-Arc of the book.
The book was published on 20th October 2020.
"I paint myself because I am so often alone, because I am the subject I know best."
Espero alegre la salida y espero no volver jamás,” she wrote. “I hope the exit is joyful—and I hope never to return.”
Frida Kahlo truly is iconic... not just because of her art but her life! Even a person like myself who is not very familiar with her artwork and paintings knows who she is because of the person she was and the life that she lived. She did not live a charmed life....not by a long shot! The kind of cards that life dealt her with--being stricken by polio, a horrendous bus accident that almost destroyed her body and the lifelong physical pain she had to live with--it would make any other person give up but she did not and that is what makes her an icon and an inspiration.
What Would Frida Do? provides an overview of her life and art works through which she brought forth her love for her Mexican heritage, her strong political views, her turbulent love and married life and her own definition of feminine beauty. Every chapter describes an aspect of her life that made her into the woman and icon she became. I only feel some pictures of Frida's artwork and her personal photographs could have been included with the text.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers Perseus Books/Basic Books and the author Arianna Davis for the e-Arc of the book.
The book was published on 20th October 2020.
December 26, 2021
فریدا قطعا شخصیت جالب و زندگی پرفراز و نشیبی داشته، اما این به معنی اون نیست که هر کتابی هم که دربارش نوشته میشه جالبه. به هیچ وجه!
این کتاب یک زندگینامه نیست. اگر دنبال خوندن زندیگنامه ی فریدا هستید باید در جای دیگری دنبالش بگردید
البته این امتیاز رو به نویسنده میدم که خودش اعلام میکنه که قرار نیست زندگینامه باشه. این کتاب دقیقا همون چیزیه که نویسنده میگه: افکار یک طرفدار پر و پا قرص فریدا. برای من این افکار جالب نبودن. چون شخصیت خاص فریدا عیب هایی هم داره که در این کتاب به شدت ستایش شده
این کتاب یک زندگینامه نیست. اگر دنبال خوندن زندیگنامه ی فریدا هستید باید در جای دیگری دنبالش بگردید
البته این امتیاز رو به نویسنده میدم که خودش اعلام میکنه که قرار نیست زندگینامه باشه. این کتاب دقیقا همون چیزیه که نویسنده میگه: افکار یک طرفدار پر و پا قرص فریدا. برای من این افکار جالب نبودن. چون شخصیت خاص فریدا عیب هایی هم داره که در این کتاب به شدت ستایش شده
May 25, 2021
I enjoyed this easy to read book as I knew very little of Frida Kahlo and could have not engaged in any other deeper/more intense book at the time. (Thanks for the gift, bff). Calling it "a guide" its a big stretch, as the advice is at best okaysh if you are in your teen years. For serious fans though these points may be a deal-breaker:
- her paintings are mentioned a lot but not shown. You have to interrupt your reading and google them every few minutes.
-the same information bits are presented in 2-3 chapters as new. Unless you suffer from short-time memory loss, it gets repetitive
-the aforementioned advice. "What would Frida do for a strong inner circle of friends? Give them personalized, thoughtful gifts."Sorry, what?
- her paintings are mentioned a lot but not shown. You have to interrupt your reading and google them every few minutes.
-the same information bits are presented in 2-3 chapters as new. Unless you suffer from short-time memory loss, it gets repetitive
-the aforementioned advice. "What would Frida do for a strong inner circle of friends? Give them personalized, thoughtful gifts."Sorry, what?
October 7, 2021
(Audiobook). 1.5 stars, because I only give 1 star to books I don’t finish, and I did finish this one.
This book was so annoying. Agree with many reviewers on here that it reads like a high school English or art history paper. So much repetition, and weird comparisons of the artist to the book’s author. Also Frida was “strong” for not leaving her husband but also “strong” for leaving him and also “strong” for coming back to him? And every person who wears flowers in their hair is copying Frida? And also Frida would like taking selfies? Just the weirdest book.
If anyone wants to read a better book on how to learn life lessons from complicated historical figures, I’d recommend Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller.
This book was so annoying. Agree with many reviewers on here that it reads like a high school English or art history paper. So much repetition, and weird comparisons of the artist to the book’s author. Also Frida was “strong” for not leaving her husband but also “strong” for leaving him and also “strong” for coming back to him? And every person who wears flowers in their hair is copying Frida? And also Frida would like taking selfies? Just the weirdest book.
If anyone wants to read a better book on how to learn life lessons from complicated historical figures, I’d recommend Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller.
February 18, 2023
I really tried to like this one. But I'm on page 130 and the redundancy of it all is getting to me. The book just reads like a high school essay trying to reach the minimum word count.
I love the idea of this book, but even the "self-help" tips were cringy.
I also wanted more visuals. I spent half of the time reading this book, looking up her paintings.
I love the idea of this book, but even the "self-help" tips were cringy.
I also wanted more visuals. I spent half of the time reading this book, looking up her paintings.
July 13, 2022
اميدوارم عزيمت رضايت بخش باشد و اميدوارم هرگز بازنگردم.
&&&
هیچ چیز مطلق نیست. همه چیز تغییر می کند، همه چیز حرکت می کند، همه چیز حل می شود، همه چیز پرواز می کند و از بین می رود.
$$$
زن قوى زن هنر زن بينظير
&&&
هیچ چیز مطلق نیست. همه چیز تغییر می کند، همه چیز حرکت می کند، همه چیز حل می شود، همه چیز پرواز می کند و از بین می رود.
$$$
زن قوى زن هنر زن بينظير
April 17, 2021
Wouldn’t have chosen this in a fit but my friend of over 30 years handed it me and told me she just knew I’d love it.
October 27, 2021
Repetitive
Read
March 5, 2021You can find the photo and full review on TOMES AND TEXTILES.
THIS is the Frida we can, and should, take inspiration from. A woman only as perfect as her flaws.” – Arianna Davis, What Would Friday Do? A Guide to Living Boldly
🌺
Here’s a MICRO review of a great Women’s History Month book because I really felt like FINALLY sharing this picture with you.
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This photo collage was inspired by @iamrainbou’s photo of Take a Hint, Dani Brown, which I will share in stories!
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What Would Friday Do by @ariannagab is the pop history exploration of Frida Kahlo’s life I didn’t know I needed until I picked it up. Part self-care, part non-fiction facts about Frida’s life, this book is quite an experience and unlike any non-fiction I have ever read. Factoring in and paralleling parts of Adrianna’s life history as well, this was a very young and fresh approach to a biography. I’d be down for a series mindfulness books told in this format based on badass historical people!
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Just some of the lessons of this book: enjoying the moments of life that you have to truly live, being yourself, finding ways to express yourself, being BOLD, being POWERFUL. So many joyous topics. Also, I DID NOT KNOW FRIDA’S MIDDLE NAME WAS CARMEN.
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Do you like the part of TV shows where the first 30 seconds of the show is a reputation of the last 30 seconds before the commercial break? This book has snippets like that which work to refresh thoughts and facts contained within the book.
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If you liked paging through Frida In America by Cehlia Stahr or The Diary of Frida Kahlo by Alas Rotas, I implore you to check this one out!
If you liked my content, buy me a k0-fi!
THIS is the Frida we can, and should, take inspiration from. A woman only as perfect as her flaws.” – Arianna Davis, What Would Friday Do? A Guide to Living Boldly
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Here’s a MICRO review of a great Women’s History Month book because I really felt like FINALLY sharing this picture with you.
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This photo collage was inspired by @iamrainbou’s photo of Take a Hint, Dani Brown, which I will share in stories!
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What Would Friday Do by @ariannagab is the pop history exploration of Frida Kahlo’s life I didn’t know I needed until I picked it up. Part self-care, part non-fiction facts about Frida’s life, this book is quite an experience and unlike any non-fiction I have ever read. Factoring in and paralleling parts of Adrianna’s life history as well, this was a very young and fresh approach to a biography. I’d be down for a series mindfulness books told in this format based on badass historical people!
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Just some of the lessons of this book: enjoying the moments of life that you have to truly live, being yourself, finding ways to express yourself, being BOLD, being POWERFUL. So many joyous topics. Also, I DID NOT KNOW FRIDA’S MIDDLE NAME WAS CARMEN.
🌺
Do you like the part of TV shows where the first 30 seconds of the show is a reputation of the last 30 seconds before the commercial break? This book has snippets like that which work to refresh thoughts and facts contained within the book.
🌺
If you liked paging through Frida In America by Cehlia Stahr or The Diary of Frida Kahlo by Alas Rotas, I implore you to check this one out!
If you liked my content, buy me a k0-fi!
August 16, 2020
4.5/5 stars
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. My review is my own and not influenced in any way.
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This was absolutely delightful to read. Admittedly, I didn't know much about Frida Kahlo going into this book. Like many others in the world with a passing fancy for art at one point or another, I know just enough about Frida and her works to appreciate her lifestyle, but not much more than that.
As the author states numerous times, Frida is a relatively common household name in pretty much every country. If there's even ONE thing you can remember about her when hearing her name, it's the eyebrows and the job title.
However, What Would Frida Do did an incredible job of delving into the depths of Frida's life and served that information on a platter that was easy and fun to comprehend as a reader. Each chapter focused on a particular aspect of her life–from the constant, chronic pain she suffered throughout her entire life thanks to the bus accident in her teen years, to her sexual escapades as a bi-female with a polyamorous husband–and ended with tips from the author about how readers might choose to fashion their life similarly to Frida's ideals to live it to the fullest.
Honestly, the only downside to this book is the fact that reading about how freely and wonderfully Frida lived her life while we're in the midst of a global pandemic that discourages social interaction probably wasn't the best idea, because I'm currently wishing I could implement Frida's lifestyle choices and make friends as easily as she apparently did.
If you have even the slightest interest in the enigma that is Frida Kahlo, I HIGHLY recommend giving this one a go. Even though I have the ARC on my phone, I'm going to be purchasing a paper copy of this for my shelves!
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. My review is my own and not influenced in any way.
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And now, here I am, sitting down to write a book on the life of Frida Kahlo, adding one more to the dozens of volumes about the artist that already line bookshelves around the world.
This was absolutely delightful to read. Admittedly, I didn't know much about Frida Kahlo going into this book. Like many others in the world with a passing fancy for art at one point or another, I know just enough about Frida and her works to appreciate her lifestyle, but not much more than that.
As the author states numerous times, Frida is a relatively common household name in pretty much every country. If there's even ONE thing you can remember about her when hearing her name, it's the eyebrows and the job title.
However, What Would Frida Do did an incredible job of delving into the depths of Frida's life and served that information on a platter that was easy and fun to comprehend as a reader. Each chapter focused on a particular aspect of her life–from the constant, chronic pain she suffered throughout her entire life thanks to the bus accident in her teen years, to her sexual escapades as a bi-female with a polyamorous husband–and ended with tips from the author about how readers might choose to fashion their life similarly to Frida's ideals to live it to the fullest.
Honestly, the only downside to this book is the fact that reading about how freely and wonderfully Frida lived her life while we're in the midst of a global pandemic that discourages social interaction probably wasn't the best idea, because I'm currently wishing I could implement Frida's lifestyle choices and make friends as easily as she apparently did.
If you have even the slightest interest in the enigma that is Frida Kahlo, I HIGHLY recommend giving this one a go. Even though I have the ARC on my phone, I'm going to be purchasing a paper copy of this for my shelves!
"I don't give a shit what the world thinks. I was born a bitch. I was born a painter...but I was happy in my way."
January 24, 2025
While I got to know a lot about Frida Kahlo's life, the actual "guide to living boldly" got repetitive.
I read this as a part of a genre challenge on non fiction about visual art or an artist.
2.5 stars is my actual rating because I didn't really find myself enjoying the story or reaching for it. But again, it's a person's life, not a netflix drama.
I read this as a part of a genre challenge on non fiction about visual art or an artist.
2.5 stars is my actual rating because I didn't really find myself enjoying the story or reaching for it. But again, it's a person's life, not a netflix drama.
December 31, 2021
This was an impulse purchase for me. I was browsing in the local independent bookseller and the cover and title caught my attention. I am acquainted with Frida Kahlo's artwork and knew a bit about her life but this book called to me to learn more.
It was a light read and offered the basics of Frida's life. I learned more about her health, about
her family history, and about the many more well known parts of her marriage to Diego Rivera. The book was repetitious though. It almost seemed like it was a collection of essays written independently and then thrown together in a book. It didn't really flow as smoothly as most biographies tend to do.
There was an element of self help thrown in with suggestions for the reader who might want to emulate some of Frida's behaviors or character traits. Mostly the self help pages were obvious and felt like something I might have once upon a time seen in a teen Vogue magazine.
As other reviewers have noted, a HUGE deficit for this book is the lack of illustrations. The author writes as if the reader is well acquainted with Frida's work and that is frustrating. Yes, I went on Wikiart and looked up some of the pieces referenced but some kind of illustrations would have improved the book.
In short, this book was an okay read for me. It was nothing of substance but offered a glimpse into the life of this iconic artist. It's not a book I need to keep nor will I be gifting it to anyone. I have several Little Libraries in the neighborhood so it will find a temporary home there until adopted out.
It was a light read and offered the basics of Frida's life. I learned more about her health, about
her family history, and about the many more well known parts of her marriage to Diego Rivera. The book was repetitious though. It almost seemed like it was a collection of essays written independently and then thrown together in a book. It didn't really flow as smoothly as most biographies tend to do.
There was an element of self help thrown in with suggestions for the reader who might want to emulate some of Frida's behaviors or character traits. Mostly the self help pages were obvious and felt like something I might have once upon a time seen in a teen Vogue magazine.
As other reviewers have noted, a HUGE deficit for this book is the lack of illustrations. The author writes as if the reader is well acquainted with Frida's work and that is frustrating. Yes, I went on Wikiart and looked up some of the pieces referenced but some kind of illustrations would have improved the book.
In short, this book was an okay read for me. It was nothing of substance but offered a glimpse into the life of this iconic artist. It's not a book I need to keep nor will I be gifting it to anyone. I have several Little Libraries in the neighborhood so it will find a temporary home there until adopted out.
July 10, 2020
What Would Frida Do? by Arianna Davis is an absolute delight, from the gorgeously bright cover to the inspiring celebration of a life lived beyond convention and without fear contained within, this is a beautiful tribute to a woman who remains more iconic and relevant than ever nearly seven decades following her death. Ms Davis has delved deeply into the creative and revolutionary spirit of Frida to reveal a life that was full of happiness and purpose despite a plethora of obstacles. When reading about the fascinating life of Ms Kahlo, it is difficult to believe that so much life was celebrated in an all too brief existence of forty-seven years.
This is a charming and extremely inspiring look at a woman who would not be held back by physical restrictions, but bravely lived life on her own terms, never bowing to convention and refusing to be labelled, a true revolutionary until the very end. If you have ever been even mildly curious about the iconic Frida Kahlo, you need to read this book. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Perseus Books and Seal Press for the opportunity to read this wonderful and illuminating book.
This is a charming and extremely inspiring look at a woman who would not be held back by physical restrictions, but bravely lived life on her own terms, never bowing to convention and refusing to be labelled, a true revolutionary until the very end. If you have ever been even mildly curious about the iconic Frida Kahlo, you need to read this book. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Perseus Books and Seal Press for the opportunity to read this wonderful and illuminating book.
April 6, 2021
I think Frida herself would have loved this book! It balanced the right amount of passion, pain and true grit to depict the astonishing life of a truly gutsy woman. From her wardrobe, to her art work to her heartbreaks.. I connected with her hardships and am inspired by her zest for life and sheer determination to not take no for an answer, to follow her heart and feel her pain and furthermore use it for political revolution. I am now proud to say I’m a huge fan of Frida and she has even compelled me to start drawing again and explore her pieces further. She was a woman of much talent, and fights for love and freedom with conviction and fearlessness. A hero to men and women and should be celebrated in all cultures. Respectfully researched and well written, if a little nervously. Wonderful.
December 31, 2020
‘They thought I was a Surrealist, but I wasn’t. I never painted dreams or nightmares. I painted my own reality.’
An inspiring read about Frida Kahlo and her life as an artist, a wife and a friend, most of all, a trailblazer, who knew how to live loud and proud, embracing her strengths, weaknesses and eccentricities. She married Diego, known for his philandering habits, divorced him and married him again, all along loving him with the same ferocity as the day she fell for him.
Even when bed-ridden, she never let it deter her from creating and painting, even attending her exhibition against her doctor’s advice. She forgave her sister whose affair with Diego broke her to pieces, she went on to fight for her beliefs despite the challenging conditions she was in, she survived her miscarriages, overcame polio; she never let pain nor the world define her.
This book encapsulated her spirit and wisdom, her passion for life and love and the people who helped shape her life. There were inspiring quotes to lift one’s spirit, anecdotes, timelines of events in her life from her illness to the celebrations of her as an individual and an artist and political pursuits and snippets of her letters to Diego and her friends which were found recently.
The author took what we could learn from Frida and divided it into chapters such as Confidence, Strength, Creativity, Style, Love, Sex, Identity, Friendship and Viva la Vida, and ending each chapter with ‘What Would Frida Do If…’ she needed to find inner strength, she needed a spark of creativity, she needed a little style inspiration, was heartbroken, wanted to seduce someone, take a stand, and wanted to build a strong inner circle.
Clearly Frida lived her life to the full. Yes, she was a walking paradox – portrayed her self as one who’s strong and determined, and yet her paintings showed otherwise, declared her love for her husband, yet engaged in affairs, womanly and feminine yet also manly and masculine in her outfits. But did she care how she was seen by others? Never.
Some of my favorite quotes from her.
“The most important thing for everyone in Gringolandia is to have ambition and become ‘somebody,’ and frankly, I don’t have the last ambition to become anybody.”
and
“I don’t belong to any category.”
I love the fact that it didn’t bother her that she was seen as the wife of Diego. She just wanted to make him happy to the extent of befriending his ex-wife to learn how to cook his favorite foods from her, and she dressed up the way he liked. It didn’t bother her that she was without ambition, when today, we are so caught up with the rat race, wanting to powerful and ambitious, chasing for trophies and the acknowledgment of others. Frida proved to me that there’s nothing wrong in being proud of who we are and who we want to be, even if it's going against the grain of society. Thank you, Frida! And thank you Davis for writing this book! This was much needed, especially now!
This book would make such a great gift especially because Frida is so well-loved!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
An inspiring read about Frida Kahlo and her life as an artist, a wife and a friend, most of all, a trailblazer, who knew how to live loud and proud, embracing her strengths, weaknesses and eccentricities. She married Diego, known for his philandering habits, divorced him and married him again, all along loving him with the same ferocity as the day she fell for him.
Even when bed-ridden, she never let it deter her from creating and painting, even attending her exhibition against her doctor’s advice. She forgave her sister whose affair with Diego broke her to pieces, she went on to fight for her beliefs despite the challenging conditions she was in, she survived her miscarriages, overcame polio; she never let pain nor the world define her.
This book encapsulated her spirit and wisdom, her passion for life and love and the people who helped shape her life. There were inspiring quotes to lift one’s spirit, anecdotes, timelines of events in her life from her illness to the celebrations of her as an individual and an artist and political pursuits and snippets of her letters to Diego and her friends which were found recently.
The author took what we could learn from Frida and divided it into chapters such as Confidence, Strength, Creativity, Style, Love, Sex, Identity, Friendship and Viva la Vida, and ending each chapter with ‘What Would Frida Do If…’ she needed to find inner strength, she needed a spark of creativity, she needed a little style inspiration, was heartbroken, wanted to seduce someone, take a stand, and wanted to build a strong inner circle.
Clearly Frida lived her life to the full. Yes, she was a walking paradox – portrayed her self as one who’s strong and determined, and yet her paintings showed otherwise, declared her love for her husband, yet engaged in affairs, womanly and feminine yet also manly and masculine in her outfits. But did she care how she was seen by others? Never.
Some of my favorite quotes from her.
“The most important thing for everyone in Gringolandia is to have ambition and become ‘somebody,’ and frankly, I don’t have the last ambition to become anybody.”
and
“I don’t belong to any category.”
I love the fact that it didn’t bother her that she was seen as the wife of Diego. She just wanted to make him happy to the extent of befriending his ex-wife to learn how to cook his favorite foods from her, and she dressed up the way he liked. It didn’t bother her that she was without ambition, when today, we are so caught up with the rat race, wanting to powerful and ambitious, chasing for trophies and the acknowledgment of others. Frida proved to me that there’s nothing wrong in being proud of who we are and who we want to be, even if it's going against the grain of society. Thank you, Frida! And thank you Davis for writing this book! This was much needed, especially now!
This book would make such a great gift especially because Frida is so well-loved!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
January 3, 2021
The ultimate influencer, the original selfie guru - myself along with millions of others, are obsessed with Frida Kahlo. As an art school nerd, I have followed her work and life for years, including attending several exhibitions, retrospectives, and have acquired an abundance of Frida swag that colors my life and reminds me to be bold, and courageous - just as Frida lived and loved.
This is a stunning ode to the life of an amazing woman. The struggles and pain she endured throughout her life didn't stop her from being her best, bold self, and I loved learning more about this incredible icon.
The book beautiful captures a life well lived, despite many setbacks. It delves into what Frida would think of her life being so speculated and celebrated now, and how her face is everywhere from keychains, to tote bags, even on wine bottle... would she have embraced social media or would she have hated it. It's fun to think what she would do with life in 2021, and it's inspiring to follow lessons she continues to teach us.
Be bold. Have sex. Eat good food. Be colorful. Have more sex. Take baths. Drink tequila. But most importantly, be yourself.
I loved the audio of this one so much. The narration is incredible and really fun to follow. Quotes and list are scattered throughout and really make it an enjoyable listen.
This is a stunning ode to the life of an amazing woman. The struggles and pain she endured throughout her life didn't stop her from being her best, bold self, and I loved learning more about this incredible icon.
The book beautiful captures a life well lived, despite many setbacks. It delves into what Frida would think of her life being so speculated and celebrated now, and how her face is everywhere from keychains, to tote bags, even on wine bottle... would she have embraced social media or would she have hated it. It's fun to think what she would do with life in 2021, and it's inspiring to follow lessons she continues to teach us.
Be bold. Have sex. Eat good food. Be colorful. Have more sex. Take baths. Drink tequila. But most importantly, be yourself.
I loved the audio of this one so much. The narration is incredible and really fun to follow. Quotes and list are scattered throughout and really make it an enjoyable listen.
January 6, 2021
What Would Frida Do? is a biography of Frida Kahlo accompanied by some self-help framework. The book details Frida's life, mostly her time married to Diego Rivera.
This book provided a strong introduction to Frida Kahlo for readers who did not know much about her prior to reading. I liked Arianna Davis' voice and the obvious admiration the author holds for Kahlo.
I'm not sure I would classify this as self-help because it felt like more of a biography with a few pieces of advice peppered on at the end. The biographical parts were good, but I would have enjoyed more emphasis on the art pieces, I felt that this was strange because there was so much to be explored there.
If this was just a biography, I would give it a higher rating. But I think the attempt at the self-help component took away a bit from the retelling of Kahlo's story. It felt a bit too strange to wrap up the artist's extremely complex and beautiful life in a kind of trend-focused way.
I didn't really like the implication that Kahlo wasn't as "strong as we thought" because she stayed with Rivera after his affairs. There was a lot of the author's opinions throughout the book that I didn't feel related to anything self-help. I would have liked this more if it were a general self-help, but it didn't feel really pertinent to Kahlo's story.
The author acknowledges the challenge of trying to capture Kahlo appropriately in the beginning of this book, and I think this shows an understanding of the issue of involving Kahlo in the self-help genre. It was a strong intro for people new to Frida Kahlo and her work.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book provided a strong introduction to Frida Kahlo for readers who did not know much about her prior to reading. I liked Arianna Davis' voice and the obvious admiration the author holds for Kahlo.
I'm not sure I would classify this as self-help because it felt like more of a biography with a few pieces of advice peppered on at the end. The biographical parts were good, but I would have enjoyed more emphasis on the art pieces, I felt that this was strange because there was so much to be explored there.
If this was just a biography, I would give it a higher rating. But I think the attempt at the self-help component took away a bit from the retelling of Kahlo's story. It felt a bit too strange to wrap up the artist's extremely complex and beautiful life in a kind of trend-focused way.
I didn't really like the implication that Kahlo wasn't as "strong as we thought" because she stayed with Rivera after his affairs. There was a lot of the author's opinions throughout the book that I didn't feel related to anything self-help. I would have liked this more if it were a general self-help, but it didn't feel really pertinent to Kahlo's story.
The author acknowledges the challenge of trying to capture Kahlo appropriately in the beginning of this book, and I think this shows an understanding of the issue of involving Kahlo in the self-help genre. It was a strong intro for people new to Frida Kahlo and her work.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
Frida Kahlo was a force to be reckoned with! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story of her life is vibrant, interesting and mysterious. Her fearless approach to life, how she loved and how she took things into her own hands is empowering. By all accounts, she was ahead of her time. She endured a lot in her life very early on but said, “No matter what obstacles life throws our way, we all have the power to be the author of our own stories.” She started off as the woman behind the man but became an icon.
Thank you to DreamScapeMedia and NetGalley and for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to DreamScapeMedia and NetGalley and for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2020
Pretty and fun.
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