Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn?: Timeless Lessons on Love, Power, and Style

by Pamela Clarke Keogh

Read Pamela Keogh's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.

An irresistible guide to modern-retro style, celebrating the legacies of two iconic women.

The hit TV show Mad Men recently featured an ad campaign with two images of a model in her underwear. As a brunette, she sips from a china teacup. As a blonde, she swirls a cocktail. Debutante or bombshell? Sometimes women want to be both. On the surface, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Marilyn Monroe could not be more different, but they had more in common than just JFK. Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? is a fun way to explore the classic madonna/ whore conundrum while becoming fabulous in all aspects of life.

Readers start by taking the definitive quiz to determine where they fall on the Jackie/ Marilyn spectrum, and then it's on to customized advice on beauty and style, sex and marriage, power and career, decorating and entertaining, and more. Any woman who has aspired to Marilyn's sultry allure or Jackie's unstoppable elegance (or who wants to balance sexy and serious) will love these entertaining lessons on channeling your inner Jackie or Marilyn in any situation, from throwing a dinner party to penning a love note. Sidebars compare Jackie's and Marilyn's dating tips, lists of favorite books and music, diet plans, and even makeup know-how. Packed with charming two-color illustrations, this is the book that gives every woman her own star power.

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Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Chick Lit, Self Help, Fashion

272 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2009

About the author

Pamela Clarke Keogh is the author of "Audrey Style," the worldwide bestselling photographic biography of Audrey Hepburn. Educated at Vassar College, she worked as a journalist, television producer, and screenwriter.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started off strong, ended up weak. The author repeats anecdotes a number of times, often within the same chapter. She ended up defaulting to a lot of Marilyn stereotypes and by the end of it I was wondering where and how she had actually done her research. Additionally, the book ends up being pretty classist and irritating, kind of like an episode of Sex and the City, complete with designer name-dropping and "Am I right, ladies?!" snark. And the second to last chapter throws around the word "diva", which is a huge pet peeve of mine-- how is it that "diva" has gone from meaning "famous female opera singer" to any woman who is confident and knows what she wants?
My expectations for this book started low. By the time I was through the first three chapters or so, I was really interested and thought I would be pleasantly surprised. No such luck. Save yourself some time: go read a couple issues of Vogue and keep believing what you believe about these women. You'll end up with basically the same experience.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is literary barf.

[Merja Pohjola · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute read, the idea was different. I do not know enough about Jackie to say anything about her, but I gave it only two stars cause there were simply so many mistakes when it comes to Monroe's life. I heard myself say out loud many times: "Nope. That's not right" or "No, that's NOT what a modern "Marilyn girl" would do." So based on that I can only assume the research on Jackie wasn't that superb either - but I dunno. But it is a light reading, something you can take to the beach etc... and while it has errors; it is not MEAN to Marilyn, like most books with errors are.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, light read and a nice tribute to both women. Written in a chatty, glossy magazine style. The illustrations (by Meg Hess, known for her Candace Bushnell cover art) are gorgeous and it's lovely to look at. It's not the kind of book I usually read, but I found it relaxing.

While I liked the general tone of the book very much, I couldn't help noticing some errors on the Marilyn side, to do with attribution of quotes, and factual details in anecdotes. It was all minor stuff but as the book went on, this irritated me.

But to be fair, the book is a self-help/style guide, not a biography. It deals with Jackie and Marilyn best as archetypes, though respectfully.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really just found this book interesting because of the fun and unique facts of both Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. Where they shopped, their diet, morning routine, favorite music...etc.


Would of gave 5 stars but... I didn't like the criticizing of Marilyn Monroe desire to becoming a mother. I also do think there was more to the JFK and Marilyn Monroe relationship...despite this books idea of their relationship.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I thought it would be. Instead of it being a study of the times and the stereotypes that continue from that time, it was more like a little old lady gossiping behind her fan at church. It tried to be a style guide but never hit the right balance. I didn't finish it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely obsessed with this book. However, I give it 4 stars for not providing pictures but other than that it's Fabulous!

[Linda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick, enjoyable read for the 45 and up crowd. Younger readers may scoff at the femine stereotypes, but it may provide helpful insight into their parents or grandparents generation. Interesting tidbits about both ladies scattered throughout.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I thought but it was still an interesting read. I am a fan of both women and what they each represent. Learned a few facts about their lives.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t as deep as I wanted but cute! A little more pretty than personable but definitely a cool way to look into history & levels or fame & types of acting

[Knotty · Rating 3 out of 5]

True story: I have never watched a Marilyn Monroe movie. GASP? Wah? It's true. I've only seen Some Like It Hot once when I was sitting in a gay bar in Chicago a few years ago. Considering I was drunk, I will not count this. I picked this book up at our annual book sale, and I was intrigued. I had never once thought of the pickle this book put me in, mainly, am I a Jackie or a Marilyn? Hmmm. This book was a fun and light read for an airplane ride to Los Angeles, the home of Marilyn culture. The book was a bit heavy on Marilyn culture, which totally makes sense since Marilyn gave multiple interviews and was in the spotlight. Jackie, however, was a private citizen even if she was the Queen of America as a former first lady. Mostly, women can be classified as classy, elegant, and rich WASPs or women who rise like a phoenix from poverty into becoming the most glamorous woman in the world. I enjoyed the quotes from this book the most since I have heard most of Marilyn's quotes before but never knew they came from her. What is the most famous Marilyn quote? Most likely the quote "If you can't handle my worst, you ain't getting my best."

My one complaint about the book is that it was a tad bit repetitive and Marilyn focused. Jackie was a fascinating woman who went through a lot in her long life. I think most women would rather be Jackie than Marilyn anyway. Money, sex, power. As I said, a fun and easy read.

Jen's Rating: ***

[Shavon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sexpot versus good girl competing for the attention of the most powerful man in the world dichotomy has sparked intrigue for more than a generation.

Ms. Keogh does not attempt to fuel the speculation of a torrid affair between Ms. Monroe and President Kennedy, she instead just compares the traits of the two women and evaluates how they handle different situations. What I like about this book is that it is well researched – their respective childhoods, their marriages, their education and careers, their philosophies, their styles, their values, their friendships - but the material is presented in a light, playful way as is appropriate for the subject matter and the target audience.

The book begins with a quiz to see how much you know about the subjects and which one of them you are most like. It doesn’t judge which is better, and without giving it away, it’s hard to imagine that anyone isn’t a little bit of both.

Bottom Line: I found it to be a nice reprieve from the heavily lifting I was doing at the office at the time. It was cute, yet heady enough to display the effort the author put into the work.

[Celine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be a little confusing at times because the author had so much information in each chapter, that I got confused on where she was going with things. But the author's style is sassy and entertaining. I like how she mixed factual information with personal information from Jackie Kennedy Onasis and Marilyn Monroe. She covered everything: from their marriages, to beauty routines. I love both icons so I swiped this book up as soon as I saw it at the Polo Ralph Lauren store of all places. If you aren't interested in Marilyn Monroe or Jackie Kennedy Onasis then don't bother. It would only be fun to read if you like them. I learned a lot about both women through this book :)

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some lovely tidbits about two incredible ladies. However, dear author I think you were telling us how to be Barbie versions and that was rather annoying. I gave it a three for effort but that's probably being a little generous. And the whole diva paradigm didn't settle well with me. Probably my favorite apart was the answer to the question of if I wanted my 7 year-old daughter to be like them what should I give her... "confidence. A sense of history. A library card." seems to me that's a better answer than what you gave to the grown up ladies.

[Daiana Jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never read about those two amazing women before, all I have to say is that I was surprised by both and the author whose book enlighten me about how to become a better woman. I know it wasn't the best book I ever read or anyone's best book, but I sure enjoyed the moments I read it and I am sure that any woman would be delighted to read it. It's simple and easy, but I had a beautiful afternoon reading this piece. I sure learned about love, power and style. I hope more people enjoy it like I did.

[Austyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book was okay, but I was more than a little annoyed by the author's obvious bias towards Marilyn. Jackie wasn't some horrible shrew. She just wasn't raised the same way women are raised today. The illustrations were nice, and some of the chapters were enjoyable. I just wish there was more substantial information. After reading this, I realized I was neither a Jackie or a Marilyn. I am an Audrey.

[Tollula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am definitely a Jackie or strive to be one. This was a fun read filled with interesting facts about both women. Each lead a fascinating life but they both loved it. Both JKO and MM are strong intelligent women so either one you turn out to be advice is offered on how you can become more like them. If anything pick it up for the beauty tips.

[Celia Juliano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars, if I assume much of this book is tongue-in-cheek. :) There are lots of fun tidbits about JKO and MM and the author has a humorous conversational style, and clearly enjoys her subject. However, don't expect to get much practical advice, aside from a few take-aways. But if you approach this as fun and are interested in the cultural impact of JKO and MM, you'll probably enjoy this.

[Irene Palfy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many guidebooks - or maybe all filled with cliches. Repeated (partly incorrect) anecdotes (as far as Marilyn Monoroe is concerned - I don't know too much about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis..) And several contradictory "tips". Fun to read though - just don't await help or useful information. ;")

[Nola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite having completely different personalities, the public has always been obsessed with both Jackie and Marilyn. This book compares the two historical figures and discuses what made them so charismatic and magnetic. This was a fun and enjoyable book to read. Though the author's voice came off a little bias and it felt more like a tabloid than a historical or inspirational piece.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book thinking I would just take a bunch of quizzes to see who I was like but it gave me a better insight of their actual lives. I do believe I am more of a Marilyn with a hint of Jackie. It was amazing to read facts I never knew about these two magnificent ladies.

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like most readers have mentioned, the book did seem to repeat some of it's facts time and again. I ran out of interest towards the end, but the few new facts I learned about these two ladies, I do still think of when hearing their names.

[Santhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Refreshing peeks into the lives of the most famous and celebrated women in the past century. Originally setting out to be a 'How-To' and tips to emulate the celebrated ladies, it evolves into an easy read of anecdotes.

[Katie Carlisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun and interesting book, as I love Marilyn beyond words! It's a neat book, a fresh look on things and it's really enjoyable. It's not literature or anything, but it's an interesting look at history from two women's perspectives and the one unique tie that binds. A man.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the Mad Men episode which asked the question upon which this novel is built, but the book fell far short of meeting my expectations. Midway through I was bored, something that should never happen when discussing these two fascinating ladies.

[Rain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Turns out, I'm neither!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting, but it had its moments.

[Biliana Velkova · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lacks focus even for a"fun read".

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book repeated a lot of the same information over and over. I did learn some interesting facts about both women. Other than that I am glad that I did not buy this book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun, cute read! Interesting to find out how these two classic ladies handled situations regarding love, business, and family.