Confessions of an Heiress: A Tongue-in-Chic Peek Behind the Pose

by Paris Hilton, Jeff Vespa (Photographer), Merle Ginsberg (Contributor)

Her name is on everyone's lips, but can she help it if she was born rich and famous? Here's a bird's eye view of the fast, fun world of Paris Hilton, packed with enough photos, advice and inside scoop to help anyone become an heiress and live a privileged life. Socialite, fashion icon, television and movie star, recording artist and just plain celebrity: Twenty-two year old Paris Hilton is the great granddaughter of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton and is estimated to be worth USD30 million.


The world first became aware of Paris Hilton through a Vanity Fair profile in 2000. Since then, she has graced the pages of countless magazines, newspapers, and tabloids; modeled on the runways of top designers; appeared on television shows as herself ('Saturday Night Live', MTV Music Awards) and as fictional characters (the new Sky One show 'Las Vegas'); had small parts in movies like 'The Cat in the Hat', 'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton' and the upcoming 'The Hillz'; has begun work on an album; and starred in a hit reality series, 'The Simple Life' (shown here on Channel 4). She has been romantically linked with current boyfriend Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, Rick Solomon (of the notorious sex tape), and Deryck Whibley of Sum 41.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography, Celebrity, Biography Memoir, Fashion

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Paris Whitney Hilton is an American celebutante, singer, actress, model, and businesswoman.

She is best-known through the television series The Simple Life. She has appeared in several minor film roles, most notably in the horror film House of Wax in 2005. In 2004 she published a tongue-in-cheek autobiography. In 2006, she released her debut album Paris. Hilton's career pursuits include singing, modeling, acting, writing, and television. As a result of several legal incidents, Hilton served a widely publicized sentence in an L.A. County jail facility in 2007.

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who dislikes Paris for being vapid, superficial, or fake has been totally duped. This book proves just how much she is "in on the joke." Why was she the first reality-star celeb, the original Kim Kardashian? Because she knew what the public wanted and she gave it to them, on her show and then in the endeavors that followed. She knew that she was a symbol of excess wealth and oblivious airheadedness, and she lived up to that expectation. She's not dumb, she's smart. She's never going to be a Harvard PhD, but she's self-aware. She knew that people bought the magazine to see what crazy, revealing, expensive outfit she was wearing, what silly thing she was quoted as saying ("Walmart? do they sell like, wall stuff?"). She was the archetype of the ditzy, overprivileged blonde that America took pleasure in laughing at, because it makes less privileged people feel better about how intelligent and virtuous they are. Saying, "see? I may not have that much money, but at least I have common sense/can drive a tractor/can hold down a fast food job/can pump my own gas" (all little things she would mess up at doing on The Simple Life).

The truth about Paris is that no one deserves the hate she's gotten (even though she was opening herself up to it). Her career exploded because of a sex tape that was released WITHOUT her permission (ringing any bells? Kim K had this happen to her as well). And the public was quick to yell "scandal! slut!" at her instead of laying their outrage on the real bad guy, her ex who released it. Can you imagine that happening to you? But instead of letting it shame her, she took advantage of the opportunities it brought her. She would always have been supported by her parents, but she took her 15 minutes of fame and extended it to years and years. She starred on TV, appeared in movies, released perfumes and books. To this day she's a cultural icon (in the sense that everyone knows her name and will say things like "wow that girl looks/sounds like Paris Hilton!"). And she's never been accused of abuse, like so many famous people, or of racism or general mean-spiritedness. She's kind. She loves animals and takes care of them well. She never complains about intrusive media coverage and the paparazzi love her because she will greet them and smile.

Says Paris about how she acted on The Simple Life: ”I would do the baby voice and it’s kind of like this character I made up...But in real life I’m completely different, I’m very down to earth, I’m smart, I know what’s going on...It’s kind of like I almost play to the image and kind of have a laugh at myself about it.”

And around people she trusts, she just acts like herself.

”I think a lot of people will assume that I’m just like an airhead. But in my everyday life, when I’m hanging out with my friends or if I’m in a business meeting I’ll talk in my normal voice.”

Like if you agree that she doesn't deserve the hate! xoxo

[Matteo Fumagalli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Videorecensione: https://youtu.be/tt2Swtx9Dn4

Un classico intramontabile della letteratura trash.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paris Hilton. The name stirs tabloid pictures and words like "undeserving" and "pink" in our minds.

I consider Paris Hilton a genius in that she's managed to arise to super Pop Culture Stardom doing NOTHING. Which is why I traded a book for this book. I planned to figure out what shot her so far. In that sense I was disappointed. She's not as deep as I thought, she doesn't have a master secret, or secret genius (at least not revealed in this book).

I DID found out some interesting aspects of her life that I didn't know before, like how she grew up in the Waldorf and has tons of cousins and conned cash from her little sister when they were younger. Also that she had a curfew of midnight until she was seventeen (like me). It's insightful to see how she was raised.

I was also surprised at all the pictures of her, I'm visually inclined and this helps me judge things I don't already know of I suppose.

MY FAVORITE PART OF THE BOOK: The section where she details the Fashion Don't's by pointing to specific outfits SHE wore. It's easy to point and laugh at other people's mistakes but to post pictures of yourself that are just awful in a book supposedly glamourizing yourself is just awesome. She wins points with me there.

Don't expect to find anything deep about Paris in this book, sure she can sound like everyone else but she can also sound very snobby (this is where I disagree with her comment about being self aware). She adores Abercrombie models (her perfect man), she likes being OVERLY GROSSLY girly, and considers being ditzy a plus (she says it's best people think you're less smart than you are [I disagree:])

It was a fun book, although I got it for free. Depends on how much you like Pop Culture I suppose.

[persephone ☾ · Rating 1 out of 5]

god-awful

[mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know, I know...I thought it was a fun book. Totally silly - I liked looking at the photos and found it to be humorous. I'm smart...and I don't mind reading books that aren't. :)

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best coffee table book ever. especially if you choose to think about paris hilton as a performance artist, as i do.

[Olivia Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is nothing "Tongue-in-chic" about this book. It's basically Paris Hilton being the insufferable human being that she is. Thought I would give her the benefit of the doubt and buy this book out of pure curiosity but wanted to throw it across the room in disgust before the end of the first chapter. Surprised it even stayed in one piece by the end of it.
If you enjoy people raving about how much of a princess they are and raving about how amazing their life is then I highly recommend this book but if you like proper auto-biographies..stay away!

[Ayla (I'm not here)]

[Antoinette · Rating 3 out of 5]

For years Paris Hilton has been my favorite "celebrity." It is not that I find her life especially interesting, it is because I believe she is the right type of celebrity. Everything an heiress/model/singer/DJ/porn star should be. Republicans dislike her, children don't especially idolize her, not too many people find her attractive. Fantastic! I think it is really unhealthy to idolize movie stars or models that seem "normal" almost someone you could easily be. Bad for the self-esteem. Better to admire a disaster. We will never be perfect like Katie Holmes, but we can make everything we own pink and change our names. This book is full of advice. If you aren't famous pretend to be. If you can't afford designer things just go for colorful things. Change your name whenever you feel like it, don't let boys control you. It is cute, it is what it is. Paris claims she is very self-aware...not too sure about that, but she is definitely not as out of control as it seems, this book is proof. Good rainy day read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's as if you're having a cup of coffee and chat with Paris herself. She gives you confidence to be yourself with her honesty and care.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paris, not France.

"Such an air-head", "Does she have any braincells", "God, she's just so dumb"... but is she? Is she really? I think it would take an absolute genius to make the entire world hate you while simultaneously make you mad money.

This book was strategically planned and produced to uphold Hilton's 20-something-year manifested image; a brainless blonde with too much money from mummy and daddy. Actually, her entire public life has been strategically planned so you buy that trashy magazine with Paris at a nightclub on the cover, so that you buy her perfumes even though you told everyone you deplore her.

The people who fell for this and find themselves shaking with anger or laughing at her stupidity are the successful outcome of her genius product. As we speak, Hilton is rolling in your cash with her production team near by, celebrating with some 100% Pinot Noir and giggling to herself about her foolish targets who ACTUALLY think that her high-pitched early 00's teen movie accent is the real deal and not the smoke screen for her concoction.

Clever gal.

[Avdotja · Rating 1 out of 5]

I fully trust that she is much more intelligent than she lets on. But. Having a speck of self awareness and being ok with laughing at your own expense does not make you likable in my book.
I could write an essay about the complete garbage that this book is. She uses a lot of sarcarsm and tongue-in-cheek writing which falls painfully short of ANYTHING.
And no, that's NOT hot.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives you a look into the life of Heiress celebrity Paris Hilton! Shows you how to be heiress, tells you a little about the Hilton family and Paris's BFF Nicole Richie (not giving anymore spoilers)
I like Paris Hilton and thought his books was pretty good !

[laura]

WORST SHIT EVER. Bought this when I was younger; straight up picture book of Paris Hilton with little blurbs about her life. Waste of time. I give this zero stars.

[Samantha Glasser · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the Simple Life and I wanted to give Paris the benefit of the doubt. She's beautiful and I liked her show, so why should I hate her instantly?

The writing lived up to my expectations. It was clearly written by a girl who isn't incredibly versed (or perhaps by her ghostwriters). However, I did find myself agreeing with minor quotes like, "Accept free stuff. If people want to give it to me, why shouldn't I take it?" and "When I see people in embarrassing situations, I never laugh at them because I always feel really bad for them. I know how they feel."

There are parts where Hilton makes fun of herself. She lists things that an heiress would do as if everyone reading could do the same. She laughs at her wealth and the emphasis the media places on it. I got the sense from the book that she is a carefree girl out to have a good time. The many photos littering this book prove she has a flair for fashion and fun.

The pages aren't dripping with literary genius or philosophical breakthroughs. They're simply a representation of a glamorous life that some people can't get enough of. Fans don't love Hilton for her wit; they love her for her beauty and her sense of fun. That is exactly what you get from this book.

[Bam Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the sparkly pink cover and picture book layout may contribute to Paris’s already ditzy reputation, the words inside give new insight. Personally, I am a big fan of Paris Hilton and I thought the book was really honest and therefore shine’s a good light on her. It makes you kind of jealous all the nice things she can buy, the trips she takes and the treatment you get as a star, but also the hard work that goes into it. While it seems like Paris enjoys everything she does, being a star means you must be constantly ready. You step out of your house and you look great, you never wear the same dress twice or ever look tired. Of course that’s not even half of it. You learn a lot about Paris’s own ambitions, as an actress, model, ex. It gives Paris fans little hints about what kind of make up she likes, or colors she wears; while also taking about her family life, friends and boyfriends. In general I think that any reader of this book will take what they want from it. If they want to see Paris as ditzy or motivated the book has support for both, but either can only further promote her fame.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love people, especially the fuck heads.

[anna near · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Paris has millions of fans I am one of them. If Paris has ten fans I am one of them. If Paris has only one fan-that is me. If Paris has no fans, that means I am no longer on earth. If the world against the Paris, I am against the world.

[Shalma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I mean... it is what it is. That's really a sufficient review.
I picked this up at some point in my mid-teens. I vividly remember the cover, for some reason. I mean, it basically defines the color pink (although... not the best shades, I have to point out). Can't remember the exact situation of how it came into my hands. I also recall reading one of Nicole Richie's books around that time, and I never owned or deliberately borrowed that either, so apparently they were doing a good job of at least getting their books to be circulating in high schoolers' hands at that time.
This book is--and I cannot stress enough that this is all you need to know--exactly what you'd expect. I also reviewed one of Chelsea Handler's books--again, read under dire circumstances, meaning it was in front of me, and I had two hours of free time--and this is very much in the same boat for me, and that's probably the most unsurprising association anyone could ever make. Could you argue that it's a clever way to capitalize on and expand your fame by milking a caricature of yourself that people either love to hate or love to indulge in, sometimes both at the same time? You could. But should you? No further questions, your honor.

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping to read this and see that she is actually smarter than she appears. I was wanting to find out that she was really an interesting person who isn't as self-obsessed as she seems on TV. Unfortunately, this book couldn't do that.

[Velia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I said I wouldn't read her book, but now that I've read The Hiltons: A Family Dynasty I am actually curious about Paris Hilton.

[Anu]

On second thought, it would be wonderful to look at the world with Paris-coloured glasses.

[Sharah McConville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very amusing!!

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paris is, unsurprisingly, way more self aware and clever than the press would lead you to believe. It's very obvious when reading this how much she was the blue print for the Kardashians. It's interesting how bold Paris' voice is especially on not wearing real fur, on work and on diets/eating. Especially at a time when the culture towards women was incredibly unforgiving. She was 23 when she wrote this and very insightful, i'd love for her to write a second book now 17 (?) years on.

"your face is your trademark"

When talking about the simple life "People like to laugh at people on reality tv shows. We get that"

"I've never really drawn the line between "good taste" and "bad taste. (...) Who's to say what's good taste or bad — some boring old socialites in New York? Why on earth would I want to listen to them?"

"Don't be afraid to eat fast food as often as you can. Always order the largest portion of French fries. Otherwise, you'll just want more"

[Sarah Rayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because it’s about and partly by Paris Hilton. I worship her and give her a lot of credit but I highly doubt she wrote much of this (yes I know there is another author name on the book) but I mean the structure and ideas were probably all Paris, 5% of the written words by Paris, and the rest by the other person. I appreciated the pictures and Paris’ childhood and coming of age stories. The section regarding filming The Simple Life seasons were funny and interesting too. What more did you expect from this book?

[Ruth York · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure WHY exactly I picked this book up. I do know it was at a library benefit sale, or some used book sale. For cheap. So, when I needed to read a book with a pink cover, I figured, why not? Thankfully, it was an easy, quick read. And, to give her credit, there were a couple "gems" of good advice/quotes in there. Including: "Eat as much chocolate as you can. Chocolate seems sinful, and therefore makes you happy." However, the majority of this is vapid drivel. But, I suppose, for a mindless, cleanser of a book, it works. I actually might have given it 2.5 stars, if half-stars were a thing.

[Kate MacPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows anything about the real Paris Hilton could tell you that she was a savvy businesswomen. This book was just one of the many marketing tactics she used in the 2000’s to portray a funny and ditzy image that helped her rise to fame. This was a fun read, and everyone giving this book bad reviews because they are taking the advice too seriously needs to lighten up.

[Elien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the lighthearted, funny memoir I expected when reading her more recent book. This one is just a parody of her life rules and lifestyle.
The other book really shocked me, but that story also had to be told.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I've finished it. I'm scared though- I think I may have lost a few brain cells during the course of the book. I use the word 'book' loosely also.
I like Paris. I'm not a huge fan, I don't watch her (or anyone else for that matter) on t.v., and I'm not jealous of her. But I do like her. I think she gets a bad rap most of the time. Any one of us makes a sex tape and no one cares. She does it and the whole world looks on and has comments. It's, in a way, her fault the world is looking on yes, but that doesn't make it right in my eyes. It doesn't make it right to be overly harsh on someone for reasons like the medias.
I'm going to assume this was written in humor. The so called advice and heiress tips she gives can't be anything but. There is a little part of me, admittedly, that is scared she's serious but the rest of my brain cells, the ones still in good working order, are telling me that's just not that possible.
This is more like a photo album too. There is a decent amount of text on almost each page, with the exception of a few full photo pages, it's not like a few people said abotu being mostly pictures with only captions. It's mostly pictures, yes. But there is a "books worth" of text in my opinion.
I hear she's writing a second. Which I'll pass on. I need my brain cells.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indulgent, overstated and unabashedly self promotional, Hilton provides explicit guidelines on becoming an heiress while including hundreds of glossy photographs which could only be appreciated by the most insincere fanatic. While breezing through the shiny images and bullet pointed text, it's difficult to interpret a tone of irony or an honest voice that is mistakenly heard as sardonic. The majority of Hilton's autobiography is packed with lengthy lists of favorite vacation destinations, gems of little known Paris trivia and guilty pleasures. Regardless, the much talked about heiress surely satisfies our fierce if not slightly perverse craving of embarrassing pictures and humiliatingly obtuse intelligence. If all else fails, take Hilton's surefire advice, "…always act like you're wearing an invisible crown. I do. And it's always worked for me."