How To Be A Hepburn In A Hilton World
Author: Jordan Christy
ISBN: 9781599951836
How To Be A Hepburn In A Hilton World by Jordan Christy is a how-to book for young women/professionals about becoming a classy woman. I first picked up this book without realizing it was non-fiction; I was just intrigued by the catchy title and the cute cover. When I found out it was more of a self-help book, I was still willing to give it a try.
In a world where most young girls strive to gain attention (and not always in a good way), Christy sets out to teach readers that being classy and wholesome is better than being skanky and crazy.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Some of the chapters were completely useful and interesting. I especially liked the chapter about finding your personal style and accessorizing for work which is something I’m dealing with on a daily basis. I also enjoyed the chapter about makeup and finding the right color palette for you.
A chapter on work ethic proved interesting, if not completely obvious.
However, some of the chapters I couldn’t even believe I was seriously reading a book that had been written in the 21st century. The chapter that immediately comes to mind is the one where Jordan Christy tells readers that it is absolutely NOT OKAY for young women to ask a guy out, send him a text first or make the first move. HELLO?! Is this 1955? I get that all women should be classy and we shouldn’t be drunkenly throwing ourselves at a guy at a bar in a mini-skirt, but since when does it hurt to show a little interest? I don’t know. I just couldn’t get behind this chapter. She even goes so far to interview “real guys” who all prove her point…right.
I read this book fairly quickly and skimmed through some of the more boring sections. I admire Christy’s goal in publishing this book. I completely agree that we should all try to be a little more Audrey Hepburn than Paris Hilton, but I think the message was lost in the pages of this book.
2/5
I saw you mention this in yesterday's (?) blog post, and while I was at Borders today skimmed through it. Like you, the title and cover intrigued me, but I was hoping it was fiction or memoir, not self-help. After spending about 10 minutes looking through it, I came to the conclusion that, for me at least, most of the book was either common sense or stuff you could get from any number of magazines' websites. I didn't skim any of the chapters with outdated ideals, so I can't comment on that, but while I agree that women in general could be a lot more classy, and that this book would probably be good for someone out there, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I totally would have picked this one up based on the cover, too! The antiquated advice would definitely turn me off, though. It's definitely not 1955, and I don't like people telling me not to pursue men. Whatever!
ive been curious about this book for awhile and im glad i read your review before buying it because id have probably gotten mad lol. i cannot stand people who are stuck in that "chivalry" state of mind. while i'd like to think it's not dead – there's no rules out there saying a girl can't make the first move. so we're supposed to sit around and wait for prince charming.. okay, great plan, that'll get me far.
good review – you hit the nail on the head.
I love the title too! While it might be something I'd decide to read randomly on a whim, its def not the type I want to guy out and buy (especially if I have to pay full price!)
Well I definitely agree with you about the title and the cover, but I'm definitely not entirely on board with the message. While I agree that it is important for women to be classy and professional in the workplace, I don't want to see women losing any gains in the civil rights department. And I agree with you, I think it is totally okay for a woman to show interest in a guy as long as it is in a classy way. Still, I find it interesting that some women still give advice like that. Great review that has definitely got me thinking about some feminist concerns.