The result of five years' study of Audrey Hepburn's life and statements, How to Be Lovely is a cool little book. It certainly succeeded in reigniting my interest in Audrey Hepburn's films as I have since watched many of her films I hadn't really looked at since I was a child. But it will also probably teach you things about Audrey Hepburn you didn't know. For my part, I had no idea that she was a survivor of the Nazi invasion of Holland during World War II and lived under house arrest for years. She likened her experience to that of Anne Frank as she was also a young girl during the war. This early experience seems to have prepared her to keep fame at arm's length and value what is actually important in life (or at least try to).
Mostly this book is comprised of her quotes and occasionally things her friends said about her. The book is divided into topics- happiness, success, health, love, family, friendship, fulfillment, style, fame, and humanity- each of which Audrey Hepburn offered opinions on during her lifetime. The author organizes these quotes in an effort to develop what may have been Audrey Hepburn's advice to others on each of these aspects of life. I cannot say that every section of this novel was mind blowing, but a few in particular (style, health, happiness, and love come to mind) were enjoyable. I recommend this book and enjoyed it.
