I have learned that love is what really matters … My life, and its experiences, have been that journey. I deeply wish that you learn love, firstly of yourself, then of others, then of life itself. It is your true nature.
In the dazzling world of fashion, Elle Macpherson is synonymous with elegance, grace and timeless beauty. Growing up in Sydney shaped her formative years, imbuing her with her inimitable ‘give it a go’ Aussie spirit, which has driven all she’s done as an iconic model, businesswoman and wellness advocate.
At nineteen, Elle moved to New York, where she became a muse for prestigious photographers and designers, acted in a succession of film and TV roles, and co-founded Intimates – a lingerie collection that garnered global success. She moved to London with her partner and had her two beloved sons.
But behind the glamour and Elle’s embrace of motherhood, she was struggling – with ever-present insecurities, growing anxiety and the exhaustion of melding parties, modelling, running a business and motherhood. She knew she must take steps to change her life – forever.
Elle embarked on a physical, emotional and spiritual journey which she remains on to this day, having overcome adversities and illness in the years since she made her unwavering commitment to authenticity. And now, in this soul-expanding book, branded with her irrepressible humour and spirit, she is ready to share her hard-won wisdoms, so that we might all flourish in self-growth, expanding, rebalancing and being our authentically unique selves.
I found myself skimming pages, especially in the second half. I felt that she talked a lot, yet had nothing much to say. I repeatedly asked myself “what the hell is she talking about?”. Could have been 1/4 of the size.
I have followed Elle MacPherson’s career for years so I bought her book knowing she had said it was a cross between autobiography and life lessons. Well, it’s more about becoming sober, spirituality and ‘finding herself’ than it is about her careers, friends, family or relationships. I have skimmed so many pages it’s not funny. I would have loved to have read more about her behind the scenes modelling, career and relationships but these are simply mentioned like she is reliving pivotal moments in her life rather than retelling them in detail. I admit I’m a nosey gossip so maybe that’s why I find this book unsatisfying. Would had loved more juicy stories but I guess that’s just not her. Or she wanted to spruik more about wellness to sell more of that useless green powder concoction. Hard to say really. Borrow it from the library.
Am nearly half way through this book and not sure if I can finish it. So much self obsessed fluff.. honestly I had admired Elle for years but this book? Let’s just say that if I had a dollar for every time she says ‘me’ or ‘I’ I’d never have to work again. Just a load of self indulgent nonsense..
Elle Macpherson's autobiography shares her journey through the pressures of perfectionism, cancer, and addiction in the world of fashion. She reflects on her career as a supermodel and businesswoman, her personal struggles, and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and purpose in life. Elle's story is a powerful tale of resilience, self-discovery, and finding true beauty within oneself.
This audiobook is truly remarkable! I highly recommend embarking on this audiobook journey, as it is a lengthy experience that may seem repetitive at times but is truly captivating. Elle shares her beginnings and deepest beliefs, along with her fears, making it an inspirational listen. It is not a memoir, but rather life notes from one's perspective, offering hope that listeners can benefit or gain a new perspective.
I thoroughly enjoy learning about individuals who have immigrated to the US and the journey they have taken to reach their current position. It is humbling to listen and refrain from passing judgment on someone's life. What sets this audiobook apart is its unique reflection, providing an eye-opening experience rather than a traditional memoir.
I found myself relating to Elle's early experiences, despite our differences in appearance. As a tall woman (6'1"), I could empathize with how her modeling career began to unfold. The thoughts that once consumed her mind were once my own, and I appreciate the connection she had with a model from my home country, the Czech Republic. While my modeling career did not progress far, I understand the challenges she faced.
Elle's struggles with addiction and her transformative journey after falling ill left me in awe of her warrior spirit. The book reveals empowering thoughts on the strength one possesses, even when facing challenges alone. It highlights the importance of perseverance and how things fall into place over time. The audiobook offers encouragement, diverse perspectives, and even delves into the concept of the law of attraction.
No life is perfect, but reading about someone else's happiness and struggles and how they navigated their life story is truly inspiring. I hope this audiobook reaches a wide audience, as it deserves to be heard. I can honestly say that I will revisit certain sections for further reflection.
I am currently at a point in my life where I can truly appreciate this book. It feels as though I was in need of the wisdom and insights it offers. The author fills the pages with positive thoughts, gratitude for the little things, and thought-provoking life lessons. I am thankful that Elle chose to share her innermost thoughts with us.
Thank you, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for audio ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m not really a fan of rating a memoir, I neither loved nor loathed Elle, so it’s a middle of the road 3 🌟
I found the beginning of the book to be interesting, learning of Elle’s early life and her breakthrough into the modelling business and her entrepreneurial spirit.
I have to admit to not having known much about her anyway, but I was really surprised to learn that she had started in so many movies, I knew little of her philanthropy either, so this was also interesting.
I really don’t want to disparage her, or anyone on a journey of recovery but the minute the 12 steps came out I lost a bit of interest, good for her on her sobriety it’s fantastic, but it is very much the same story as you’ll hear from anyone who has completed the programme. It’s not a bad thing, I’ve simply heard it so many times.
In regards to Elle’s holistic approach to life, and controversially cancer, this could’ve been explained in a lot more detail, so much as to say while I very much believe everyone has the right to make their own choices, it was very vague, and I can see why people were up in arms about it. In this regard there was a lot of added fluff and pretty words that you’ll read from any wellness guru, again, not a bad thing just everything I’ve heard before, but there were also a lot of missing facts/instructions.
It’s always nice to know that someone has found inner peace and happiness, for that I’m glad, the narration by Elle herself was nice, but the music between chapters became tiresome, especially when she was ending/beginning and struggling to be heard over it.
My huge gratitude to W F Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook 🎧
Elle by Elle Macpherson is a captivating memoir that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most iconic supermodels. Known as "The Body" for her striking physique and enduring career in fashion, Macpherson takes readers beyond the glossy magazine covers and runway shows, revealing the personal journey that shaped her into a global businesswoman and wellness advocate.
The memoir blends reflections on her meteoric rise in the fashion industry with candid insights into her personal life, touching on relationships, motherhood, and the evolving nature of beauty and self-confidence. What makes Elle stand out is Macpherson’s sincere tone—she doesn’t rely on celebrity gossip or drama to tell her story. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, resilience, and staying true to oneself amid the often cutthroat world of modeling.
At the heart of the book is Macpherson’s transformation from supermodel to entrepreneur. She delves into the creation and growth of her wellness brand, WelleCo, revealing how her passion for health and well-being led her to launch a successful business. This evolution reflects a deeper theme in the memoir—Macpherson’s continual reinvention and her desire to stay relevant and authentic in an industry known for its obsession with youth and perfection. Her journey from model to mogul is an inspiring narrative, especially for readers interested in entrepreneurship and self-branding.
One of the standout aspects of the book is Macpherson's discussion of beauty. Rather than adhering to superficial standards, she advocates for a holistic approach, emphasizing inner health, mindfulness, and self-care as key components of lasting beauty. This perspective is both refreshing and empowering, particularly coming from someone who spent decades in a field often criticized for its narrow definitions of attractiveness.
Macpherson’s writing is approachable, making Elle not just a memoir but a guide to living a balanced, empowered life. She shares personal wellness tips, from her fitness routines to her dietary habits, offering readers actionable advice on how to cultivate their own well-being.
In conclusion, Elle is more than a supermodel’s life story; it’s an inspiring reflection on personal growth, resilience, and the power of reinvention. Elle Macpherson's honest and thoughtful approach makes this memoir a must-read for anyone interested in the world of fashion, business, or wellness. It’s a testament to how inner strength and self-belief can turn challenges into opportunities for transformation.
While I enjoyed reading about Elle's life journey. I found myself becoming a bit bored as it was repeatative with her thoughts and feelings. I wanted more details on her physical and health, such as exercise and nutrition. The details about her cancer treatment were vague.
No questioning Elle’s successful career but it doesn’t make for an interesting autobiography. Narrated by the author, this was hard to listen to really and it took a few revisits to get through this. Way longer than it needed to be and full of repetition and ‘fluff’ as another reviewer suggested.
I enjoyed the first half about her life but the second half was way too much spiritual journey and “lessons” for me
**Spoiler alert**
I massively respect the fact she’s sober and I respect making your health choices but I do not think she should have talked so much about refusing modern medicine in her cancer journey as it’s dangerous and she has influence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
cws: alcohol addiction, throwaway drugs mention, infant allergies, disparaging remarks about formula, alternative "medicine" for wellness, breast cancer
Elle Macpherson starts off her 12+ hour memoir "Elle: Life, Lessons & Learning to Trust Yourself" by saying, "this is not a memoir" and then proceeds to narrate a memoir. That's not a bad thing, but it is indicative of the things to come -- a full life from birth to today, her experiences all wrapped up in self-healing, self-love, and self-realization. Macpherson takes us through her childhood in Australia, her whirlwind move into international modeling in New York as a teen, her various romances and marriages and what they meant to her growth as a person, overcoming addiction (although there's some nearly thrown away lines about 'microdosing' various drugs in the '90s because it was New York! Everyone did it! but the main focus is alcohol and even an addiction to perfectionism, which is brought back with how many times prior she says something in her life was 'perfect'), her entrepreneurships, and struggle with and healing from cancer.
This last part, the diagnosis and healing work on cancer, is apparently the first time she's talked about it publicly, and her journey is unique in a way that can only be achieved by basically having unlimited time and money. Macpherson tries to frame her ventures into alternative "naturopath" medicines as things that she's chosen that work for her and that she has the power to overcome with just the will of her own brain, but it still comes off very, 'this is best and this is why I did it' while using highly paid doctors and practitioners that are only named-by-initial. It's not that I have a problem with like woo-woo pseudoscience and certain alternatives up to a point (but that's a whole other thing not meant for a general book review) but what gave me pause is Macpherson framing her breast cancer as something *that was her fault* despite that being the opposite of the nature of cancer itself! It makes me as a reader who's not dealt with cancer in my own body but has loved ones that have worry that someone who finds Macpherson an admirable and inspiring person may hear this chapter and think, "Wait, so my cancer is MY fault?" (No!) and then try to mirror some of the things she did to work to heal herself, which again could only have done with the vast resources she had access to (but at least she credits her billionaire then-husband for paying for treatment). --actually Googling something about this book (that's only been out about 2 weeks at the time of writing) already brings me to an article in The Sydney Herald entitled "I never blamed myself for having breast cancer. Until I read Elle Macpherson's book" https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/heal... ) and The Guardian's "If only other cancer patients could wish it all away just like heroic Elle Macpherson" https://www.theguardian.com/commentis... )
But the rest of the book is decent standard memoir-fare although it runs very long and Macpherson herself talks so slowly I had to bump up the speed -- and I'm not a chipmunk-speed audiobook listener! I just have to have a speed that matches normal human speech speed. (This was more evident after the book was over and Penguin House Australia was giving their credits sounding like they were doing a speech speed competition.)
While a memoir is one's own personal story, as I have to do a star rating for NetGalley I can't in good conscience rate this higher than three stars due to the insistence upon mind over matter with disease while only giving minor mentions to who financed the ability to do so, the weird sort of toeing into formula feeding shaming... I went into this knowing about zip about Elle Macpherson and now I know too much and not even enough (as the Guardian article above informed me as to a lot of her yikes-worthy claims and proponents... the details of which were conveniently left out of or glossed over in the book itself). Macpherson is a narrator with a warm voice with an audible smile a lot of the time who just talks at like 1/3 the speed of normal human speech.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for review.
I will start this by saying I am not a person who follows supermodel careers. It just never held any interest for me. I actually barely knew who Elle was until I saw an interview with her on 60 Minutes Australia (youtube) about this book. After the interview, I added this book to my wishlist, thinking I would give it a try.
First off, what I liked. This book is more like essays in a way. Each chapter is titled as a lesson Elle has learned and it sharing with you. Each title relates to a story about how she learned such lesson. For example, without giving too much away, one chapter details how Elle, as a young model, learned how not to be a Diva when her behavior meant she had no place to live when she returned from a photoshoot. That is pretty much this book. Here is the title, here is the story in my life how I learned it, and how it is relevant still to my life. The titles are in order so you get the progression of Elle's life in order through each lesson. I liked that. Elle does not spend time going "this is what happened when I was nine; this is what happened when I was ten". I can't stand books like that. Give me the highlights, not everything that has ever happened to you.
I also feel like this book focused more on Elle as an adult, and as an model. There is some information about her childhood and family but it is more adult when she started modeling, which I also appreciated it. Elle knew the reader wanted to know how she became a supermodel, not what grade she got in grade five math.
Next, what I did not like. I did feel, at times, that this book dragged a bit for me. I did skip some pages in sections because i found it repetitive. I also felt that some chapters were lacking detail. I really wanted to understand Elle's wellness journey, especially when it came to her cancer. I felt like there was not enough information to really understand what happened. One year she is getting a biopsy for a small lump, which was not cancerous. Then, a few chapters (and several years) later, suddenly she is getting the news of her cancer and needs to go right into surgery. I was left asking how she found the new lump? How was she feeling? She talks about being tired at the time but the cancer was not really progressed enough (I don't think) for her to experience cancer symptoms. Then she talks about her options and, again, the information is not there. One thing that makes me crazy about people with money when dealing with a health issue is the options. They talk about flying here for a consult, then here for another one. I get it, you have money to do that but, most people do not. I felt like if someone was wanting to read Elle's book for some information about cancer, it is not there. And, what is there is not accessible to them in their own journey.
Overall, I really liked this book in many spots, and then was bored in others. 4 stars because I liked more than I disliked.
Elle by Elle Macpherson WARNING: I do go into specific of some of her stories.
I really wanted to love this book!
And I tried! The amount of times I went to DNF but was like I’ll give her one more chapter, well basically from 100 pages in, that’s how I felt.
Elle obviously has some issues and has been on a journey prior to writing this book. I am usually very much ‘it’s all relative’ when it comes to peoples demons. Something I think is fine might hurt someone else and vice versa. At one point Elle talks about finding out Santa wasn’t real and how it caused her trust issues. Which, look maybe, but to put in a book. I dunno.
Sometimes it felt like she needed to create and prove that she had issues so we could go on this journey with her.
At one point she talks about the nurse taking her newborn for the night and she went ‘ballistic’ and ‘sobbed at his door’. This was a nurse maid that they paid to come help at night. Just open the door and tell her you want your kid? There was no need for dramatics? Is she for real?
When talking about Jeff she said she thought he was cheating, but she didn’t think HE knew what he wanted yet, so she didn’t confront him. Babe. What are you doing?
I’m really glad things worked out for her, I guess that’s what I wanted to see. But the ‘part biography, part self help’ description of this book… please don’t use as self help!
1 star ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Incredible book. The writing evolves and matures along with the writer’s life story in such a beautiful flow that you feel yourself expanding along with her. Elle is humble and honest in a way that makes you fall in love with her. To remember those campaigns and ads and pivotal moments in fashion history made it feel like a shared story I could connect with. As a business woman, Elle’s strategy and intelligence behind every decision makes perfect sense and offers valuable insight! It’s not just about Elle’s life or modelling or wellness, it’s about a woman who did things differently, made mistakes, learned and adapted quickly, and created a beautiful life and successful business by following her heart. The transformation in the second half of the book brought tears to my eyes at the beautiful cracking open experience of recovery and healing that is so familiar. I loved the underlying message of hope and self-discovery. It is a rare a book about someone else can make a reader feel so affirmed and empowered. I will be keeping this beautiful hard cover somewhere that I can flip it open at any time to be reminded of what is possible when I trust my gut instinct.
I used to write long diatribe, but I will keep this short and sweet. Elle MacPherson was one of the 'supermodels' of the 80's and I was always interested in any magazines she was in. I was a teen and this is what would by todays' term be the 'pop culture' of yesteryear. I really wanted to like this, and I gave it a good 65 pages (with trepidation) but it is rather droll. Lots of pages on how she wants us to know that she is shy, awkward, and on the peripherals looking in. Got it. You were a world-famous SUPERMODEL. Give us the juice. She said she went clubbing and exploring. She was hardly shy at moving right on in with Billy Joel (a mention for a few sentences in the first pages of the book). There was no detail and then she came back from a session and found her bags packed and Christy Brinkley essentially there and taking over the brownstone. That was it. She just turned and left.... In the event that was as much as it was, please spare the reader this book. This is not even podcast material interesting. I packed it up at page 65 (more generous that I give most books that 'fail to launch' from the start). I gave her an extra star because she did write a book and that is something, but I will not know if anything transpires beyond what I read because I am done and a bit disappointed. She owes me nothing, but she also gave me nothing so, there is that. One positive but nothing to do with the book is that she still looks amazing and remains the top of a huge heap of models/supermodels. Good on her for that. Amazing genetics and natural beauty. She may not be a great writer, but she still is an all-time top Super beauty! I would recommend: -Secrets of the Model Dorm (not well received but I really liked it). I do not like a lot of bestsellers and mainstream books just in case you fall in that line then my recommendations may not be for you. -Sex, Love and Fashion (male model memoir).
Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ As a fan of celebrity memoirs, especially those narrated by the author, I was excited to listen to Elle by Elle MacPherson. There’s something intimate and engaging about hearing a life story told in the subject’s own voice, and this audiobook delivers that personal touch. MacPherson’s narration brings warmth and sincerity to her journey, adding authenticity to her raw and vulnerable reflections on her struggles with addiction and her battle with cancer. Her openness and honesty about these experiences are deeply moving and could undoubtedly offer strength and encouragement to listeners facing similar challenges.
However, beyond these powerful moments, the rest of the memoir fell short for me. Much of the writing felt overly self-serving, with sections that lacked depth or fresh insight. The tone often veered into fluffy territory, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. Additionally, the book suffers from excessive repetition, which detracted from its pacing and made parts feel redundant. While MacPherson’s charm and sincerity shine through, the narrative could have benefited from tighter editing and a more balanced focus on her personal growth alongside her accomplishments.
Overall, Elle is a mixed experience. It’s worth a listen for fans of Elle MacPherson or those drawn to memoirs that tackle life’s hardest battles with raw honesty. However, the uneven tone and repetitive storytelling may leave some listeners wanting a more cohesive and compelling narrative.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
What an incredible life you have lead! Elle Macpherson has been a household name for as long as I can remember. She is the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. But my goodness she’s so much more than “the body” and a beautiful face. Listening to her story in her own voice gives it so much power. From her humble beginnings as a model to the birth of her children and her battle with cancer, she tells it all. Her kind heart comes through many times over. She has been served with so many hardships and she continues to persevere. Not just a model, but a role model for all ages! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Mostly focuses on her struggles with addiction. Not quite as gut-punching as Matthew Perry's memoir. The best quotes and insights that Elle writes in this memoir are direct quotes/zen proverbs from other philosophers.
Otherwise, just a lot of self-indulgent twaddle and repetition. A lot is made of learning from mistakes, and then the very next chapter she's making same mistakes over again.
A cringey error when she quotes the film "Once Were Warriors" as "Once We Were Warriors". Come on Penguin Random House - your editors are asleep at the wheel! Also found other typos such as chic instead of chick etc.
A good bit of celebrity escapist summer reading which is why it got 3 stars not 2.
There was something about this book that kept catching my eye, so I finally decided to pick it up and see what all the fuss was about. In Elle, the Australian supermodel opens up about her incredible journey, leaving for New York at 18 to take on the fashion world, and navigating the highs and lows of living life in the spotlight. Elle shares the tough lessons she’s learned, the struggles she’s faced, and how her fast-paced lifestyle eventually led to addiction and destructive coping mechanisms, often without even realising it at the time. I’m only halfway through, but I’m keen to follow the rest of her journey. As someone who knew little about her beyond the supermodel fame, this book offers an eye-opening look at the woman behind the icon. - Kiri, Editor
Well….I’m glad I read the entire book. A few of my initial thoughts: Yes, Elle, you’re Australian. We got it from the highly overused mention of it. There’s a high amount of braggy-ness throughout the book and a high level of prestige within her life that’s always mentioned. And when she is sick she has the money to go to those great lengths to get well. It was kinda repetitive at the beginning and I wasn’t sure I’d get through this book in time to return it to the library. I wasn’t enjoying it like I hoped. That being said. I continued to read. And if you set aside those things her story is inspiring and it motivates me to take better care of myself while I am healthy. It’s nice to hear a successful path taken the all natural way.
Enjoyed this biography very much. Elle was always different than the other super models, and we loved her for it. Here we get to read about the bits we missed, her alcoholism and recovery and her relationships (except curiously the one with Andy Wakefield) and her diagnosis and recovery from cancer. (Unlike other reviewers and the mainstream media I don’t have a problem with people having choice in their medical treatments) she seems very self aware and somehow removed from the froth and bubble of the modelling world which she used as a launching board towards her successful business ventures. I listened on audio and it was a pleasure.
It would’ve been good to know more about her modelling career. Arki Busson sounds like an old fashioned sexist nepo baby who didn’t help Elle emotionally or in practice with their sons. Their life may have been lavish but she was doing everything and I got second hand anxiety for her. He sounded selfish and completely at odds with her Australian upbringing. Could’ve done without the wellness stuff. There is stuff in here like anaphylactic shock that most people know about but Elle blows it out of proportion because she thinks she’s special.
I enjoyed 2/3 of the book. It was interesting to learn about her career in fashion and film, some personal experiences, and struggles. But after a while, when she started to speak about her dealing with cancer, I would appreciate a more detailed story. It's such a useful topic, especially because she chose a holistic method. Maybe that method could be used by many women with traditional methods. I don't know why she used only initials of doctors...
Generally, I love Elle MacPherson, and I admire her entrepreneurial spirit.
The book starts off with the author saying 'this is not a memoir', which I mentally noted and prepared myself for. And then.... it proceeded to be a memoir. There were quite a few problematic things with this memoir... cancer, relationship dealings, the way she talked about people etc, but I thought the wishy washy/windy way in which she described things made it difficult for me to understand what she was actually saying at times. I agree that it was vapid and thought the author came across very self-obsessed. It gets 2 stars because the author lived in Caringbah (my hometime) until she was 10 and did learn a few things about the author that I didn't previously know. Notwithstanding, I would not recommend this book.
Again, I decided to read a book authored by a former supermodel. After trudging through the last one, again, I thought this might be a book worth reading. Interesting life-yes. Great narration voice-yes. New Age mumbo jumbo-yes. The intense self focus blurs the story and leaves the reader frustrated. The second half of the book is so riddled with garbledy gook, it was a struggle to finish. Two for two on thumbs down reviews. Between this one and Christie Brinkley’s memoir, I’m swearing off supermodels for a while.
I enjoyed the first half of the book, and was impressed with her openness and down to earthness. But the second half was padded with a lot of self help waffle and I found it hard to wade through. It came across as preachy and self indulgent. I get that she’s been on a journey of personal growth and wanted to share it with us. But her editors should have reined it in, as the verbosity of it showed a profound lack of empathy for her audience.
I am pretty sure this must have been an audible daily deal. I really really really enjoyed this. The book was longer than what I had expected. But it was good. Like I said, I really enjoyed it. I’m actually interested in the physical book and rereading what she had to say. I was aware of her. Had no clue she had been acting too. But her mindset with health & wellness is what I am wanting to achieve right now.
I read this and got increasingly uncomfortable and a little bit angry . I admire Elle Macpherson for her work and career but she clearly is out of touch with the world outside of the very rich and famous circles she has encountered her whole adult life. This book was tedious and repetitive and could have been written in 100 pages. I was disappointed but if I was looking for life lessons that I have already learnt, then I suppose this is the target audience.