The Art of Being a Woman: A Simple Guide to Everyday Love and Laughter

by Veronique Vienne, Ward Schumaker (Illustrator)

It takes a great woman to spot greatness in other women. Have a good laugh at your own expense.
Discover how completely happy you are in your own skin.

Such experiences, says Véronique Vienne, are expressions of the art of being a woman.

In this gem of a book, Vienne gently guides women of all ages and cultures through the practical– and a few rather more whimsical– lessons in the art of womanhood and in the joy of loving life as only a woman can. Along the way, she imparts unique gifts of wisdom such

• An alert mind is the most eye-catching feature of a face.
• Smart compliments can improve the way you look as much as beauty products.
• Paying more to eat less is counterintuitive, yet it is the best diet around.
• Fashion is a nonsurgical nip-and-tuck technique.
• Female camaraderie keeps you healthy.
• Men should be given the benefit of the doubt (because they truly need it).

With its spirited prose and witty illustrations, The Art of Being a Woman informs and celebrates the many ways we all can release our insecurities, count our blessings, and experience what the French call “joie de vivre,” a lively tryst between heart and mind.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2006

Reviews

[Tiare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book, it was just OK. But then when I was finished and went back and read some of my favorite quotes from it, I realized there are some great lines that if one takes those words, and applies them to one's thinking, it just might change the way you live. And maybe that's what the authors intent was, to leave you wanting to become a better person...if you can get past all the cliches and stereotypes.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. I thought it was going to be inspirational and women empowering and instead it was chock full of crappy advice like "buy myself something pretty" and "it's my duty to wear make-up and make a presentation of my face for the world". No kidding I couldn't make this stuff up. I apparently am also a bad and arrogant person because I dress casually for funerals, call the guy my friend is seeing what's-his-name, and do not own an unabridged dictionary. Seriously?? She wraps this awful book up by talking about when I'm famous on my way to see Oprah and the realizations I will come to? I don't know about you, but this is just not a worry in my life. Aside from the obvious non-empowering (asking me to do housework in a dress and heels) to the flagrant consumerism that grinds against my personal gears (buy yourself something pretty) I really thought this book was awful.

[Desirae Topper · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you admire European women, are annoyed by feminists, are thankful God made you a woman you may love this little book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman has a way with words. She is insightful and witty. With each of her topics pondered, I found myself wanting to underline her phrases of smart perspective. However, since I was reading these words from a library book, I refrained myself and walked away instead with a good feeling. Yet, I will buy this book and read it again and go back and highlight and underline specifics worth revisiting again and again . Her words and insight are that good.

[Ebony Haywood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming book. Although it is not what I consider to be an in depth read nor a life changing read, Vienne does offer a few gems of wisdom that inspire me to want to live a better life.

[Bobbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was good but not great...a little over the top. The author overly romanticized some of her ideals and came off as being more of a dreamer than a realist.

[Sharifah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that good and not that bad.

[Ashly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was pretty cliche. 90% vague (supposedly) inspirational commentary, 5% stereotypes, 5% substance. I point blank disagreed with the chapters on men and shopping. Overall a strange read.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the perspective and words of wisdom that the author, Veronique Vienne, shares with us readers on navigating life's ups and downs. For example, she shares that "success is a modern invention whose main effect is to make the most self-confident among us feel very lonely at times." After reading that, one may return to their own goals and wants, and reassess what you REALLY want. There are many-a-tidbit of revealing the underlying motivations beneath the surface of our modern day society's established norms dotted throughout the book. It makes me want to change the title of the book from "The Art of Being a Woman" to "On Navigating the Modern Life: A la Veronique Vienne's Words of Wisdom. As other reviewers have noted, the author is very skillful in word usage, bringing refreshment and new life to archaic words.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a bit hit and miss. Some chapters are good, some are... Bizarre. Overall quite forgettable. Every now and again I read these fluffy books for self-care motivation and a pick me up, and this one didn't do much for me.

[Jazz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up for super cheap knowing that I might not like it, so I don't know why I'm so surprised that I didn't like this.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the whole “series.” Maybe a bit dated, but good womanly content. A
Appreciated the photography.

[Baroness · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute short read.

[Laura Woodyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this from beginning to end

[Stefani Akins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this from the library this morning and finished it this afternoon. It is that short and easy to read. I do recommend you approach it with an open mind, and you will find some hidden gems of wisdom to benefit from. Remember to read this as a lighthearted booklet on making the most of your life, not a self-help book, and you'll be the happier for it.

[O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up The Art of Being a Woman after abandoning a book that proved incapable of holding my interest, and immediately saw that I would enjoy it because Ms. Vienne seemed to approach life with a healthy dose of respect for being both a woman in her own right and a woman who enjoys roles we've come to see as almost archaicly traditionaly. To top it all off she included this quote by Nelson Mandela in the preface: "Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure" adding "Take his word for it, and let your own light shine!".
The authhor was born and raised in France and after reading impressions of the French by an American, an Englishwoman and an Australian it was interesting to see what a Frenchwoman had to say. Her French sensibilities are clearly evident throughout the book and I think that if most, if not all, of her countrywomen are of the same opinions it's no wonder that the French have such poise and that certain something that makes them fascinating. They love all the little things that make them individuals, they don't copy details but strive to learn from them and emulate the concept while remaining true to themselves, they aren't afraid to assert themselves and at the same time they aren't afraid to use their feminine wiles, they value intellect over cookie-cutter beauty and they have no doubt that quality trumps quantity every time.
This isn't a self-help how-to guide but rather a collection of essays on the subjects that matter to us women: ourselves and other women, friendships, men, self-improvement, homemaking, fashion and beauty, shopping, entertaining, love, sex, and family. There aren't steps or bullet-point lists or anything of the sort, just some keen observations that had me nodding my head in agreement, a handful of ideas of the "cleaning the house doesn't have to be a detested chore" variety, and a liberal dose of peptalk thrown in with a sprinkling of reminders to maintain a sense of humour about life and above all oneself.
I'm going to keep this little book for now and will revisit it in the future when I need a nudge to press the Reset button and not hurry so much after "bigger-better-more" and instead slow down to enjoy the simple things and appreciate what I have. If you happen upon a copy in your bookstore wanderings pick it up, it'll make for an enjoyable afternoon or two and maybe will renew your appreciation for the quirks that make you undeniably and distinctively unique.

Read more of my reviews at Bibliophile's Corner

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This French author Veronique Vienne is a gifted writer. She writes as a gourmet chef cooks, crafting her ideas with savory and spicy word selection and sentence tone. The book is pretty to hold, and the font and design are so nice. I was inspired at times while reading, which was a bonus. For example, I can see every female (even the ones I don't really like) as a woman and therefore a sister and hence transcend my irritation. I can see shopping as an exchange of appreciation for the artistry or effort in creating and selling the product I desire. Ms. Vienne suggests dressing up in a grand dress and heels for housecleaning to lift this chore from its doldrums. While I don't expect to try this, the audacity and surprise of this idea delighted me, made me smile, and still does so today. So while the book is probably politically incorrect for the feminist/anti-consumerist/social justice-oriented woman, and is certainly out-of-touch for the billions of women in poverty who simply don't live in a world with the kinds of choices she describes, I still think it is a worthwhile light read. I enjoyed her creative take on the feminine style. Maybe I should put 3 stars.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of great advice in this book, but it left me feeling overwhelmed. While I wish I could completely be the woman she tries to create, I cannot. Maybe in bits and pieces, here and there...but to be this woman entirely, would be quite a feat. To be in an era where being a woman can be celebrated seems a bit utopian. I think we can individually celebrate our own achievements. As for the world celebrating them, I think that only happens on Mother's day. She paints a beautiful picture of what a woman could be given the opportunity to cultivate that in herself. I think it's a good starting point though. It encouraged me to embrace my wholly broken self while I work on incorporating other beautiful traits within my trifecta (mind, body, and soul).

[Yoonmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's definitely a simple guide. Three stars b/c I really liked the parts about viewing other women as sources of inspiration as opposed to competition, about needing to nurture female friendships, etc.

Quotes:
"You can forever change the way you think about other women by systematically seeking the company of members of the fair sex over a short period of time and actively challenging the assumption that their many qualities are a threat to your ego."

"It takes one to know one -- it takes a great woman to spot greatness in other women. Every time you notice something you like in another woman, you can rest assured that the same quality exists in you."

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Complete disappointment. I had read that this author was “inspirational to women”—however I was far from inspired. Cute cover…but rather characterless contents. I couldn’t even finish this book (and so maybe I missed the inspiring part) but I found no new insights on how to live more authentically other than not reading this book. I actually felt offended by the silly “wisdom”—as if the author thought that that was as deep as women can get (she clearly hasn’t met me, or my friends, or the majority of the women I know).

[Cybill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lost my mother in my early 20's, the person from whom I relied on for advice and wisdom, especially as a young woman, I went through stages of uncertainties and insecurities and it took a while until I finally found my own bearing, thanks to all the women who became, somewhat of a "mother-figure" and "sisters" throughout my life. I would not be who I am had it not been for their friendships and love!
Wish this book had been written earlier for it would have made easier the challenges of finding one's way in life, from relationships, career to personal fulfillment...

[Sera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was cute and fairly clever. A light read with the twist of a French perspective on 'the art of being a woman'. Some gems can be found within while other concepts should be taken with a grain of salt. Clever, cute drawings to go along with ideas. Overall, an average book I may recommend to a friend or two looking for mild entertainment on one woman's perspective on being a woman.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up after seeing it referenced somewhere. I thought it might have some gems to reference for a women's discussion group I'm leading at work. I thought it'd be more about "love and laughter" as the subtitle indicates than the fashion, makeup and shopping that fills many of the pages. So it wasn't really what I was looking for. But it was a quick read and I liked the author's tone. I do want to go back to Paris because of her references to her homeland.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half of the book much better than the second half. It's a nice little book for young women about life, love, family & fashion. I liked how she addressed the American and French way of living, and the different views they had on life and love.

[cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick, engaging read.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insight into why we do the things we do and the unique power we yield as women! It's a nice non comital book that allows you to revisit its wisdom on any page at any juncture.

[Liz Lovesrainbows · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seemed extremely out of date. Pigeon holed women into 1950's characters.

[Krystelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a breezy, easy book. It's basically one woman's opinions on being a woman and approaching life as a woman. An average book, in my opinion.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good but I liked 2 of her other books better: "The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace w/ Yourself" and "The Art of Doing Nothing: Simple Ways to Make Time For Yourself."

[Emily Wetzel · Rating 1 out of 5]

An author whom I've enjoyed previously, but wouldn't didn't find myself wanting continue as I waded through the chapters.