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Living Like Audrey: Life Lessons from the Fairest Lady of All

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How to be more -Audrey- -Beautifully designed gift book. -Highlights Audrey's personality and style through her best-known roles and films. -Seldom seen photos of this truly one-of-a-kind woman. Living Like Audrey is a captivating and insightful look at an iconic woman who was an inspiration to many and whose style, personality, and uniqueness inspires generation after generation. Victoria Loustalot offers a fresh spin on what made Audrey so popular on film and off, what she had to say about life and living it fully, and why we still have such a strong emotional connection with her. Each chapter turns the spotlight on Audrey's defining characteristics and contains lessons on how we all can be a little -more Audrey- in our daily lives. Victoria Loustalot has written for The New York Times, The Onion, The Huffington Post, Women's Wear Daily, Publishers Weekly, and Glamour, among other publications. She lives in New York City.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2017

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139 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Loustalot

4 books41 followers
Victoria Loustalot is the author of the three memoirs This Is How You Say Goodbye, Living Like Audrey: Life Lessons from the Fairest Lady of All, and Future Perfect: A Skeptic's Search for an Honest Mystic.

Her essays have appeared in numerous publications including The New York Times, Women's Wear Daily, The Onion, Publishers Weekly and online for The New Yorker, where she previously wrote a daily column.

Victoria grew up in California but moved east for college, graduating from Columbia University with a B.A. in English after just three years of study. She was also a Nonfiction Writing Fellow at Columbia University's School of the Arts, where she earned her M.F.A. She now lives mostly in New York City but can frequently be found traveling and documenting her journey on Instagram, @VictoriaLoustalot.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Joint.
445 reviews1,020 followers
August 31, 2017
This reads as a love letter to the iconic, beautiful, talented, effervescent, and generous Audrey Hepburn. This would be a lovely book to put on your coffee table or display in your collection. While I enjoyed reading the ebook, I didn't get the whole experience that way. I had an advanced copy, so I'm sure the general layout will be much improved in the final version, but I still think it's the kind of book you want to own a hard copy of. It includes many lovely photos of Audrey and her costars, mostly during her younger years.

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This book is a blend of info about Audrey and advice on how to be a little more like her. At times I felt like the author may have been putting others down or putting Audrey on an unreachable pedestal. Of course she was an amazing woman, but based on what I read it started to become difficult to imagine her ever losing her temper or having a cross thought. None of us are perfect, though she was certainly admirable for many reasons, especially her philanthropy. I do wish the book has touched on that one a little bit more.

A very quick and pleasant read filled with photos and quotes not only from Audrey, but by those who loved her. I learned a few new things about a woman I've greatly admired for years and quite enjoyed myself. It was a nice light break between my usual darker reads.

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I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Rowman & Littlefield, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

Profile Image for Cheri.
2,041 reviews2,969 followers
September 6, 2017
2.5 Stars

I pre-ordered a copy of this for my daughter, who is also a fan of Audrey Hepburn, as was my mother. I wasn’t sure if she would enjoy the book itself, but figured that if nothing else, the pictures would hopefully be enjoyable.

And then I requested it. And now I feel a bit guilty for ordering it for my daughter. If I’d read it first, I wouldn’t have. It would be fine for a coffee table kind of book, but I know with two young children, those kinds of books are not kept on a coffee table. I had hoped it might, if nothing else, be something that would give her a smile. I’m sure she’ll love the pictures, but it seemed to me that all of these pictures have been seen before. For me, it was somewhat interesting to read the insights of this woman from her son, however there was very little of this, and other than the fact that these accolades came from her son, it wasn’t new information.

”’…she was love and humor and grace and opening and knowing, she was perfect.’—Richard Dreyfuss, Audrey’s co-star in ‘Always’”

So. If you know nothing about her, you might learn a little. I didn’t personally learn anything new about Audrey Hepburn. What I did learn more about was the author’s love of Audrey Hepburn, which is understandable, but not really enough of a reason, for me, to buy this book. If you do decide you wish to read this, do yourself a favour and buy a hardcover copy, at least then you’ll be better able to better appreciate the photographs included.

For a woman who was the inspiration for Mancini’s “Moon River,” so remarkable, notable in many ways, giving, graceful, and gracious, I found this to be less than notable.

Published: 1 Sep 2017

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Rowman & Littlefield / Globe Pequot
Profile Image for Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page).
672 reviews1,123 followers
October 1, 2017
I love Audrey Hepburn and very much looked forward to reading this book. While Living Like Audrey was not what I expected, I ended up loving it. Victoria Loustalot centered the book around seven of Audrey Hepburn’s traits to explore why Hepburn is beloved both on and off the big screen. This concept worked beautifully and provided insight into both Audrey’s life and her personality.

Living Like Audrey is a short book with numerous pictures, many I had not seen before. My favorite parts of the book were the wonderful photos and the quotes both by and about Audrey. The e-book was formatted oddly at times so the pictures were occasionally split across pages. I would recommend buying a physical copy of the book instead of a digital copy; it will make a beautiful coffee table book and conversation piece too. This book was a nice change of pace for me, and I was very happy that I read it. Thanks to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for copy; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lea ★.
520 reviews152 followers
July 21, 2017
Copy provided by Netgalley.

I love Audrey Hepburn. I mean, how can I not love her?
She was beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, talented and a philanthropist.
I used to watch her movies when I was a kid and admired her grace and style. Woman was an ICON.
This was a very informative book about her life, so I can only highly recommend it to all Audrey Hepburn fans. Plus, I loved the photos!
Profile Image for Anovelqueen .
299 reviews1,044 followers
September 13, 2017
***Highly Recommended***

Audrey Hepburn has become synonymous with class, elegance and grace. Generations of women have tried to emulate her sense of style and general presence, but there will only be one Audrey Hepburn. Living with Audrey is a charming biography of the iconic star. Featuring quotes from her contemporaries, Gregory Peck, Roddy McDowell, her children and many more, highlights that she truly was special. Insight into her childhood will help us see how it shaped her life and career. Unparalleled and innovative, her fashion style was matchless. This complimentary quote from actress Eva Gabor noted within sums it up, “She always underdressed instead of overdressed. Nobody in the world looked better in plain white pants and a white blouse. Whatever she put on became perfectly elegant. Without a stick of jewelry, she looked like a queen.” Exploring her other virtues of graciousness, sense of humor, being strong, and being delicate, is highlighted throughout this book. Chock full of photos, some never before seen as stated by the author, along with actual quotes from the legendary Audrey Hepburn will truly captivate you.
Profile Image for Valerity (Val).
1,110 reviews2,774 followers
August 22, 2017
I've long had a curiosity about the gamine star Audrey Hepburn who was just before my time so I never got to really see any of her movies growing up. After reading this book and getting a better understanding of her, now I feel I "get her" some and want to watch some of her best movies. I think any real fan would like the book just for the pictures alone, and the quotes sprinkled throughout from people and stars who knew her are the icing on the cake. My thanks to NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and the author for providing me with an ARC for review.
Profile Image for Quintin Zimmermann.
233 reviews25 followers
September 6, 2017
This is an ode to Audrey Hepburn by Victoria Loustalot, who is understandably enchanted with the fair lady.

Unfortunately, the author presents nothing new or insightful. Instead we have enthusing impressions and remarks by many people who didn't really know the real Audrey.

A very light read with no true substance. A treatment that doesn't befit the complex, nuanced actress and philanthropist that she was.

Audrey Hepburn was remarkable, this book is not.
Profile Image for Rachel Cotney.
8 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2017
Sweet little book about Audrey Hepburn. Not a biography, but full of inspiring quotes and beautiful pictures. Reading about this lovely woman truly makes you want to "Live like Audrey."
Profile Image for Nicki.
1,458 reviews
October 21, 2017
This is a lovely little book perfect for all fans of Audrey old or new, as the photos alone are wonderful.

This is isn’t a memoir, but rather a look at Audrey through her character, and thoughts on life. It includes lots of lovely quotes from her, her family, friends and co-stars.

I think it would make a perfect present for birthdays, Christmas or just as a treat to yourself. I do recommend you buy it in print rather than digital, so that you can truly appreciate all the beautiful photos.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for my digital copy, which I chose to review.
Profile Image for Natasha.
363 reviews185 followers
February 27, 2018
Who doesn't like Audrey Hepburn? I was mesmerised by her performance in My Fair Lady when I was only 6 or 7. Her uniqueness not only comes from her exquisite fashion sense, her strength in her petite frame, her elegance and also her confidence. She doesn't conform to the Hollywood buxom beauties of the 50's and 60's and instead carved a path for the thin, waif-like stars that was later emulated by the likes of supermodels.

Interesting Fact: Audrey is neither British nor American. (Gasp!) She's actually Belgian like Hercule Poirot. (Agatha Christie's famous fictional detective).
Profile Image for dessie.
82 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2017
Galley provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of a honest opinion.

Living Like Audrey is not your typical biography and it offers a fresh look on how the actress lived. I enjoyed this immensely for the most part and found it well-researched. However, there were times where the author seemed to be putting down other girls/women in favour of raising Audrey higher, which didn't sit too well with me. But overall, it was a nice, light (not quite) biographic book with an adorable design.
Profile Image for Scarlett.
151 reviews60 followers
August 31, 2017
This was a love letter from one author to Audrey. I don't think I have ever admired anyone or anything as much as Ms. Loustalot admires Audrey. This was a pleasant read, quick and short, but it left me feeling content. Still, I wouldn't call this work a book, it is more of a guide to being happy and elegant, like a pamphlet.

I liked how positive the lessons are. From what I gathered, everyone who knew Audrey was in awe of her and she could light up every room. So, it is nice to read about someone who was like that, but it made me think, how real can that be and can anyone be so over-the-top perfect all the time? I believe there are great personalities who people remember and strive to be, but this gave no clue about downsides of being Audrey Hepburn and in the end, it seemed unrealistic. I am sure that there were some life lessons that could have been included here about her flaws, as well.

This was more-less a collection of commentaries and interviews that others gave over the period of time about Audrey, so I am not sure how much this author tried to write something original that we haven't read before. However, my overall experience is positive, I feel like watching My fair lady one more time.

I got this edition from Netgalley, I am very grateful for this reading opportunity!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,732 reviews30 followers
August 7, 2017
My review is based on the edition I read, I was given the chance to read an early book edition on NetGalley. I mention that in part because I think this is the kind of book you want to purchase in all of its hardback glory. I think it would make for a nice gift for someone who is a fan of Audrey Hepburn, or fashion, classic movies or just likes a life style guide.
I'd rather have it out on a coffee table than on my IPad.
That being said, I always appreciate the chance to read a galley.

I found this to be a very interesting story about Audrey Hepburn, it also included good advice, beautiful quotes and gorgeous images from movies.

My favorite genre is fiction, so this will likely be a higher review for someone more into this style of book. I do think it's interesting and beautifully done.
Profile Image for Denise Morse.
980 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2017
Living Like Audrey would make a great coffee table/side table type book for any lover of film. The book has the most gorgeous pictures of Audrey and her costars as well as quotes from friends and family about her personality, nature and life.

The book is divided into different sections that explain key aspects of her personality and being like grace, humility and style.

I highly recommend getting the book as a hard copy instead of an ebook so that the full pictures can be enjoyed.
Profile Image for Tiff.
72 reviews36 followers
July 6, 2017
First off, thank you, Rowman & Littlefield for sending me a copy of Living Like Audrey: Life Lessons from the Fairest Lady of All in exchange for an honest review!

Audrey Hepburn was so elegant, humble, and all around relatable, and she is understandably still so adored to this day. I was very excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint. This is a must have for fans. Victoria Loustalot breaks down everything that makes Audrey so great, and it’s clear just how much some of us could benefit from following her example and living a little more like Audrey. This is full of lovely pictures and quotes from her, and those closest to her. It isn’t some monotonous biography spanning every minor detail of her life from birth to passing. While reading, you can feel the authors love for her subject as she conveys all of the iconic actress’s best and most admirable qualities in a conversational manner, making this a truly enjoyable, yet informative read.
Profile Image for Ann Otto.
Author 1 book41 followers
August 7, 2018
Someone recommended this very quick read, a pictorial self-help book for all Audrey Hepburn lovers that explains in her own words and those of her family, friends, and colleagues, why she is still an international icon. It wasn't just the looks, but her character and humility that continue to impress us. The author uses these traits to suggest Audrey as a role model for the present.
Profile Image for Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos.
344 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2017
I'm always a sucker for any book I can find on Audrey Hepburn and this one does not disappoint! Full of quotes from Audrey, other celebrities, and lots of pictures! It was great to see so much insight from her sons and her partner who was with her until her death. A must-read for any Audrey fan!
Profile Image for Gena DeBardelaben.
431 reviews
August 12, 2017
eARC: Netgalley

Such a sweet insider look at my favorite star, Audrey Hepburn. Full of wonderful quotes from those who knew her best.

A lovely book!
Profile Image for Jen.
250 reviews19 followers
August 6, 2017
**I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Audrey has always been my favorite Old Hollywood leading lady because she was beautiful on the inside and out. They don't make em like her anymore!

In this book, the author has given us a lot of simple yet profound ways we can be more like Audrey, i.e. a better person in general. I highlighted large chunks of this book, as it's good advice. There are also a lot of great quotes and pictures. This would make a great coffee table book.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Sandra.
171 reviews10 followers
July 23, 2017
Very interesting and enjoyable book. Perfect for Audrey Hepburn fans.

Thank you Netgalley for this book
Profile Image for Jo.
514 reviews9 followers
September 12, 2017
My emotions about this book are mixed. On the one hand, the photos are beautiful (well, it's Audrey Hepburn, of course they are). On the other, the book doesn't really tell us anything new about her.

So, the photos. Living Like Audrey is chock full of them, many in color, from her best known and lesser known movies, sets, and candid shots. Unfortunately, it seems that most, probably even all of them have been published elsewhere. Fans looking for never-previously-published photos won't likely find them here. Even so, 4/5 stars for the pics.

As for the accompanying text, it reads like a love letter or maybe a eulogy for Audrey. She was humble, she was gracious, she was a loving mother, with quotes from famous Hollywood friends and family members to support those statements. But on it goes for chapter after chapter. Again, lovely but nothing really new. 3/5 for the text.

My recommendation: download the sample and then, if you decide to buy it, get it in hardcover for the photos. Maybe read it and then donate it to your public library if you're not a collector of coffee table books.

*ARC via netgalley*
Profile Image for Mary.
516 reviews59 followers
November 2, 2017
First, I want to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I enjoyed a brief look at Audrey Hepburn's life. I have only seen several of her movies but she stood out in all. Perky, cute, funny and able to hold her own with the leading men of her time. She seems to have taken pride in the fact that she was not the classic beauty of her time but that she could embrace herself and be satisfied and happy none-the-less. And in that acceptance, others found her beauty. She would have been a wonderful role model for today. As I read this book, I felt happy and will surely see some more of her movies. The quotes from the characters she played and from friends were great at having me feel as if I know Audrey a little bit. Black and white photos added a lot to the book.
1 review
September 1, 2017
As a huge Audrey fan, I was eagerly anticipating this book and had pre-ordered it through Amazon (and much to my luck, I received it day early). It does not disappoint. It is an easy breezy read (I read it in one seating) and a great companion to make you feel you can truly understand what Audrey was about. The prose is delightfully effervescent and enjoyable - like a trip around Rome with Princess Ann. The author is truly skilled at capturing great insights into Audrey. I think this is a great read not just for Audrey fans as well - there are great life lessons for us all in here. In trying times, such as these, it would be nice is some of our public figures (or any of our young people) picked this up and started Living Like Audrey - I know I'll try.
Profile Image for Pauline.
881 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2019
Simple, yet interesting, book about Audrey. My favorite movie ever is Sabrina. My second is Roman Holiday. I love Audrey. That’s why this ebook caught my eye. A worthwhile read about characteristics of Audrey that we can each mimic and make our own—being unassuming, gracious, stylish, funny, strong, delicate and lucky. I enjoyed this book and it’s photos. The last quote of the book summarized her outlook on life: “ If my world were to cave in tomorrow, I would look back on all the pleasures and excitements and worthwhilenesses I have had. Not the sadnesses, not my miscarriages, or my father leaving home, but the joy of everything else. It will have been enough.” That outlook made Audrey the woman we loved. That outlook is one to emulate.
515 reviews39 followers
October 23, 2017
Living Like Audrey takes a personal look at the Audrey the world knows. Her life outside of the spotlight is shown through pictures, quotes, and stories from the people who knew her well. The only issue I really had, was the fact that the images and quotes would break up a chapter, sometimes in the middle of a sentence. The flow ended up being choppy because of this.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Author: Victoria Loustalot
Publisher: Lyons Press
Publication Date: 1 Sept 2017
Profile Image for Tink.
79 reviews
May 8, 2023
This book is super cute. I didn't really think it quite matched the title - hence the four stars. But the quotes were lovely and the pictures divine. Definitely worth a read if you are an Audrey fan and the author (Victoria) has a very easy way of writing that makes you feel like you are having a conversation with a friend about your fav icon.

Profile Image for Ineke Stoneham.
158 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2019
A sweet little love note

It's a very quick read, full of photos of Audrey and delicious quotes, but the "advice" part of it didn't really resonate for me. It seemed tacked on, as if a last minute addition to try to give the book more heft.
Profile Image for Christi Killough.
31 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2023
I’ll leave it with a quote that sums it all up and put in a Tiffany & Co. box “ All living like Audrey really means is to try and keep trying and never stop. Luckily, that’s something every single one of us is capable of. You don’t even have to wait until dark. You can start right now. “
Profile Image for Lily.
212 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2025
2 stars

It's a very short book but I did gleam a few interesting tidbits about Audrey Hepburn as I'm not very familiar with her story (or her films). The photographs were very beautiful but its not very worth it unless you're a major fan.
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