Answering ‘WWJD?’ is DIY; book tells what Audrey’d do
Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008
There’s a slew of young female celebrities who probably should invest $ 22. 50 in a copy of Pamela Keogh’s book What Would Audrey Do ? (Gotham ), which recently arrived in bookstores. Instead of being photographed for the gossip sheets looking drunk or flashing body parts, the Britneys, Parises and Lindsays of the world would do well to consider how a real lady like Audrey Hepburn would conduct herself.
That’s the gist of Keogh’s guide to living a thoughtful, mannered Hepburnian lifestyle. Find yourself in a sticky social jam ? Simply ask yourself, “What would Audrey do ?” The answers — whether they be about dating, dressing, rearing a family or volunteering — should all come with the perfect style and effortless grace that was Hepburn’s trademark.
Keogh has mined the power of iconic women before. The author of Audrey Style and Jackie Style, Keogh is well versed in the nearmythical feminine charms of the likes of Hepburn and Jackie O.
But more interesting is the title of Keogh’s new book, which is a take on a simple question that has prompted dozens of titles. In the 1990 s, pop culture witnessed a “What Would Jesus Do ?” trend that came with a rubber wristband to remind Christians to follow the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives. What Would Jesus Do ? (Whitaker, $ 10. 99 ) also became a book.
Here are some other examples of books that followed in that vein What Would Jackie Do ? An Inspired Guide to Distinctive Living by Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway (Penguin, $ 12 ). Whether she was a Bouvier or a Kennedy or an Onassis, Jackie was always seen as a rare creature of impeccable style and taste. Even years after her death, Jackie casts a long shadow over a social world that is badly in need of her unerring sense of decorum.
What Would Buddha Do ? by Franz Metcalf (Ulysses Press, $ 10 ). The author, a Buddhist spirituality expert, applies Buddhist teachings, practices and rituals to modern problems. What would Buddha do about credit card debt ? Or road rage ? Metcalf has the answer.
What Would Buffy Do: The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide by Jana Riess (Jossey-Bass, $ 14. 95 ). You thought Buffy was just about a teen snuffing out the undead ? Riess looks at the show’s moral message and finds examples of familial bonding, deep friendship, altruism, self-sacrifice and personal spirituality that run through the show.
What Would Jefferson Do ?: A Return to Democracy by Thom Hartmann (Crown, $ 14 ). Founding Father literature had a good run for a while. In his look at what Thomas Jefferson wrought, the author shows why democracy, the most universal form of government, works.
What Would Wonder Woman Do ?: An Amazon’s Guide to the Working World by Jennifer Traig and Suzan Colon (Chronicle, $ 15. 95 ). We can’t all have bulletproof bracelets and lassos of truth, but we can take a few helpful hints from a helpful superheroine. This book outlines secrets to acing your job interview and moving up the corporate ladder by channeling your inner Wonder Woman.
What Would MacGyver Do ?: True Stories of Improvised Genius in Everyday Life by Brendan Vaughan (Hudson Street, $ 19. 95 ). Anyone who watched the TV show MacGyver marveled at the way the resourceful secret agent got himself out of jams by using everyday objects. The authors have rounded up 45 true stories celebrating the MacGyverian use of improvised genius to solve everyday problems.
What Would Aristotle Do ? Self-Control Through the Power of Reason by Elliot D. Cohen (Prometheus, $ 21. 95 ). What would we do without the reasoning of those Greek philosophers ? Cohen, a professor of philosophy and medical ethics, demonstrates in simple language how you can use rational philosophy for self-improvement. Reason works !
What Would Murphy Brown Do ?: How the Women of Prime Time Changed Our Lives by Allison Klein (Avalon, $ 16. 95 ). From Mary Richards and Maude to Carrie Bradshaw, TV’s most popular female characters have reflected the reality of the lives of everyday women. Iconic characters such as Roseanne and Ally McBeal, it seems, have a lot to teach us.
The list goes on: What Would Sipowicz Do ?: Race, Rights and Redemption in NYPD Blue by Glenn Yeffeth (BenBella, $ 17. 95 ); What Would Walt Do ?: An Insider’s Story About the Design and Construction of Walt Disney World by D. M. Miller (iUniverse, $ 11. 95 ); What Would Gandhi Do ? by Pummy Kaur (Trafford, $ 30 ); What Would Confucius Do ?: Wisdom and Advice on Achieving Success and Getting Along with Others by Evelyn Berthrong (Da Capo, $ 14. 95 ).
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