Book Review: Life is Not a Reality Show

Life Is Not a Reality Show:
Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All

Kyle Richards 

From Goodreads:

In the wild world of Beverly Hills, high-priced glam squads, flashy cars, and off-the-charts drama are the norm. Enter Kyle Richards: born and raised in the nation's most dazzling neighborhood, she's practically royalty in the 90210 zip code. And yet her loving family life, lack of pretention (no nannies, stylists, or personal chefs for this diva), and "girls' girl" attitude make her a breath of fresh air on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Now, she's revealing how she achieves that perfect mix of celebrity and normality. In this collection of the best tips, advice, and strategies she knows, Kyle's talking friend to friend so you can create that blend of glitz and know-how in your own life:

Family

Kyle's a hands-on parent who shares how she's raising her four daughters to be self-sufficient, compassionate, and--above all--not spoiled. (Kyle grew up in a family of all women with her extraordinary mother teaching all the children her unique take on life.)

Men

Being married to Mauricio, a devoted husband and wonderful father, Kyle is often asked what makes a happy and lasting marriage. She shares all of her best advice for keeping a marriage strong and, for single women, how to find the perfect partner.

Hair

Would you believe those famously luscious locks are courtesy of drugstore shampoo? Turns out Beverly Hills style doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Beauty
Kyle's beauty routine is practical and never too trendy. She shares her secrets for choosing the best lip glosses, blushes, creams, and cleansers, and explains how you can look gorgeous even if you're on a budget. (Her tips on applying glam-inducing false eyelashes alone are a must read.)

Entertaining

After years of soirees fit for the Hollywood elite, Kyle knows what it takes to throw a party your friends will talk about for years...without breaking the bank.

Childhood memories, tales from behind the scenes of The Real Housewives, warm and hilarious family stories--Kyle's sharing all.

Stop imagining what it's like to live in the country's most glamorous zip code...and start trying out the good life yourself!

My Thoughts: 

Kyle waxes a little bit "TOO" poetic about her perfect life, her perfect husband (ok, he is pretty dreamy), her perfect children, and her perfect, privileged upbringing. She wants to be very clear that despite all these things, she is still very grounded, and "one with the commoners" because she, too, shops at Target. Unfortunately, she often contradicts herself - saying in one chapter how she would never ever EVER keep any secret from her husband, than laughing in the next chapter about the secret botox treatments she got for years without her husband knowing. Kyle is, for the most part, one of my favorites on the show so I was willing to forgive some of the sections that made me roll my eyes. There were also lots of "ha ha's!" and "Oh, I've gotten off topic!" I felt the only insight I really got to Kyle's life was that being in the Halloween movies when she was younger caused her to have anxiety her whole life. I hear her sister, Kathy's, book House of Hilton is much better, so I may give that one a try.

This book was fun for a light, summer read. Would I recommend it? Only if you're an avid Housewives of Beverly Hills fan like myself! Otherwise, don't waste your time.