Back in January, I shared a list of my New Year's resolutions for 2019, one of which is to read two books per month (24 total). I was on a roll - two books in January, two books in February, three books in March - but that streak came to a dead stop in April.
At the start of the month, I selected a book called The Vanity Fair Diaries. It's based on real life journal entries by Tina Brown, during her time as the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. She would go on to become editor-in-chief of The New Yorker, and then in 2008, found the media site The Daily Beast.
I learned of this book on an episode of one of my favorite podcasts, The Literary Life, hosted by Mitchell Kaplan, the owner of Books & Books in Miami, FL. Kaplan interviewed Brown about her career in the magazine industry, and why she decided to share her personal journey in this way. I found Brown to be highly entertaining and after the episode ended, I ordered the book on Amazon.
When I unboxed it, I was startled to discover the book was 419 pages of tiny font with tight line spacing. I knew right away it would be a challenge to read the whole thing in under 30 days. That said, I was optimistic that the behind-the-scenes dirt would keep me hooked.
Well, it took me six weeks to finish this memoir - all of April and half of May. I was pretty bummed about the setback to my pace.
Though it took a while, I did learn some pretty interesting things along the way. In a journal entry dated October 25, 1984, Brown is describing her pride over the upcoming holiday issue and she writes, "Best Annie pics are of Aaron Spelling in bed, Springsteen against a sheath of fire, and the black-and-white-attired decorator Andrée Putman against a wall of checkered tiles. Also the sulky, Elvisy Donald Trump 'because he's a brass act. And he owns his own football team. And he thinks he should negotiate arms control agreements with the Soviet Union.'"
How creepy is it to read that about Donald Trump now, nearly 35 years later?!
I really enjoyed hearing about the very first Vanity Fair party during awards season in 1987, which is now a staple every single year. Brown shares, "I'm sitting in my hotel room at the Bel-Air in Beverly Hills. Tomorrow we'll give a VF party at Spago to woo Hollywood. If it goes well I want to make a Hollywood party an annual thing because our power base for covers is here. Si might not understand what glamour events can do for business, but I am convinced they work."
That same year, Anna Wintour was hired in the number two position at Vogue. "All the press of Anna's arrival is positioning her as the future ed of Vogue, which must make Grace Mirabella shake in her shoes. This press is already hoping for a rivalry between us. Anna is to frontal for feuds and Vogue has never interested me. I suppose catfights are the cliché that always dog (as it were) powerful women working in the same business. Actually her presence upstairs is a bit like suddenly having a sleek-haired race-horse pawing the other side of the fence."
In 1991, under Brown's leadership, the Vanity Fair team would publish one of the most famous magazine cover images of all time featuring actress Demi Moore. "When Annie and I first discussed doing Demi, I thought how great it would be to show her pregnant instead of doing the normal thing with stars who are over three months gone and cheat the cover with a head shot or some other disguise. But being Annie, she went on better. She did Demi in profile, yes, full body, yes, but also . . . naked!"
She continues, and reveals that the cover was so much more than a provocative maternity photo, "We have wanted so much to do a story that moved Vanity Fair decisively on from the eighties, that made a statement of modernity, progressiveness, freshness, openness, after the heavy Trumpy glitz of that decade. I have been beating my brains out looking for the social commentary that would achieve it. And now, in one simple, dazzling image, Annie has the home run. This it it. This what a celebrity looks like in the nineties. Not just a natural but au naturel! And it's a wonderful feminist statement at the same time."
If you have been a long time Vanity Fair reader, certainly you'll enjoy the stories behind the stories.
I wish I could say I loved this book, because I really thought I would, but sadly, it was just a long slog of name dropping.
Comments
saba 033
Sun, 01/17/2021 - 10:26
You may be permitted to blog post details, though not back-links, with regard to they are really sanctioned and even at area. Emergency plumber high Wycombe
saba 033
Sun, 01/17/2021 - 10:33
This kind of is a wonderful submit My partner and i noticed as a result of discuss that. It is just what I desired to find out desire inside upcoming you may keep on regarding revealing this kind of outstanding submit. Emergency plumber high Wycombe
Abu Bakar
Mon, 01/18/2021 - 18:37
sharklato Ganga420 Marijuana Shop is committed to ensuring that your privacy and security is protected at all times, in fact, we care so much that we offer guaranteed stealth delivery to anywhere in the world at no extra cost! All orders are fully guaranteed, so whatever happens, nothing will ever stand between you and your weed!
saba 033
Tue, 01/19/2021 - 01:06
This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works Restaurant Moves
saba 033
Tue, 01/19/2021 - 01:19
Hey, great blog, but I don’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me please? Restaurant Moves
muhammad ali
Tue, 01/19/2021 - 04:56
What a really awesome post this is. Truly, one of the best posts I've ever witnessed to see in my whole life. Wow, just keep it up. herb stripping tool
NIMRA SHAIKH
Tue, 01/19/2021 - 13:42
Green Dispensary Online is headquartered in California, but we ship anywhere in the US, UK, Australia and the world. Peanut butter cookies
muhammad ali
Mon, 01/25/2021 - 01:27
I would also motivate just about every person to save this web page for any favorite assistance to assist posted the appearance. extendable back scratcher
Abu Bakar
Mon, 01/25/2021 - 16:54
slotxo I am impressed. I don't think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here.
muhammad ali
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 02:15
Excellent effort to make this blog more wonderful and attractive. back scratcher shoe horn
saba 033
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 07:09
Thanks for providing recent updates regarding the concern, I look forward to read more. professional resume builder service
saba 033
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 07:23
I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing. custom case study writing service
saba 033
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 10:48
it is good as well as meanful. it is awesome weblog. Connecting is extremely helpful point. you've truly assisted many individuals that go to weblog and supply all of them usefull info. 토토사이트
saba 033
Wed, 01/27/2021 - 10:55
This is probably the results We're getting all over. With thanks for your personal site, I sign up to your website. This is usually a awesome site. inches. 토토사이트
muhammad ali
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 05:53
This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again. sifter strainer
mairakhatri khatri
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 11:03
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the good work. I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea. ขายเมล็ดกาแฟ
ayan shah
Thu, 01/28/2021 - 12:49
Your articles are inventive. I am looking forward to reading the plethora of articles that you have linked here. Thumbs up! dahliadance
saba 033
Sat, 01/30/2021 - 06:11
This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works 인싸포커
saba 033
Sat, 01/30/2021 - 06:26
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. 인싸포커
saba 033
Mon, 02/01/2021 - 12:23
This valuable appearances totally proper. Each one of minimal details have decided thanks to large number with practical experience simple awareness. I'm just excited them just as before significantly. https://www.myb.co.id
saba 033
Tue, 02/02/2021 - 01:42
I really thank you for the valuable info on this great subject and look forward to more great posts Autoankauf
saba 033
Tue, 02/02/2021 - 02:00
Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Autoankauf
muhammad ali
Thu, 02/04/2021 - 00:37
Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you! back scratcher near me
saba 033
Fri, 02/05/2021 - 01:54
Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. twitter support
saba 033
Fri, 02/05/2021 - 02:25
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. twitter home office
saba 033
Sat, 02/06/2021 - 06:35
Nice site, nice and easy on the eyes and great content too. Do you need many drafts to make a post? 텍사스홀덤
muhammad ali
Sat, 02/06/2021 - 11:06
Extremely inspired! Everything is extremely open and clear illumination of issues. It contains really certainties. Your site is extremely important. Much obliged for sharing. old potato masher
muhammad ali
Mon, 02/08/2021 - 01:23
It is amazingly decent to see the best subtle elements introduced in a simple and understanding way. stainless steel potato ricer
saba 033
Mon, 02/08/2021 - 10:37
I must admit that your post is really interesting. I have spent a lot of my spare time reading your content. Thank you a lot! 홀덤사이트
saba 033
Mon, 02/08/2021 - 10:47
It has fully emerged to crown Singapore's southern shores and undoubtedly placed her on the global map of residential landmarks. I still scored the more points than I ever have in a season for GS. I think you would be hard pressed to find somebody with the same consistency I have had over the years so I am happy with that. 홀덤사이트
mairakhatri khatri
Wed, 02/10/2021 - 02:27
Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!. https://www.pembicarawahid.com
saba 033
Fri, 02/12/2021 - 01:41
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. 먹튀사이트
muhammad ali
Fri, 02/12/2021 - 11:32
I feel a lot more people need to read this, very good info! . best flour sifter
muhammad ali
Sat, 02/13/2021 - 00:47
I am hoping the same best effort from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me. potato crusher
saba 033
Tue, 02/16/2021 - 00:58
It's late finding this act. At least, it's a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. 인싸포커
saba 033
Thu, 02/18/2021 - 02:20
Much thanks for composing such an intriguing article on this point. This has truly made me think and I plan to peruse more 먹튀사이트
saba 033
Thu, 02/18/2021 - 02:30
I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work! 먹튀사이트
muhammad ali
Fri, 02/19/2021 - 03:28
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention. cake sifter
muhammad ali
Tue, 02/23/2021 - 00:53
If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. mashed potatoes tools
karlax 123
Wed, 02/24/2021 - 01:02
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. 안전사이트
saba 033
Wed, 02/24/2021 - 06:07
I got what you mean , thanks for posting .Woh I am happy to find this website through google. 먹튀검증업체
saba 033
Wed, 02/24/2021 - 06:22
Succeed! It could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on the subject. Excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort very well. Thanks for the huge help. 먹튀검증업체
Harry jack
Thu, 02/25/2021 - 08:23
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
saba 033
Fri, 02/26/2021 - 01:22
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. lowes employee login
saba 033
Fri, 02/26/2021 - 01:39
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here. lowes kronos server
M imran saifi
Mon, 03/01/2021 - 10:36
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. read this
muhammad ali
Mon, 03/01/2021 - 23:51
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. plastic back scratcher
saba 033
Tue, 03/02/2021 - 01:25
I don t have the time at the moment to fully read your site but I have bookmarked it and also add your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. thanks for a great site. onewalmart.com
saba 033
Tue, 03/02/2021 - 01:51
This is my first time i visit here and I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially it's discussion, thank you. walmart employee login
mahnoor faizan
Thu, 03/04/2021 - 07:53
This article was written by a real thinking writer without a doubt. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back day in and day for further new updates. gamefreefree