Enter Helen

The Invention of Helen Gurley Brown and the Rise of the Modern Single Woman

By: Brooke Hauser

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

This female Mad Men-like story chronicles the legendary Cosmopolitan magazine editor's rise to power as both a cultural icon and a trailblazer who redefined what it means to be an American woman.

In the mid-'60s, Helen Gurley Brown, author of the groundbreaking Sex and the Single Girl, took over the ailing Cosmopolitan magazine and revamped it into one of the most successful brands in the world. At a time when magazines taught housewives how to make the perfect casserole, Helen reimagined Cosmo and womanhood itself, championing the independent, ambitious, man-loving single woman. Though she was married to Hollywood producer David Brown, no one embodied the idea of the Cosmo Girl more than the Ozarks-born Helen, who willed, worked, and - yes - occasionally slept her way to the top, eventually becoming one of the most influential media players in the world.

Drawing on new interviews with Helen's friends and former colleagues as well as her personal letters, Enter Helen brings New York City vibrantly to life during the sexual revolution and the women's movement and features a cast of characters including Hugh Hefner, Nora Ephron, and Gloria Steinem. It is the cinematic story of an icon who bucked convention, defined her own destiny, and became a controversial model for modern feminism, laying the groundwork for television shows like Sex and the City and Girls.

"Bad feminist" or not, Helen Gurley Brown got people talking - about sex, work, reproductive choices, and having it all - forever changing the conversation.

©2016 Brooke Hauser (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Good research on a woman we knew "of"

This was a good read of a woman most of us only saw one side of. At first, the narrator seemed to be in a hurry or in a rush when reading. Or like she was trying to tell us so much before hopping of the bus. It settled down after awhile or I got used to it.
I was growing up when Cosmo was hitting its stride and those covers were eye catching. I didn't know much about Helen and this book was well researched. I remember all those quizzes and that famous centerfold!

Fascinating story beautifully read

I thought I would enjoy this book but I loved it! A perfect portrayal of the early 60s world for women and girls and Helen's role in sharing the world of sex and attraction. The book takes us into the women's lib movement of the 60s and beyond. Read with a knowing attitude. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Helen Gurley Brown doesn't disappoint

What did you love best about Enter Helen?

I grew up reading Cosmopolitan and thinking that it would be great to be living in a very small Manhattan apartment living the life of a Cosmo girl. I never did, but it was a dream for many years. This book is more of the magazine.

Any additional comments?

This book gave me more understanding of Helen Gurley Brown and her life. I enjoyed this book.