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Mohrbooks Literary Agency
Sebastian Ritscher
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English
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WHAT WOULD FRIDA DO?

Arianna Davis

A Guide to Living Boldly

A contemporary guide to life inspired by Frida Kahlo.
Revered as much for her independent spirit as she is for her art, Frida Kahlo stands today as a brazen symbol of female agency and daring creativity. She was a woman ahead of her time, who even decades after her passing has inspired Oscar-winning films, Snapchat filters, endless T-shirts and merchandise, and even Barbies. Her paintings have earned her legions of admirers who fill her exhibitions and span the globe. But perhaps her greatest work of art was her own life.

What Would Frida Do? celebrates the feminist icon's signature style, her outspoken politics, her boldness in love and arteven in the face of hardship, pain, and heartbreak. We see her tumultuous and passionate marriage with her husband, the famous muralist Diego Rivera, and her flings with Leon Trotsky and Josephine Baker. We regard her larger than life persona, as a petite woman who drank heavily, sang lustily, painted provocatively, and even to the very end insisted on theatrical gestures-as when she insisted on being carried in on her deathbed so as not to miss her final solo exhibition. Each chapter shares intimate stories, lively quotes, and personal details about Frida's life, showing today's reader how Frida faced down obstacles by unapologetically embracing her own ideals. Through reflections on this singular life, we can call upon on Frida's boldness to guide us on our own paths.

In this charming and irresistible read, culture writer Arianna Davis conjures Frida's brave spirit, encouraging women to persevere when they are suffering, to claim their agency, to create fearlessly, and to stand by their own truths.

Arianna Davis is the digital director for O, The Oprah Magazine. She previously worked at Refinery29 and Us Weekly, and she has written for New York Magazine, Glamour, Marie Claire, and PopSugar Latina. She has also served as an entertainment expert for Access Hollywood, Tamron Hall, VH1, and TLC. She lives in New York City.
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Published 2020-10-20 by Seal Press

Comments

A must read. This is a heartfelt portrayal of a complex, brilliant woman whose bold perspective on creativity, work, and sex stands the test of time.

A passionate and insightful celebration of the life of Frida Kahlo, What Would Frida Do? applies Frida's life to modern situations in a heartfelt and fun manner readers will love!

Frida Kahlo truly elevated confidence into an art form. In her book, Arianna Davis shows us the timelessness of Frida's message of unapologetic self-acceptance and fearlessness. What Would Frida Do? beautifully reminds us how abundant a woman's strength can be.

Arianna Davis makes a beautiful case for contemporary women to follow in Frida's footsteps as we navigate love, work, creativity, friendship, and even getting dressed in the morning. This vibrant herstory-meets-self-help book is such a gift.

Informative and fun... from style and creativity to love and sex, pain and heartbreak to identity and friendships, What Would Frida Do? covers it all. Read more...

What Would Frida Do? explores the feminist icon's signature style, outspoken politics, and boldness in love and art, even in the face of pain and heartbreak. The book celebrates her larger than life persona as a woman who loved passionately and lived ambitiously. Each chapter encourages women to persevere, to create fearlessly, and to stand by their own truths. Read more...

O: The Oprah Magazine names WHAT WOULD FRIDA DO? one of the best books of fall so far: An ode to a woman Davis has admired and been inspired by; it also offers prescriptions for overcoming obstacles and finding your inner alegría, which Kahlo did with remarkable courage and creativity. Read more...

A modern take on a woman who was modern beyond her time. Arianna Davis's book paints a colorful picture of the strength, courage, and love that uplifted Frida Kahlo through her many tragedies. This comprehensive look into Frida's life leads me to think that we could all learn a lesson or two from Frida.

Arianna Davis's book shares this icon's boldness and courage in full force, to inspire a new generation. I am excited to support a fellow Latina's work to keep our history alive.

"What Would Frida Do?" is a charming guide on how to live life to the fullest, inspired by none other than feminist icon and artist Frida Kahlo. Known for her passionate and creative paintings, Kahlo is a symbol of perseverance, ambition and feminism that has shaped the world and those in it for generations. Davis uses her life's story to inspire readers - especially women - to seek their truth and to love and live fearlessly. Read more...

Frida Kahlo, the beloved artist and feminist, lived a pretty fearless life - one we could all learn a few lessons from. That's exactly the point that Davis makes in her book. She details the artist's life, from childhood polio to a car accident that resulted in dozens of surgeries to the political activism reflected in her art and her experiences living as a Latinx woman. This read will leave you feeling inspired. Read more...

Davis talks to Shondaland about her debut book and finding hope in Frida Kahlo's life and work. Read more...

great profile of Arianna Davis: What Would Arianna Davis Do?... Read more...

Spanish: PRH Mexico

Arianna's original piece about the book Read more...

The guide to life we need right now... a fresh, sparkling read that offers advice to readers through the lens of the painter's life experiences - a missive from woman to woman through a life lived fully, if imperfectly, in spite of so many obstacles. Read more...