Published in 1925, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is the fictional diary of Lorelei Lee, a beautiful young woman from Little Rock with a simple philosophy: "Kissing your hand may make you feel very, very good, but a diamond and sapphire bracelet lasts forever." The 'story' is really just Lorelei recounting her adventures, but what adventures they are!

The Story

Lorelei's wealthy beau, Gus Eisman (the 'Button King'), sends her to Europe to become 'cultured.' She travels with her best friend, the brunette Dorothy, who is more cynical and prefers 'gentlemen' to their money. Lorelei writes everything down in her unique, misspelled style, describing parties, shopping trips, and her interactions with a parade of wealthy men—from movie producers to English lords. She navigates everything from a murder accusation to high-society snubs with the same unshakable, charming logic: if a problem can't be solved with a smile or a new diamond, it's probably not worth solving.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in voice. Lorelei seems silly on the surface, but her observations are razor-sharp. She understands the social rules of her world perfectly—she just follows them to her own advantage. You're constantly laughing with her cleverness, even as you laugh at her diary's hilarious errors. Anita Loos isn't making fun of Lorelei; she's using her to hold up a mirror to the men who value beauty over brains and the society that lets it happen. It's satire that feels fresh a century later. Lorelei is in on the joke, and by the end, you realize she might be the smartest person in the room.

Final Verdict

This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a funny, clever narrator. If you enjoyed the wit of The Great Gatsby but wished it was from a woman's perspective, or if you like stories about people playing the system, you'll adore this. It's a quick, sparkling read that's much smarter than it looks—just like its heroine. Don't let the title fool you; it's a timeless comedy about ambition, friendship, and knowing exactly what you want.