Janice Dickinson has been a force in the public eye for over four decades. From her trailblazing modeling career to her unforgettable reality TV moments, her energy, confidence, and unapologetically authentic personality have captivated audiences around the world.
When someone stands out as boldly as Janice does, you can’t help but wonder what shaped her. A figure like that isn’t just born—she’s forged in fire. To tell her story, Janice Dickinson wrote a memoir titled No Lifeguard on Duty: The Accidental Life of the World’s First Supermodel. It’s a wild, unfiltered ride that reveals the full story behind the world’s first supermodel.
We read it. We loved it. And now, we’re sharing our review with you! Today’s post is all about the book’s core themes and most impactful takeaways. For an insightful conversation that adds even more context to the memoir, tune into Janice Dickinson’s podcast with TSC.
Janice Dickinson No Lifeguard on Duty Book Review: The Real and Raw
Janice Dickinson has actually written a few books over the years. You may recognize some like Everything About Me Is Fake . . . And I’m Perfect and Check, Please!: Dating, Mating, & Extricating. And, if you were keeping up with the TSC Book Club back in 2017, then you know how much Lauryn loves this author.
Recently, however, she penned No Lifeguard on Duty: The Accidental Life of the World’s First Supermodel. And, if you ask us, it’s her best one yet.
Here’s our review of Janice’s latest book:
Who Is Janice Dickinson?
Janice Dickinson is widely considered one of the world’s first supermodels—meaning she wasn’t just another working model. Instead, she was a household name who defined the modeling scene of the ’70s and ’80s.
In fact, Janice’s legacy shaped entire beauty standards for an entire generation. Throughout her career, she modeled for nearly every major brand and publication, cementing her status as a timeless pop culture icon. But even after stepping off the runway, her career was far from over.
If you’re a Millennial or Gen Zer, you probably know Janice from her TV days. In the early 2000s, she served as a judge on Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model. Later, she launched her own modeling company and starred in a reality show of the same name, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency. More recently, she’s appeared on shows like Celebrity Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Throughout her entire career, Janice has stood out for more than just her looks. When you think of a model, you may think poised and soft-spoken—but this icon is anything but that. She has the intense discipline of a model, without question. She’s best known, however, for her blunt, outspoken personality and sharp, sometimes controversial humor. Janice showed generations of young women that you can be pretty and fierce!
Curious about what other supermodels are up to these days? Listen to these episodes of the Him & Her Show next:
- “Supermodel Turned Entrepreneur Karolína Kurková on Wellness, Work Ethic, Diet, and Evolving Your Career”
- “Kimora Lee Simmons on Power, Presence, and How to Be Unstoppable in Life, Love, and Legacy”
What Is the No Lifeguard on Duty Book About?
Difficult Childhood
In the beginning, Janice opens up about her traumatic upbringing in Florida. As a child, she endured significant abuse by those closest to her, and Janice bravely recounts all of it. Surviving such adversity shaped her fierce independence and relentless drive to achieve her goals—even if it simply meant breaking free.
High-Profile Modeling Career
Janice was huge in the ’70s and ’80s, and her memoir dives deep into those iconic years. She spills all the details about working with legends like Gianni Versace and Calvin Klein while shattering beauty standards for an entire generation.
That said, it wasn’t all glamour and runway lights. Behind the scenes, Janice battled addiction, sexism, and exploitation. These, unfortunately, were the harsh realities of the modeling industry at the time. Of course, she doesn’t shy away from those truths, and her honesty makes her success story even more powerful. Despite it all, Janice rose to international fame and undeniable success.
Romantic Relationships
It wouldn’t be a Hollywood memoir without a little romance—and Janice doesn’t hold back. (Like she ever does?) The former supermodel dives into her high-profile relationships and secret affairs with raw and even graphic detail. Beyond the tabloid-worthy drama, she reflects on how her childhood trauma shaped her romantic life. And, through this, she exposes the dark truth about celebrity relationships. When you’re famous, even love becomes transactional.
Journey of Self-Discovery
Janice Dickinson has faced every hurdle life’s thrown her way—and cleared them all, no matter how high. In her book, she shares how she confronted her past, took control of her present, and transformed her life for the better.
And yes, we actually get a real happily-ever-after in this celebrity autobiography! Not the “she got the guy” kind, though. Instead, we see the kind that comes from therapy, sobriety, and finally discovering her own self-worth.
Is No Lifeguard on Duty Worth Reading?
Yes! So many celebrity memoirs are bland and kind of predictable, but Janice’s life story is anything but ordinary. Plus, she brings her usual unfiltered charm to the narration, making the book super engaging and downright hilarious. We definitely recommend it!
Add Janice Dickinson’s book to your must-read list.
No Lifeguard on Duty isn’t just another celebrity memoir—it’s a front-row seat to the rise, fall, and reinvention of the world’s first supermodel. Janice Dickinson tells her story with the same boldness that made her famous. And, with this, she proves that honesty and resilience never go out of style. Whether you’re a fan of fashion, pop culture, or powerful comeback stories, this one’s absolutely worth the read.
Want more inspiring stories for your book club or to-read stack? Here are other recommendations from the TSC team:
- From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
- Uptown Girl: The Inspiring Journey of Christie Brinkley, Beloved Supermodel And All-American Icon by Christie Brinkley
- Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman by Brooke Shields
Also, don’t forget to check out Lauryn’s Goodreads. She’s read so many incredible, profound novels that we’re constantly excited to cover here on the blog.