Book examines female superstars

Actress Jennifer Aniston is one of the celebrities featured in Rachel Bertsche's new book. Getty Images

Bertsche's experiment also suggests that even the fabulous are flawed. When trying to follow Gwyneth Paltrow's food rules and cooking techniques, Bertsche points out the unrealistic amount of time and money the actress' habits require, and fails her seven-day detox cleanse after two days of drinking a smoothie that tastes like "sweet earwax".

Bertsche offers some valuable tips - from how to create a signature style to how to nail Tina Fey's work ethic (hint: boycott social media and always carry a notebook). But the chapters on simulating the spark in Jennifer Garner's marriage to Ben Affleck, and following Julia Roberts' way of meditating to get more Zen, seem like guesswork.

The book would have more teeth if Bertsche had been able to interview any of the celebrities she writes about to get their take on whether their choices and routines actually lead to happiness. Instead, she relies on Google searches, magazine interviews and many assumptions for information.

Woven into the narrative of her celebrity makeover, the author shares intimate details, including her determination to get pregnant despite fertility problems. Although she knows she has much to be thankful for in her life, her candor about her professional and personal disappointments adds another layer to her story.

At the beginning of the book, she's been laid off, and distracted by her desire for a baby, zapped of energy and motivation. "I had all the time in the world but I wasn't getting anything done," she says.

Following the celebrity formulas gives her structure and accountability, leading to "enthusiasm, drive and purpose". By the end, she's exercising regularly, eating healthy food, working more efficiently, dressing better and meditating - making her feel accomplished, and maybe a few inches closer to Aniston's famously coveted arms.

Bertsche says her efforts have made her feel like a better version of herself. Sure, it took a little navel-gazing and celebrity worship to get there, but maybe that's what self-help for the selfie generation looks like.

If you've ever had a celebrity girl crush, stick Jennifer, Gwyneth & Me in your beach bag. Bertsche is your people.