While the hotel heiress has been putting on a brave face in front of LA’s photographers in recent days, a source alleges that she’s become tearful in private.

The source told People magazine: "She breaks down crying a lot because she just can’t deal with the reality and the pressure of everything that is happening."

The 26-year-old blonde will serve about 23 days in California’s Century Regional Detention Facility in the coming weeks for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

"She really can’t take how most people around her have scattered and distanced themselves," claimed the source, who added that Paris has been relying on her family for emotional support.

Meanwhile, Paris has reportedly been dropped from a glossy coffee table book, Inheriting Beauty, which features a host of stunning heiresses including Roberta Armani, Dylan Lauren, Allegra Hicks, Nadja Swarovski.

Marianne Strong, who represents the book’s editor, celebrity photographer Roger Moenks, confirmed that the creative team behind the new tome "bounced Paris by unanimous vote," telling the New York Post: "Let’s hear it for high standards."

Paris gets spiritual? - May 29 2007
Paris Hilton is apparently trying to find her spiritual side - she’s been photographed browsing through self-help books and carrying a copy of the Bible.

The jail-bound socialite was spotted in Hollywood’s Bodhi Tree bookshop looking uncharacteristically demure while clutching a copy of the Bible and self-help tome The Power Of Now, by empowerment guru Eckhard Tolle.

US reports also claim the hotel heiress is dabbling with Buddhism in her quest to find inner peace before she embarks upon her jail sentence for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Could Paris, 26, be making good on her lawyers’ advice to "live like a nun" in a bid to turn her tarnished image around?

A friend of the star recently told The Sun: "Paris’ attorneys have insisted she live like a nun. She has been strictly advised to stop acting like a Hollywood brat and appear more humble as they battle to keep her out of jail.

"They have ordered her to show a judge she has some humility and social responsibility if she is going to have her sentence reduced on appeal. That means no booze, no parading round in skimpy outfits, no partying. She’s got to stick with her family and take on a healthier regime."

Paris is set to spend about 23 days at California’s female-only Century Regional Detention Centre. She’s due to start her sentence on June 5.

Simon’s sympathy - May 25 2007
Simon Cowell has stood up for Paris Hilton, saying that the socialite doesn’t belong in prison.

Speaking to WENN, Si admits: "I feel a bit sorry for Paris to be honest with you. Does she deserve to go to jail? No, I don’t think so. But she’s a survivor."

That’s not to say that the British billionaire thinks it’s okay to go around drink driving.

"I’m not condoning what she did," he continues. "I think she knows she made a mistake, but there’s worse things in the world and I just feel a bit sorry for her."

And ever the gentlemen - although we’re not sure what girlfriend Terri Seymour would think about it - he has an interesting alternative to jail.

"She can come and stay with me for 45 days," he says.