If you grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, which cultural references mentioned in the book were you familiar with? If you were born later, did you read about aspects of the era that surprised you?
I was a big Barbie fan and had the blonde bubble cut Barbie as my first one. My sister and I both got the original Barbie Dream House for Christmas one year. I also had the Bend and Twist Barbie along with all of the “mod” clothes. I had Chatty Cathy and many, many more Mattel toys. The cultural references were like going back in time and remembering all the good things about the 60’s and 70’s!
I grew up in the 60s and 70s. The cultural references in the book were very real.
I believe the cultural references were right on target. It wasn’t until I was a teen that I understood about women not being equal in the work place and not having the ability to have credit cards or property in their name. I appreciate that my mother had those conversations with me, so I could understand that I had more options than she had! I have tried to tell my daughter about those times, but I don’t think she really understand how difficult it was. (And yes, I know the work place is still not a place of equity for minorities and women…but wow, it is so much better!)
I grew up in the 50s and 60s and some of the cultural references brought back memories.
I also grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and all the references in the book resonated with me! I remember seeing what choices my mother and other women had in terms of family and career – and since career options were so limited, there was heavy pressure on women to be mothers and “homemakers.” I loved that characters like Ruth and Stevie were able to show a different path for women (Ruth is based on real-life founder of Mattel whereas Stevie is fictional). Spot on accurate throughout the book!