I thought the book was fascinating, and enjoyed not only the information about Barbie, but about the doll’s creators. I do a lot of Googling when I read, and I found that much of Rosen’s information about the principals was accurate - the best kind of historical fiction. (Can you call 1960s-1970s historical fiction???)
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, finishing it in just one day as I couldn’t put it down. I knew next to nothing about Barbie’s invention so found the history very interesting. At times, I wondered if I would have enjoyed a non fiction book even more? Felt a bit manipulated and melodramatic at times, when ultimately I was most interested in the history. I suspect that’s just my taste as a reader.
1 Like
I loved this book. I am a huge historical fiction fan especially with female leads. Plus, the story of Barbie’s creation and the challenges and problems along the way make for a good story. Renee Rosen’s books are always well researched and written!
2 Likes
Loved the book & highly recommend whether Barbie fan or not. Fascinating read about the creation of Barbie…from anatomy to facial features & hair and difficulty of getting the fashions to fit Barbie’s figure. Author did a great job of character development and kept the reader engaged throughout. Ruth was a force to reckon with!
1 Like
After the beginning chapters in which the doll was developed and the process of manufacture and design, the introduction of wardrobe design, I lost interest. The people’s lives were too much of a soap opera for me. I managed to read through the development and introduction of the Ken doll. After that I just skimmed pages to the end.
2 Likes
I really enjoyed it. I always loved my Barbie as a kid but never really thought about all of the work behind it and the feelings of some of the public about the doll. I thought it was very interesting to learn all about the work and the conflicts that happened behind the scenes.
1 Like
I really enjoyed the book. I was too old for Barbie, but it was so interesting to learn how toys are brought to market and the work that goes into the design - I thought that a “serious” engineer wouldn’t be needed to design a doll, but this changed my mind as did how her clothes were designed.
1 Like
I thought this was a great book. It was well written, and the side stories mixed in with the creation of Barbie kept it page turning. I thought it captured a woman’s struggle in the workplace perfectly. I read this while on a trip with my daughter and granddaughter and they wanted updates as the book progressed.
1 Like
I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I was fascinated with the details that the designs involved.
I just finished the book and really liked it! The writing is very visually descriptive so I felt like I was in the rooms with the characters. It is quite a story and given it is based on real-life (I had not known that many of the characters are based on real people), it made it extremely interesting and I wanted to learn more. Luckily, Renee Rosen included references to additional books, etc. so I already started reading a non-fiction account called “Toy Monster.” Having the context from Rosen’s book helps tremendously. Also, I loved the photos in the back of Barbies - it inspired me to go look at my childhood Barbies and clothes. I highly recommend this book!
I loved the book and have already recommended it to several friends. I also plan to suggest that my book groups (I’m in 3) read it in the next year. I was born in 1956, right when all the Barbie planning was going on. I thought the book was fascinating and enjoyed all the history of the era.
I too really enjoyed this book. My two daughters liked their Barbies and although I, as a mother had some initial reservations, I ended up enjoying their play so much that I even knit clothing to supplement their wardrobes like a Norwegian design sweater and a fur coat. And when my daughters grew up, it was a joy to pass on the Barbies. This book was so eyeopening into Barbie’s development. Loved it.
1 Like
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While many are probably Barbie-d out from the movie and the buzz around it, this was a refreshing point of view of the barbie doll development. I grew up with my aunt and sister’s hand me down old dolls which ironically are described in book specifically the black and white striped bathing suit. The timing of the Barbie doll’s introduction into mainstream during the 1950s never crossed my mind before. Fascinating story that others will enjoy.
2 Likes