swirls's review
5.0
I was recently reminded of this book and thought I'd come rate it on Goodreads out of nostalgia. Back in 2000 or 2001, I was eagerly reading a first edition library copy and blissfully unaware of the Mattel lawsuit which would eventually force the publisher to change the name and redesign the cover to Mattel's specifications. I still remember how much it moved and influenced me as a teenage girl, some essays far more than others. (Even now, I remember that this was a real mixed bag.) Still, 5 stars for sticking in my brain for so long.
sapphicbookdragon's review
5.0
I'm still sad they had to change the title in its 2nd ed because Mattel threatened to sue them, if I recall correctly. It's a great title for those times! Barbie has improved significantly in the 2010s and 2020s, probably in part of all the many intersectional feminist complaints for generations.
kshelley83's review
5.0
This was a great book for me. Some of the stories I related to more than others, not being 'ethnic' other than looking quite Jewish (and that probably being part of my heritage) or physically disabled. I understood these were women like me, women who weren't what they were 'supposed' to be sometimes and that so much of my self-hatred has been linked to my culture and my upbringing (therefore not being integrally me).
I was also quite interested in the fact that two of the contributors live in my area although that was only slightly shocking because where I live is known for its pushing of the standards.
I was also quite interested in the fact that two of the contributors live in my area although that was only slightly shocking because where I live is known for its pushing of the standards.
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