Dream Doll: The Ruth Handler Story

by Ruth Handler, Jacqueline Shannon

The author recounts how she and her husband founded the Mattel Toy company, discusses her bout with breast cancer, and describes the breast prosthesis company she subsequently started

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Memoir

230 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50

I don't read a lot of autobiographies. When I do I unfairly tend to compare them to a couple that really left an impression on me: Dodie Smith and Betty White. I loved those bios. Others just don't hold a candle.

As far as this book:

The first part. The younger years, the courtship with Elliot Handler, the early years of Mattel (the birth of Barbie) were terrific. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book. Very informative. Very interesting.

The second part. Mattel's fraudulent reporting, the court cases and Ruth's illness was all so depressing. I know not every autobiography is going to be sunshine lollipops and rainbows. I did read, and love, the Glass Castle. But it just really dragged on for me. I'm sure it didn't drag on as much for me as it did for Ruth. I feel horrible for her. But I personally would've been happy if it just ended with the birth of Barbie.

[Laura Ostermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book about Ruth Handler and her incredible life. From an American history standpoint,I think this would be a perfect read for anyone who wants to know about the power of hard work and never giving up! Truly fascinating and inspiring.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ima let you guys know, females are not as stupid as you think. we find out and will know EVERYTHING!

[Sarah Sma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sincerely loved the book. Ruth Handler is such an amazing woman who has an interesting life story. From her business with Mattel and barbie to her family stories, everything was enriching. The only issue I have with this book is the writing style. The writing felt more like talking to me and it was sometimes hard to keep going on reading.

[Sara Jordahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good success/life story of Ruth Handler. I will now appreciate Mattel a little more. Also how amazing she was to zone in on ladies who lost their breasts to cancer. I'm glad I read this as I often times thought about disguarding it.

[Lisa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book! Ruth was truly a trailblazer for women. Such an interesting book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recentlt seen the Barbie movie I wanted to learn more about Ruth Handler her creator

[Ali De Inés · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth was a badass. Period.

[ali ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Handler was an amazing woman who created the Barbie doll, but Barbie was only the tip of the iceberg.
I admired the way she endlessly reinvented herself even after she was unceremoniously dumped by Mattel, the company she co- founded.

"Nearly Me" happened after Ruth lost her breasts to cancer. Lack of choices for prosthetic breasts and the horror of being fitted by uncaring staff inspired her to create and train a team. She trained the staff to fit the clients and often showed up to help boost the morale.

Ruth always gave back, never bitter, always positive. I found that very inspiring.

I met Ruth Handler at a doll show in 1996. Ruth was signing Barbies and Barbie boxes. I had my book with me, I told her her book was very inspirational and I admired her. She seemed very happy I cared more about her than the doll and signed my book for free.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire Ruth Handler so much, she truly is an amazing and inspiring woman. She accomplished much in her life, and was a great example of hard work.