Barbara Walters is a fascinating and legendary figure who shattered the glass ceiling for women in journalism and broadcasting - at a cost. The research and access to those close to Ms. Walters that Susan Page had has produced an incredibly thorough look at a complicated leader in her field. I highly recommend The Rulebreaker.

Thank you to Susan Page, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I grew up watching Barbara Walters. This book is an intriguing look at an American icon and how she got to be one.

A fast read and a good story. Well written and a great escape for a lazy weekend curled up on the couch.

Remarkably well-researched and engaging bio of one of the very first, and most famous, female broadcast journalists. Barbara Walters was the first woman to be co-anchor of a nightly news broadcast at a time when it was thought that an audience would only want to listen to men read the news. And she made headlines as being the very first woman to be compensated on the level of her male colleagues (naturally she was demonized for this, not congratulated). The amount of sexism she had to endure—including having this sexism shoved in her face in front of millions on TV, on a nightly basis—was staggering and would have sent most women (myself included) running to the women's loo for a good, hard cry.

The book delves into the extraordinary childhood that formed the basis for her dogged ambition. Her father, Lou, was very well known in the vaudeville and nightclub circuit as the founder of several famous entertainment venues, most notably The Latin Quarter in NYC. Barbara grew up in that show biz environment, but also watched as her family was repeatedly rich, then lost everything, then rich, then poor again. There was never a sense of safety or continuity to their finances. One day, penthouse living, the next, practically Skid Row. Meanwhile, Barbara had a younger sister, Jacqueline, who was developmentally disabled and would never be able to live on her own. Barbara felt hugely responsible for both her sister and their mother.

This gave her the fierce determination to succeed at all costs. Add in that at the time Barbara began working in broadcast, only one woman was allowed on a show at a time. This created even more gritty determination in Barbara, who learned she had to fight against every other woman on the scene or she'd get nowhere. Her main competitor was Diane Sawyer. Diane, being conventionally prettier than Barbara, always had it easier—so thought Barbara, anyway. And let's not forget "Baba Wawa" had a slight speech impediment—not exactly ideal for a broadcast reporter.

Like her or hate her, she paved the way for the women of broadcast journalism today. Thank you Susan Page, the publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of The Rulebreaker in exchange for an honest review.

a remarkable biography that offers an intimate look into the life and career of Barbara Walters, the pioneering female broadcaster who forever changed the landscape of television journalism. Page's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this biography an absolute standout.
From the very beginning, Page's writing is captivating. She delves deep into Walters' life, shedding light on the personal demons that fueled her ambition. Page conducted 150 interviews and dug into extensive archival research to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Walters' journey. It's a testament to her dedication to uncovering the truth behind the legend.
What sets this biography apart is its ability to provide fresh insights into Walters' groundbreaking career and personal struggles. It's not just a biography: it's a revelation of a woman who dared to ask for more and challenged the status quo of a misogynistic culture. Page's book is a treasure trove of revelations, from Walters' pioneering work in TV interviews to the secrets she guarded until her passing.
This book is a tour de force of biography writing. Susan Page's incredible research, captivating prose, and revealing insights into Barbara Walters' extraordinary life make this an essential read for anyone interested in the history of television journalism and the indomitable spirit of a woman who broke all the rules to redefine the industry. It's an amazing journey through the life and legacy of a true trailblazer, who had "no regrets."

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC. #netgalley

This new take on Barbara walters certainly can’t be faulted for lack of research. Page has done a formidable number of interviews. While walters is known enough to be a household word for many. However the authoraim is to revisit what may not be all that new to many is to create aause a solid psychological profile. While she succeeds all that research is too much of a good thing— especially for readers who are not journalists. And much as walters was much admired and, for many. Young women, inspiring she is an unlikeable subject
Her ears are heartbreaking— and for this reader too depressing

I unlike most biographies this one didn’t have any pictures. Something badly missed


Off there were half stars I’d give this 2 1/2
Wa liters history to create a solid psychological prfi

Barbara Walters has long been an idol of mine. I studied journalism in college and often looked at her career and style of reporting as someone I'd like to be like. This intimate look at her entire life and career was fascinating to pour over. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars for Page's research and writing.