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The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters
The definitive biography of the most successful female broadcaster of all time—Barbara Walters—a woman whose personal demons fueled an ambition that broke all the rules and finally gave women a permanent place on the air, written by bestselling author Susan Page.
Barbara Walters was a force from the time TV was exploding on the American scene in the 1960s to its waning dominance in a new world of competition from streaming services and social media half a century later. She was not just a groundbreaker for women (Oprah announced when she was seventeen that she wanted to be Barbara Walters), but also expanded the big TV interview and then dominated the genre. By the end of her career, she had interviewed more of the famous and infamous, from presidents to movie stars to criminals to despots, than any other journalist in history. Then at sixty-seven, past the age many female broadcasters found themselves involuntarily retired, she pioneered a new form of talk TV called The View. She is on the short list of those who have left the biggest imprints on television news and on our culture, male or female. So, who was the woman behind the legacy?
In The Rulebreaker , Susan Page conducts 150 interviews and extensive archival research to discover that Walters was driven to keep herself and her family afloat after her mercurial and famous impresario father attempted suicide. But she never lost the fear of an impending catastrophe, which is what led her to ask for things no woman had ever asked for before, to ignore the rules of misogynistic culture, to outcompete her most ferocious competitors, and to protect her complicated marriages and love life from scrutiny.
Page breaks news on every front—from the daring things Walters did to become the woman who reinvented the TV interview to the secrets she kept until her death. This is the eye-opening account of the woman who knew she had to break all the rules so she could break all the rules about what viewers deserved to know.
Barbara Walters was a force from the time TV was exploding on the American scene in the 1960s to its waning dominance in a new world of competition from streaming services and social media half a century later. She was not just a groundbreaker for women (Oprah announced when she was seventeen that she wanted to be Barbara Walters), but also expanded the big TV interview and then dominated the genre. By the end of her career, she had interviewed more of the famous and infamous, from presidents to movie stars to criminals to despots, than any other journalist in history. Then at sixty-seven, past the age many female broadcasters found themselves involuntarily retired, she pioneered a new form of talk TV called The View. She is on the short list of those who have left the biggest imprints on television news and on our culture, male or female. So, who was the woman behind the legacy?
In The Rulebreaker , Susan Page conducts 150 interviews and extensive archival research to discover that Walters was driven to keep herself and her family afloat after her mercurial and famous impresario father attempted suicide. But she never lost the fear of an impending catastrophe, which is what led her to ask for things no woman had ever asked for before, to ignore the rules of misogynistic culture, to outcompete her most ferocious competitors, and to protect her complicated marriages and love life from scrutiny.
Page breaks news on every front—from the daring things Walters did to become the woman who reinvented the TV interview to the secrets she kept until her death. This is the eye-opening account of the woman who knew she had to break all the rules so she could break all the rules about what viewers deserved to know.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
About the author
Susan Page
4 books96 followersSusan Page is the Washington Bureau chief of USA Today, where she writes about politics and the White House. Susan has covered seven White House administrations and eleven presidential elections. She has interviewed the past ten presidents -- from Richard Nixon through Joe Biden -- and reported from six continents and dozens of foreign countries. (She interviewed Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter after they had left the White House, and Biden before he moved in.) In 2020, she moderated the campaign debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. She frequently appears as an analyst on TV and radio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 10, 2023
Susan Page does an outstanding job with her biography of Barbara Walters in The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters. It is an incredible page-turner that spans Barbara's childhood, phenomenal career, as well as her health decline, and passing on December 30, 2022.
Barbara paved the path for many women journalists and was unapologetic about her drive, ambition, strategies, and scrappy tactics to "get" the interview. Page stated that Barbara turned "the get" into a contact sport without any rules. Barbara's career began when being ambitious was unladylike. She did not play by the rules and shattered barriers in order to advance her career.
Her style of interviewing was unique and humanized many celebrities, politicians, as well as murderers and criminals. Barbara thoroughly prepared for all interviews and often had 200+ notecards with questions on them that she refined and resorted many, many times before the actual interview. She treated interviews like a three act play and ensured on a tantalizing beginning and a memorable ending. Her interview with Monica Lewinsky is used as a case study in law schools as an example of effective direct examination.
Barbara's personal life included three marriages and divorces and the adoption of a daughter, Jackie, who was named after Barbara's disabled sister. Throughout Barbara's life, she felt responsible for the financial responsibilities of her parents and her sister.
Two memorable passages in the book:
* Katie Couric stated that Barbara was rattling cages before women were allowed in the zoo.
* Gilda Radner played Baba Wawa on Saturday Night Live and Barbara was not a fan of this caricature of herself. When Radner passed away, Barbara sent a sympathy card to Radner's husband, Gene Wilder, and signed it Baba Wawa.
It's a poignant, in-depth portrayal of a legend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Barbara paved the path for many women journalists and was unapologetic about her drive, ambition, strategies, and scrappy tactics to "get" the interview. Page stated that Barbara turned "the get" into a contact sport without any rules. Barbara's career began when being ambitious was unladylike. She did not play by the rules and shattered barriers in order to advance her career.
Her style of interviewing was unique and humanized many celebrities, politicians, as well as murderers and criminals. Barbara thoroughly prepared for all interviews and often had 200+ notecards with questions on them that she refined and resorted many, many times before the actual interview. She treated interviews like a three act play and ensured on a tantalizing beginning and a memorable ending. Her interview with Monica Lewinsky is used as a case study in law schools as an example of effective direct examination.
Barbara's personal life included three marriages and divorces and the adoption of a daughter, Jackie, who was named after Barbara's disabled sister. Throughout Barbara's life, she felt responsible for the financial responsibilities of her parents and her sister.
Two memorable passages in the book:
* Katie Couric stated that Barbara was rattling cages before women were allowed in the zoo.
* Gilda Radner played Baba Wawa on Saturday Night Live and Barbara was not a fan of this caricature of herself. When Radner passed away, Barbara sent a sympathy card to Radner's husband, Gene Wilder, and signed it Baba Wawa.
It's a poignant, in-depth portrayal of a legend.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2024
Susan Page you did a great job. This book is well written and gives the complete life story of Barbara Walters starting with her ancestors. Barbara didn't have the best childhood and had a sister that had issues. Her mom did the best she could raising Barbara and her sister Jackie by herself since her husband was away a lot. Barbara climbed her way up the ladder with strength and courage. Barbara was real insecure when doing her job and worried that it would end. When Barbara started as a newscaster she was one of the few women stepping into a men's world. The men newscasters gave her a hard time but she never gave up. I highly recommend this great book.
February 28, 2024
I remember growing up and enjoying watching certain shows with my mom. Celebrity interviews from Barbara Walters was one of them. Much like you could watch Johnny Carson and expect an enjoyable experience every time, you could count on Barbara in the same comfortable way. You just knew it was going to be good. So it was with that warm, expectant feeling that I approached this biography. I wasn't disappointed. I had been reading a handful of "so, so" books at the time and was hungry for a quality read that would grab my attention. From the first pages I knew that this read would be a good one and thought, "Finally!"
The book covered Barbara's childhood which factored so deeply into her drive for success. It thoroughly described her groundbreaking career as a woman in television journalism and the initial blowback she received from her male counterparts. It also depicted her extremely competitive nature in snagging coveted reviews, often in tandem with Diane Sawyer. I enjoyed reading about her three failed marriages, her adoption experience, and some of her controversial relationships. Barbara was crafty at carefully cultivating any information that could be released about her.
The writing style was effortless and free-flowing and a pleasure to read. The book is just shy of 500 pages, but transitions to voluminous end notes and a photo gallery at about the 80% mark. This was an excellent, comprehensive overview of this iconic newswoman's entire life. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher Simon & Schuster for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
The book covered Barbara's childhood which factored so deeply into her drive for success. It thoroughly described her groundbreaking career as a woman in television journalism and the initial blowback she received from her male counterparts. It also depicted her extremely competitive nature in snagging coveted reviews, often in tandem with Diane Sawyer. I enjoyed reading about her three failed marriages, her adoption experience, and some of her controversial relationships. Barbara was crafty at carefully cultivating any information that could be released about her.
The writing style was effortless and free-flowing and a pleasure to read. The book is just shy of 500 pages, but transitions to voluminous end notes and a photo gallery at about the 80% mark. This was an excellent, comprehensive overview of this iconic newswoman's entire life. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher Simon & Schuster for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
May 12, 2024
When I was young I thought I wanted to be a journalist and Barbara Walters was one of the people I most admired. That dream changed for me, but I was still happy to have the chance to read this biography of one of my idols.
This book provided an in depth look at Walters life from her homelife growing up all the way through to her death. It provided the insight into how her young life at home helped to create the drive that made her the best and kept her striving for more. Barbara's career was filled with roadblocks thrown up due to the fact that she was the first woman to do many of the things she attempted. Since she had grown up in show business she was able to use her background to help advance her career. It had taught her to think differently than some of the existing journalists of the time and to approach things a different way. Her amazing tenacity and determination to get an interview no matter what it takes made her many enemies in her peer group. I was stunned by the distain some of the men had for her. I was also surprised at the frenemy relationship with Diane Sawyers. Competition breeds resentment that is difficult to handle.
The book was well written and flowed easily. I was totally absorbed in the story of Barbara Walters life I didn't mind at all the book was rather long. It kept my attention and provided a great deal of information. It was certainly well researched.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster through Netgalley for an advance copy.
This book provided an in depth look at Walters life from her homelife growing up all the way through to her death. It provided the insight into how her young life at home helped to create the drive that made her the best and kept her striving for more. Barbara's career was filled with roadblocks thrown up due to the fact that she was the first woman to do many of the things she attempted. Since she had grown up in show business she was able to use her background to help advance her career. It had taught her to think differently than some of the existing journalists of the time and to approach things a different way. Her amazing tenacity and determination to get an interview no matter what it takes made her many enemies in her peer group. I was stunned by the distain some of the men had for her. I was also surprised at the frenemy relationship with Diane Sawyers. Competition breeds resentment that is difficult to handle.
The book was well written and flowed easily. I was totally absorbed in the story of Barbara Walters life I didn't mind at all the book was rather long. It kept my attention and provided a great deal of information. It was certainly well researched.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster through Netgalley for an advance copy.
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May 25, 20241929-2022
I was not a fan of Barbara Walters in the 60's or 70's. Too young, too busy, I think, to truly appreciate this gutsy woman. As I aged, well all I can say, is
R E S P E C T
Truly enjoyed learning more about this icon of journalism.
Rulebreaker-Barrier Breaker-A Woman that Paved the Way.
I was not a fan of Barbara Walters in the 60's or 70's. Too young, too busy, I think, to truly appreciate this gutsy woman. As I aged, well all I can say, is
R E S P E C T
Truly enjoyed learning more about this icon of journalism.
Rulebreaker-Barrier Breaker-A Woman that Paved the Way.
January 3, 2024
I've always admired Barbara Walters and her go to attitude and professionalism. However, reading this story, I was disappointed and disillusioned by her treatment of others and her method of getting ahead to reach her goals. Her "take no prisoners" mentality diminished my admiration. However, the title holds true, that she was a rule breaker and needed to be in order to break the barriers to rise in her field. How unfortunate thought that to do so was at the cost of her relationship with her daughter and family. It goes to show you that while you may see personalities on TV and think you know them, you don't. A difficult childhood nurtured her desire to take care of herself and achieve what she achieved. Interesting and enlightening, I think it is a good read to get to know someone so instrumental in setting the bar for women in journalism. Many thanks to #netgalley #therulebreaker #susanpage for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 4, 2024
A stunning meticulously researched and compulsively readable bio of the Queen of Broadcast TV. I grew up wanting to be her and was even influenced to go to J school because of her break-the-glass-ceiling success. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Opinions are mine.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Opinions are mine.
April 14, 2024
A Well-Researched Biography of A Remarkable Broadcast Journalist
SUMMARY
Barbara Walters is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished female broadcasters of all time. She had a unique talent for conducting and producing the most significant television interviews of her era. Throughout her career, she interviewed more presidents, movie stars, and criminal masterminds than any other journalist in history. At an age where retirement would be a natural option, she pioneered a new kind of talk show called The View, which showcased powerful female perspectives. Author Susan Page conducted 150 interviews with colleagues and friends in an attempt to discover the driving force behind Barbara Walters's success.
REVIEW
THE RULEBREAKER is a biography that provides an in-depth account of Barbara Walters' life. The author, Page, has done a commendable job in researching and presenting her findings in a well-written manner. However, she portrays Walters in a negative light by dwelling on her failures, fears, resentments, and aggressions.
Page also sheds light on Walters' strained family relationships and failed marriages, and quotes several colleagues who held unfavorable opinions of her. Even the cover photo seems to lack the respect that Walters deserves. It makes me wonder how Walters herself would have felt about this book.
Reading about Walters' struggles with her family, marriages, career, and daughter was heartbreaking. However, the misogyny she endured from her male colleagues was simply horrendous; although it may have been typical of the time, it is still unforgivable. It took a woman with grace, strength, and fortitude to survive and thrive as Walters did.
Page asks Walters' friends and colleagues whether they thought she was happy. While no one is happy all the time, it’s clear to me that Walters found joy in her work. Her happiness is evident in the quality of everything she produced.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Published April 23, 2023
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Barbara Walters is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished female broadcasters of all time. She had a unique talent for conducting and producing the most significant television interviews of her era. Throughout her career, she interviewed more presidents, movie stars, and criminal masterminds than any other journalist in history. At an age where retirement would be a natural option, she pioneered a new kind of talk show called The View, which showcased powerful female perspectives. Author Susan Page conducted 150 interviews with colleagues and friends in an attempt to discover the driving force behind Barbara Walters's success.
REVIEW
THE RULEBREAKER is a biography that provides an in-depth account of Barbara Walters' life. The author, Page, has done a commendable job in researching and presenting her findings in a well-written manner. However, she portrays Walters in a negative light by dwelling on her failures, fears, resentments, and aggressions.
Page also sheds light on Walters' strained family relationships and failed marriages, and quotes several colleagues who held unfavorable opinions of her. Even the cover photo seems to lack the respect that Walters deserves. It makes me wonder how Walters herself would have felt about this book.
Reading about Walters' struggles with her family, marriages, career, and daughter was heartbreaking. However, the misogyny she endured from her male colleagues was simply horrendous; although it may have been typical of the time, it is still unforgivable. It took a woman with grace, strength, and fortitude to survive and thrive as Walters did.
Page asks Walters' friends and colleagues whether they thought she was happy. While no one is happy all the time, it’s clear to me that Walters found joy in her work. Her happiness is evident in the quality of everything she produced.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Published April 23, 2023
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
April 28, 2024
This was an interesting read. I could have used the pictures in the middle of the book, but they were a nice surprise at the end.
October 19, 2023
The ‘No Regrets’ inscription on her tombstone matched accurately depicted the iconic Barbara Walters. While her life was spent pushing boundaries, she sacrificed family in the pursuit of fame.
Before reading the book, I idolized her ‘rule-breaker’ attitude and respected that she forged her own path in a male-dominated industry.
The fact that she was willing to put others down to succeed, I don’t respect.I’ve experienced firsthand women willing to throw others under the bus to succeed. I don’t respect that attitude and reading the novel, I no longer hold her in high esteem. That being said, I credit #Netgalley and the publisher for providing glimpses of the real woman behind the myth.
Before reading the book, I idolized her ‘rule-breaker’ attitude and respected that she forged her own path in a male-dominated industry.
The fact that she was willing to put others down to succeed, I don’t respect.I’ve experienced firsthand women willing to throw others under the bus to succeed. I don’t respect that attitude and reading the novel, I no longer hold her in high esteem. That being said, I credit #Netgalley and the publisher for providing glimpses of the real woman behind the myth.
March 17, 2024
This was a heavy read, it bounces around slightly in each chapter (it might be about let's say 1968, but then it also becomes about 1999, and 2018). Barbara Walters had an incredible career, and a very different childhood/life growing up than anyone would really have suspected, considering how her life as an adult was. She had many milestone achievements, and honestly, she was an incredible person it seems like.
This was a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for my E-ARC!
This was a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for my E-ARC!
October 11, 2023
Barbara Walters would be honored with this inspiring book by Susan Page, best-selling author of biographies. It’s well written with highlights from 150 interviews.
Page outlined Walter’s battles as a female in the 60s work field. She had to break through the barriers with men dominating the roles covering the news. She was a fierce competitor and worked diligently over time to make connections for hard-to-get interviews. She managed to win a $1 million five-year contract with ABC News co-anchoring the evening news with Harry Reasoner in 1976.
The book showed how her career took off over the years in amazing ways with powerful interviews of politicians, celebrities and even murderers. She had no fear of sitting down with Fidel Castro, Yasir Arafat and Menachem Begin with her carefully prepared set of questions.
However, the question for her was: can a woman have it all? While Walters had a strong career with a high salary, there was another side of her life. She had to rescue her father from his debt and help her anxious mother with a sister that was disabled. She had three failed marriages and an adopted daughter that was constantly having problems of sorts. Life wasn’t easy for her at home and yet she seemed to always prevail especially while delivering the news.
Anyone who reads this book will get a comprehensive view of one lady who dedicated her life to pave the way for female journalists. It’s engaging from the first page with details of her remarkable career. It shows a friendly side of Walters in the news room and at events but also reveals how intense she was when getting the story.
Her life always appeared like a picture of the wonder woman yet the book exposes the many challenges she had to endure. Gilda Radner famously made fun of her on Saturday Night Live. At the end, she had “no regrets.”
My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 23, 2024.
Page outlined Walter’s battles as a female in the 60s work field. She had to break through the barriers with men dominating the roles covering the news. She was a fierce competitor and worked diligently over time to make connections for hard-to-get interviews. She managed to win a $1 million five-year contract with ABC News co-anchoring the evening news with Harry Reasoner in 1976.
The book showed how her career took off over the years in amazing ways with powerful interviews of politicians, celebrities and even murderers. She had no fear of sitting down with Fidel Castro, Yasir Arafat and Menachem Begin with her carefully prepared set of questions.
However, the question for her was: can a woman have it all? While Walters had a strong career with a high salary, there was another side of her life. She had to rescue her father from his debt and help her anxious mother with a sister that was disabled. She had three failed marriages and an adopted daughter that was constantly having problems of sorts. Life wasn’t easy for her at home and yet she seemed to always prevail especially while delivering the news.
Anyone who reads this book will get a comprehensive view of one lady who dedicated her life to pave the way for female journalists. It’s engaging from the first page with details of her remarkable career. It shows a friendly side of Walters in the news room and at events but also reveals how intense she was when getting the story.
Her life always appeared like a picture of the wonder woman yet the book exposes the many challenges she had to endure. Gilda Radner famously made fun of her on Saturday Night Live. At the end, she had “no regrets.”
My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 23, 2024.
March 25, 2024
Simon and Schuster provided an early galley for review.
By the age I became aware of network news, somewhere in my childhood in the early 70's, the name and face and voice of Barbara Walters was known to me. As far as I knew, she was always there. I never questioned a woman in a high profile position of journalism. I just took it as a fact of life. When she shifted over to the weekly 20/20 or any one of her specials through out the year, it was something I found myself watching. She was a source to be trusted and admired.
When I saw the solicitations for Page's book, I knew this was one I and my library patrons would hopefully want to read.
The book moves right from the start with short chapters on family and growing up. One quote from Barbara I found illuminating was that she valued "interesting" over "normal". That certainly makes a lot of sense given how her professional life would play out.
One thing that also jumps out right from the start is that Barbara came up in a world that is vastly different than the one of the 21st Century we now how. This was a world of sexism and deal-making - often the price of doing business and getting ahead. It is very much a world I remember from the earliest half of my life. This might very well serve as an uncomfortable eye-opening experience for younger modern readers, but we learn from the lessons of the history of others.
It also becomes obvious as to why Page chose the title that she did. Barbara very much broke the rules, often doing whatever it took to make her way to the top and to stay there. She was very cut-throat indeed. I really found I learned a lot from reading this biography.
By the age I became aware of network news, somewhere in my childhood in the early 70's, the name and face and voice of Barbara Walters was known to me. As far as I knew, she was always there. I never questioned a woman in a high profile position of journalism. I just took it as a fact of life. When she shifted over to the weekly 20/20 or any one of her specials through out the year, it was something I found myself watching. She was a source to be trusted and admired.
When I saw the solicitations for Page's book, I knew this was one I and my library patrons would hopefully want to read.
The book moves right from the start with short chapters on family and growing up. One quote from Barbara I found illuminating was that she valued "interesting" over "normal". That certainly makes a lot of sense given how her professional life would play out.
One thing that also jumps out right from the start is that Barbara came up in a world that is vastly different than the one of the 21st Century we now how. This was a world of sexism and deal-making - often the price of doing business and getting ahead. It is very much a world I remember from the earliest half of my life. This might very well serve as an uncomfortable eye-opening experience for younger modern readers, but we learn from the lessons of the history of others.
It also becomes obvious as to why Page chose the title that she did. Barbara very much broke the rules, often doing whatever it took to make her way to the top and to stay there. She was very cut-throat indeed. I really found I learned a lot from reading this biography.
May 17, 2024
The book I just finished reading was a very detailed and informative book about the life of Barbara Walters. I learned a lot about her upbringing and her family life.
September 27, 2023
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.
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.
November 12, 2023
I would first like to thank the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book.
The Rulebreaker takes you on a journey from start to finish of Barbara Walters’ life. The triumph, the failure, the shady, and the downright impressive feats she accomplished throughout her storied career. There is not a page left unturned by Susan Page. The interviews and mass amounts of facts within each sentence are incredible and make this a must read for anyone and everyone. Each one of us can learn something from Barbara Walters. After finishing this book, I want to watch every interview she has done. The history and the magnitude of what was accomplished keeps you turning the page. Well written and well done!
The Rulebreaker takes you on a journey from start to finish of Barbara Walters’ life. The triumph, the failure, the shady, and the downright impressive feats she accomplished throughout her storied career. There is not a page left unturned by Susan Page. The interviews and mass amounts of facts within each sentence are incredible and make this a must read for anyone and everyone. Each one of us can learn something from Barbara Walters. After finishing this book, I want to watch every interview she has done. The history and the magnitude of what was accomplished keeps you turning the page. Well written and well done!
September 17, 2023
Author Susan Page is more than qualified to undertake writing the biography of Barbara Walters. Page, an award-winning journalist and the Washington Bureau chief of USA TODAY is highly skilled, and her familiarity within the world of journalism is evident from page one. This is undoubtedly the definitive biography of icon Barbara Walters. Not a salacious read, but rather a view into the world of how Walters had to fight to secure her spot among journalists. Highly recommend.
** Readers who also watch the Apple TV show "The Morning Show" will appreciate the many similarities in this book.
*I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
** Readers who also watch the Apple TV show "The Morning Show" will appreciate the many similarities in this book.
*I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
March 31, 2024
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.
January 1, 2024
Interesting biography. She knew a lot of evil people. She was good at interviewing evil people. Some so evil I had to skip the chapter devoted to one man in particular.
April 5, 2024
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True story: when I was in high school and decided I wanted to be involved in broadcast journalism, I used to say, “I want to interview Barbara Walters and make HER cry.” My mother was a huge Barbara Walters fan, and now, looking back, I wonder if that was part of the reason I decided on my career path. When I saw The Rulebreaker by Susan Page available as a Read Now selection on NetGalley, I gleefully snatched it up and dived in. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for a digital copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There’s so much information in this book, it’s hard to know where to start. Barbara Walters was a trailblazer in the world of television journalism. She pushed for her jobs and had relentless professional drive. She wasn’t the first, but she was the one that made headlines for her successes so that the few women who came before her were long forgotten. For any women who wonder what it was like in the workplace decades ago, you get a pretty good idea at the misogyny that enveloped the work world. Women had it easier in the broadcasting/journalism field after Barbara broke the several glass ceilings on her way to the top, something she was proud of, but was also resentful of the women who “had it easier” than her in their career paths.
I knew almost nothing about Barbara Walter’s personal life, other than she had a daughter and had spent years estranged from her but remember when her daughter did a news story with her. I knew her father was a successful nightclub owner and that she had a disabled sister. I knew that Barbara hung out with all these fascinating high-powered movers and shakers, but one of the great parts of her life was that she didn’t really share personal information publicly, which is so rare today. This book delves into her whole life, not just professionally, but personally, too.
The amount of research done, including hundreds of interviews, is well crafted into an excellent biography of one of the most influential women in the history of broadcast television. From her early days on The Today Show to 20/20 to her final years on The View, this in-depth look at Barbara Walters, her life, her work, and the impact she had on us all is not to be missed.
True story: when I was in high school and decided I wanted to be involved in broadcast journalism, I used to say, “I want to interview Barbara Walters and make HER cry.” My mother was a huge Barbara Walters fan, and now, looking back, I wonder if that was part of the reason I decided on my career path. When I saw The Rulebreaker by Susan Page available as a Read Now selection on NetGalley, I gleefully snatched it up and dived in. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for a digital copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There’s so much information in this book, it’s hard to know where to start. Barbara Walters was a trailblazer in the world of television journalism. She pushed for her jobs and had relentless professional drive. She wasn’t the first, but she was the one that made headlines for her successes so that the few women who came before her were long forgotten. For any women who wonder what it was like in the workplace decades ago, you get a pretty good idea at the misogyny that enveloped the work world. Women had it easier in the broadcasting/journalism field after Barbara broke the several glass ceilings on her way to the top, something she was proud of, but was also resentful of the women who “had it easier” than her in their career paths.
I knew almost nothing about Barbara Walter’s personal life, other than she had a daughter and had spent years estranged from her but remember when her daughter did a news story with her. I knew her father was a successful nightclub owner and that she had a disabled sister. I knew that Barbara hung out with all these fascinating high-powered movers and shakers, but one of the great parts of her life was that she didn’t really share personal information publicly, which is so rare today. This book delves into her whole life, not just professionally, but personally, too.
The amount of research done, including hundreds of interviews, is well crafted into an excellent biography of one of the most influential women in the history of broadcast television. From her early days on The Today Show to 20/20 to her final years on The View, this in-depth look at Barbara Walters, her life, her work, and the impact she had on us all is not to be missed.
May 21, 2024
This has been such a treat! It was made more so by author Susan Page reading the book herself.
I have watched and been a long-time Barbara Walters fan. I regret never reading anything about her life until now. I must also admit I never really watched The View. Her work on 20/20, the Barbara Walters specials, and her Oscar night coverage were the works I enjoyed. I had no idea that the way she spoke was due to a speech impediment. I remember growing up watching her and thinking she was British because she spoke so elegantly!
Part of the treat in reading- er listening to Rulebreaker was discovering the things about her life that went well beyond her phenomenal career in broadcast journalism. This woman was on a mission to succeed almost from day one and so much of that had to do with her family history.
Then there were the men! I’m talking about the man who raised her, the ones she married and dated, the ones she interviewed, AND the ones she worked with! I learned a lot I didn’t want to know about various male journalists whom I’ve always held in such high esteem. I grew up watching them and believing they were as wonderful behind the camera as they were on it- WRONG!
Barbara experienced so much negativity in so many areas of her life, yet she managed to triumph through a great deal of it marvelously. She wasn’t a saint and often played unfairly, but no one could deny her talent, her hard work, or her brilliance. She left an astounding legacy that no one will ever come close to replicating.
I have watched and been a long-time Barbara Walters fan. I regret never reading anything about her life until now. I must also admit I never really watched The View. Her work on 20/20, the Barbara Walters specials, and her Oscar night coverage were the works I enjoyed. I had no idea that the way she spoke was due to a speech impediment. I remember growing up watching her and thinking she was British because she spoke so elegantly!
Part of the treat in reading- er listening to Rulebreaker was discovering the things about her life that went well beyond her phenomenal career in broadcast journalism. This woman was on a mission to succeed almost from day one and so much of that had to do with her family history.
Then there were the men! I’m talking about the man who raised her, the ones she married and dated, the ones she interviewed, AND the ones she worked with! I learned a lot I didn’t want to know about various male journalists whom I’ve always held in such high esteem. I grew up watching them and believing they were as wonderful behind the camera as they were on it- WRONG!
Barbara experienced so much negativity in so many areas of her life, yet she managed to triumph through a great deal of it marvelously. She wasn’t a saint and often played unfairly, but no one could deny her talent, her hard work, or her brilliance. She left an astounding legacy that no one will ever come close to replicating.
May 10, 2024
Barbara Walters has been a prominent journalist all of my life. In spite of that, I didn’t know much about her personal life. In this book, Susan Page documents Barbara’s life from childhood to her death. She was certainly a driven, strong woman who knew want she wanted and was motivated to go for it. Barbara’s father played a huge part in shaping her life.
The book covers a lot of ground from Barbara’s work relationships to her romantic and personal life. So many names mentioned in the book—some I was familiar with and many others I had never heard of because hey weren’t in the limelight.
As Barbara aged and became more successful, I was more familiar with her work. She had such a strong work ethic and worked as long as she could. Near the end of the book it was sad to read of her decline and her struggles to stay relevant.
I found this to be an excellent biography and detailed look into the life of Barbara Walters and would like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
The book covers a lot of ground from Barbara’s work relationships to her romantic and personal life. So many names mentioned in the book—some I was familiar with and many others I had never heard of because hey weren’t in the limelight.
As Barbara aged and became more successful, I was more familiar with her work. She had such a strong work ethic and worked as long as she could. Near the end of the book it was sad to read of her decline and her struggles to stay relevant.
I found this to be an excellent biography and detailed look into the life of Barbara Walters and would like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review and recommend this to other readers.
March 30, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
I wasn't initially sure about requesting this book, for review, but I am certainly glad I did.
Susan Page writes a fascinating factual story of a groundbreaking hero (Barbara Walters) everyone can all admire for moving forward women's rights by establishing a captivating presence in a career formerly populated exclusively by male newsmen.
Not only did she change the face of television, she also commanded a hearty paycheck for doing so (thereby also increasing the salaries of the old guard male newscasters, although she never received their recognition for doing so).
Revealing in Barbara Walters' fascinating career of interviewing the most captivating people in the world. Walters was a hero/heroine for the ages, and this book reflects that fact.
I wasn't initially sure about requesting this book, for review, but I am certainly glad I did.
Susan Page writes a fascinating factual story of a groundbreaking hero (Barbara Walters) everyone can all admire for moving forward women's rights by establishing a captivating presence in a career formerly populated exclusively by male newsmen.
Not only did she change the face of television, she also commanded a hearty paycheck for doing so (thereby also increasing the salaries of the old guard male newscasters, although she never received their recognition for doing so).
Revealing in Barbara Walters' fascinating career of interviewing the most captivating people in the world. Walters was a hero/heroine for the ages, and this book reflects that fact.
March 24, 2024
This was a great read for Women's History Month. Barbara Walters was a trailblazing broadcast journalist who appeared on television screens for over six decades. She was the first female co-host of a network morning show and an evening news program. She has completed famous interviews with many celebrities, world leaders, and even infamous criminals. Many female journalists have followed in her footsteps including Diane Sawyer and Oprah Winfrey.
In Rulebreaker, writer Susan Page takes us into Barbara Walters' life and shows how she shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated field of journalism. Page explores the motivations and experiences that shaped Barbara Walters' career.
I would recommend Rulebreaker for lovers of biographies and nonfiction and anyone interested in media history and feminism.
In Rulebreaker, writer Susan Page takes us into Barbara Walters' life and shows how she shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated field of journalism. Page explores the motivations and experiences that shaped Barbara Walters' career.
I would recommend Rulebreaker for lovers of biographies and nonfiction and anyone interested in media history and feminism.
February 20, 2024
Susan Page does it again! As the author of books about Barbara Bush and Nancy Pelosi, Page dives into the life of Barbara Walters.
Walters was a trailblazer in the news industry. One of the first women to co-anchor, she fought for every equality, every interview. Walters life was dissected from her growing up formative years with a showman, yet absent, father until her retirement and hiding from the public. Walters was a devoted daughter and sister feeling the weight of taking care of everyone. Marriages that didn't work out because they always had to take a back seat to her career. This was a fascinating bio of a famous woman I had always admired as she seemingly paved the way for other women and gave them a hand up.
I really recommend this book. If you have read your other books, you will notice it is also as comprehensive as they were and you will come away knowing much more about someone we all thought we knew.
I received this NetGalley book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Walters was a trailblazer in the news industry. One of the first women to co-anchor, she fought for every equality, every interview. Walters life was dissected from her growing up formative years with a showman, yet absent, father until her retirement and hiding from the public. Walters was a devoted daughter and sister feeling the weight of taking care of everyone. Marriages that didn't work out because they always had to take a back seat to her career. This was a fascinating bio of a famous woman I had always admired as she seemingly paved the way for other women and gave them a hand up.
I really recommend this book. If you have read your other books, you will notice it is also as comprehensive as they were and you will come away knowing much more about someone we all thought we knew.
I received this NetGalley book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 23, 2024
It is possible to appreciate the huge role that Barbara Walters has played in the evolution of television news over the past half-century, yet find her to be a rather detestable person. The book captures both aspects well, which doesn't make it that enjoyable a read.
September 22, 2023
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
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
January 21, 2024
Political columnist, commentator, and biographer Susan Page has taken on one of her most famous colleagues, the late Barbara Walter’s as the subject of her latest biography in “The Rulebreaker: the Life and Times of Barbara Walters.”
I admit that I have thought of Walters more as a celebrity than journalist. Her early accomplishments as a reporter and groundbreaking television newsperson have become eclipsed by her later work on celebrity interview shows. However, thanks to Page’s extensive research, readers will be reminded of Barbara Walters in her early news career and of the barriers she faced in the man’s world that was the news business. While reading I was reminded of Harry Reasoner’s disgust at being partnered with Walters on ABC’s evening news program. “He didn’t want to co-anchor the news with anyone. Especially with a woman.” Such was the atmosphere Walters faced. She was ambitious and driven, traits that were applauded in men, but denigrated in women like Barbara Walters when she began her career.
Walters’ early family and personal life is also described in the book. She was very protective of her family and her past, sometimes to the point of lying about some parts of her life, something I found interesting coming from someone who sought truth from the subjects of her stories and interviews. This portion of the book is a sometimes-unflattering account of Walters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy for review.
I admit that I have thought of Walters more as a celebrity than journalist. Her early accomplishments as a reporter and groundbreaking television newsperson have become eclipsed by her later work on celebrity interview shows. However, thanks to Page’s extensive research, readers will be reminded of Barbara Walters in her early news career and of the barriers she faced in the man’s world that was the news business. While reading I was reminded of Harry Reasoner’s disgust at being partnered with Walters on ABC’s evening news program. “He didn’t want to co-anchor the news with anyone. Especially with a woman.” Such was the atmosphere Walters faced. She was ambitious and driven, traits that were applauded in men, but denigrated in women like Barbara Walters when she began her career.
Walters’ early family and personal life is also described in the book. She was very protective of her family and her past, sometimes to the point of lying about some parts of her life, something I found interesting coming from someone who sought truth from the subjects of her stories and interviews. This portion of the book is a sometimes-unflattering account of Walters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy for review.
March 30, 2024
At first I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this book. I wasn't sure I needed to know such copious details of Walters' early life, but as time went on, it became clear that the author's purpose was to show how Walters' roots, particularly her relationship with her father, mother, and older sister, influenced her ambitions and her personality. She was driven to succeed, just as her father had been, and she was never truly able to enjoy her phenomenal success, always wondering when the bottom would fall out, because of the trauma of her early years.
The author handles the details of Barbara's career successes well, telling stories from various angles due to the amazing amount of research she did. The narrative is organized mostly chronologically, but when the author strays from the timeline, it is to offer interesting (sometimes juicy) details about such things as her fierce competition with Diane Sawyer, the lengths to which she went to get the biggest interviews, and her incredible preparation for those interviews.
By the end of the book, I found myself admiring Barbara Walters as the groundbreaker, as well as the rule breaker, she was. "Life and Times" is a great subtitle for this book, as the reader learns a lot about the times in which she lived. This was a great read that went fairly fast. In some ways, I was sorry when it came to an end.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
The author handles the details of Barbara's career successes well, telling stories from various angles due to the amazing amount of research she did. The narrative is organized mostly chronologically, but when the author strays from the timeline, it is to offer interesting (sometimes juicy) details about such things as her fierce competition with Diane Sawyer, the lengths to which she went to get the biggest interviews, and her incredible preparation for those interviews.
By the end of the book, I found myself admiring Barbara Walters as the groundbreaker, as well as the rule breaker, she was. "Life and Times" is a great subtitle for this book, as the reader learns a lot about the times in which she lived. This was a great read that went fairly fast. In some ways, I was sorry when it came to an end.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
January 3, 2024
"At a time when ambition was seen as unladylike, Barbara plowed into a profession that wasn’t ready to welcome her."
Susan Page has written a strong, in-depth look into the life of Barbara Walters. Her research on this project was vast – conducting interviews with more than 150 people and diving deep into archival research.
As a woman currently working in the TV news industry, so many of us appreciate the path that Barbara paved. The whispered stories about her are legendary – her notecards filled with questions, the way she’d book her subjects, her endless research. It’s difficult to explain the admiration so many people had for her – while they also simultaneously dealt with the fear of crossing her. She was unapologetic about who she was, and Page’s biography truly captures who she was – a brilliant, but complicated figure who conquered journalism despite many roadblocks. Her determination got her her career – but cost her a great deal personally.
So often in memoirs details are buffed and polished. Page’s look at her is unvarnished – showing the highest highs of career and the lowest lows of her life. Throughout it all, it was made clear that Walters’ greatest motivator was her ambition – and that she put in more work than any other so she could have the career of a lifetime.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an advanced reader copy.
Susan Page has written a strong, in-depth look into the life of Barbara Walters. Her research on this project was vast – conducting interviews with more than 150 people and diving deep into archival research.
As a woman currently working in the TV news industry, so many of us appreciate the path that Barbara paved. The whispered stories about her are legendary – her notecards filled with questions, the way she’d book her subjects, her endless research. It’s difficult to explain the admiration so many people had for her – while they also simultaneously dealt with the fear of crossing her. She was unapologetic about who she was, and Page’s biography truly captures who she was – a brilliant, but complicated figure who conquered journalism despite many roadblocks. Her determination got her her career – but cost her a great deal personally.
So often in memoirs details are buffed and polished. Page’s look at her is unvarnished – showing the highest highs of career and the lowest lows of her life. Throughout it all, it was made clear that Walters’ greatest motivator was her ambition – and that she put in more work than any other so she could have the career of a lifetime.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an advanced reader copy.
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