Books to Read if You Loved the Barbie Movie
The 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is breaking theater records and ushering in a summer where Barbiecore reigns supreme.
We walked out of it ready to write think pieces; utterly captivated and spellbound. We were left feeling nostalgic and enlightened, ready to consume any media trying to spin the same type of story. So, we've rounded up five fabulous books that are perfect for those who enjoyed the magic of Barbieland. From romance and self-discovery to inspiring true stories, these reads are sure to keep you hooked, just like the movie did!
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Synopsis: When shy and introverted scientist Olive Smith ends up in a fake relationship with her obnoxious and handsome colleague, Adam Carlsen, to impress her crush, things take an unexpected turn. As Olive's world is turned upside down, she discovers that sometimes love can be found where you least expect it.
Why Barbie movie lovers need to read this: Just like the 2023 Barbie movie, The Love Hypothesis is a heartwarming comedy with a delightful twist. Both stories celebrate the power of authenticity, and embracing one's true self, making this book a perfect choice for fans of Barbie's latest journey.
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
Synopsis: Nobody ever talks to strangers on the train. It’s a rule. But what would happen if they did? Every day Iona travels the ten stops from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station by train. Every day she sees the same people, whom she knows only by the nicknames she’s assigned them.
Then one morning, the man she calls Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape. He’d have died were it not for the timely intervention of a nurse. This single event starts a chain reaction, and an eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common except their commute discover that a chance encounter can blossom into much more.
Why Barbie movie lovers need to read this: This is a delightful story about connection and friendship in a disconnected world. There’s an ensemble cast of vividly drawn characters, all of whose lives become satellites of Iona. Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting is a quirky story where we see how truly connected we are to each other.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Synopsis: Set in the ‘60s, Rosie Sinclair is a brilliant scientist with big dreams – something hard to have while working for an all-male team at Hastings Research Institute. Although it may seem as if her team pays her no mind or doesn’t take her seriously, things change when a Nobel-prize-nominated chemist falls in love with her.
Years later, Elizabeth is a single mother who has changed career paths and has become the star of a cooking show. Under these new circumstances, she pairs up her knowledge of chemistry and cooking to revolutionize women and challenge what has always been expected of them, proving that women can succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Why Barbie movie lovers need to read this: The 2023 Barbie movie emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers and empowering women, just like Lessons in Chemistry. This inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the fight for gender equality will resonate with those who particularly loved America Ferrera’s third-act monologue (IYKYK).
Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her by Robin Gerber
Synopsis: Dive into the fascinating true story of Ruth Handler, the woman behind the creation of Barbie. This engaging biography unveils the challenges and triumphs that led to the iconic doll's creation, as well as the lasting impact she has had on popular culture.
Why Barbie movie lovers need to read this: For those who were captivated by the behind-the-scenes look at Barbie's world in the 2023 movie, Barbie and Ruth provides a real-life glimpse into the origins of the beloved doll. It's a must-read for anyone curious about the remarkable woman who brought Barbie to life.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Synopsis: Piper Bellinger, a socialite fashionista is cut off from her family’s wealth after one too many wild nights. From there, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding love, adventure, and the true meaning of family in unexpected places.
Why Barbie movie lovers need to read this: Just like the 2023 Barbie movie, It Happened One Summer is a heartwarming tale of growth, love, and embracing new experiences. Piper's journey to finding herself and her place in the world makes it a delightful read for fans of the movie's empowering message.
If you walked out of the new Barbie movie with some leftover popcorn, finding that you’re only hungry for more empowering female stories, these five books are sure to satisfy your literary appetite. So grab a comfy spot, settle into your own dream house, and enjoy these fun reads. Come on, Barbie, let’s go party read.
