Docket Page 80 The Rulebreaker By Susan Page

CHARGE (what is the author trying to say?): To help us understand who Barbara Walters was.

FACTS: Barbara Walters summed up her “whole package” as “a dysfunctional childhood-a father she couldn’t ever remember ever hugging as a girl; a distracted and disgruntled mother; a disabled sister she both loved and hated.” She had three failed marriages and was estranged for many years from her only child, her daughter Jackie. This book is much more open and honest than Barbara’s own autobiography. Despite her achievements, she was never at peace. Her tombstone reads “No regrets, I had a great life.” But did she really? She died alone, surrounded only by paid employees. She had pushed away most of her friends. While it is undisputed that she made historic achievements and contributions to the field of journalism and broadcasting, it doesn’t appear that she was ever actually happy. Sometimes the price of fame is just too high.

VERDICT (Was the author successful?): Guilty, as charged.

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