Customer Reviews

This is Blythe

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If a fun collection of photos featuring one of the most kitschy-cool odd-ball dolls wasn't enough, THIS IS BLYTHE is inspiring. The way Gina Garan shoots photos of her big eyed dolls they definitely seem to have personalities of their own. With more spark than most super-models, and more spunk than a whole aisle of Gen-X Barbie dolls! Photographs of this elusive doll from the 1970's would be interesting enough on their own, but with the unexpected locations (like in the mouth of a tiger at the Siegfried and Roy monument, or posing au naturel in front of Hooters) combined with the quirky subject matter (Blythe's the only doll I've heard of that can change her eye color from pink to orange with the pull of a string). Prude, sassy, sophisticated, glamorous, edgy, shy, apprehensive, innocent- are all conveyed not only by this dolls ability to change eye color and position. It is done with with the fabulous costumes, settings, and Gina's ability to almost animate Blythe with her unique style of photography. The book is interesting and whimsical, colorful and humorous. It has a very arty/innovative feel and a super-slick layout, but doesn't ever lose touch with the sweet and simple feeling that this girl is just playing with her dolls. Anyone who loves books about pop-culture, has an affinity for the unusual, appreciates dolls, or is simply looking for a book that is one-of-a-kind and inscrutably appealing,,, this is it! After flipping through the the book again and again, I kept remembering something from the last line of the introduction, and how it really holds true. It's that,"Blythe reminds you to embrace the rare and unique", qualities of who we are-- and that's exactly why this book is a gem!

Blythe is a wonderful doll, with a personality all her own. Blythe has been caputured in these photos beautifully by Gina Garan! Check out one of Gina's lovely photobooks, like this one "This is Blythe", or try "Dear Blythe Love Gina" or "Dear Blythe, Love Gina II"

For 30 years, Blythe was like a forgotten child, that no one seemed to remember. Gina saw in Blythe what no one else did... a quirky, yet charming inner beauty, and a distinct personality.

Once you own a Blythe doll, you will find that she somehow becomes your obesssion!!

This lil photography book is beautiful and haunting. The colors are wonderful (and reminicent of David LaChapelle or John Waters), and little Blythe's beautifully color-changing eyes set the mood of each photo.

Now i just wish i had a Blythe doll myself...

I found the stark beauty of the images in Garan's, This is Blythe to be uncannily seductive. No reader will leave this book without the eerie feeling that Blythe is in fact still out there, continuing her worldwide pilgrimage which photographer Garan just happened to momentarily commune. No reader will ever look into those big, multifaceted doll eyes without seeing the somewhat sinister, existential quality that lies just within the plastic iris. We hitch a ride with Blythe on her journey but alas, she is immortal and we are not. Not being a "doll person" I was at first reluctant to admit that such a book would interest me but I have to say that Miss Garan has done an extraordinary job of creating a piece of artwork from an almost forgotten Pop culture artifact. When considering the photography I am immediately aware of an innovative hybrid style. I can only compare it to the appropriation of photojournalism by fashion photographers in the 1970's where the thing of beauty is juxtaposed with the raw and visceral; a beautifully adorned women on a tattered "third world" city street. In this way, and with Blythe as our priestess/guide, we explore the meaning of set and setting. A mundane Puerto Rican front porch is transformed into a resplendent altar to Blythe, a forgotten graveyard becomes a temple of glowing alabaster, and a block of ice, the tomb of some prehistoric goddess. I give, This is Blythe, my top ratings for its visual beauty and it's sociological relevance and eagerly await Miss Garan's next offering from the "world where dolls rule."

Wow! What a great little book! Awesome, creative, fun photos of this much loved doll. I had a Blythe doll as a girl and fell in love with her all over again when I discovered this book, as will any woman who grew up in the '70's. (And even those who didn't, who will discover the wonder that is Blythe for the first time.) Thanks, Gina, for bringing this super groovy girl out of hiding and back into the much deserved limelight!

My sister and I were shopping in a trendy clothing store in Berkeley's Telegraph Ave. one sunny, Bay Area, Saturday afternoon when I noticed Garan's "This is Blythe" photographic opus on a table amongst faux fur covered picture frames, book ends, keychains, and other fashion accessories for the hip, young, urban chick and those of us who are uniquely attuned to and nurturing of our Inner Sassy Girl Teen. I picked up the book, thinking "Whose the cutie in the fur jacket?" Gazing at Garan's illustrious photos of this mystifying girl-doll, I was instantly enchanted by Blythe, bought the book, and while in a sustained euphoria immediately spent $400.00 to have an original, mint-condition, long flowing-haired, brunette Blythe muse of my own. She is worth much more than every penny I spent. As for the book, I have it placed on a stand, and display a different photo on a regular basis. I've had the book for several months now, and I'm still coming across photos that I had never noticed before. Like a book that is bewitched and as bewitching as its star, it gives me some new beauty and enlightenment to look at and reflect upon on an almost daily basis. Thanks to Garan for introducing me to the wonderful world of Blythe. I look forward in hopeful anticipation to the sequel.

I am the proud owner of an original Blythe doll. So, I was amazed and thrilled to see this book. The photographs are beautifully done, and so creative. I love the passion that Gina has for these dolls. I am also impressed by the hair, makeup and clothing that she did for the photos herself. Someone who I would be friends with, a true genius!

Gina Garan immortalizes the lovely Blythe in this great little book! The photos are fantastic- very rich in color, texture and creativity. It's funny and touching to see this strangely magnetic doll with an oversized head going about her everyday life...inside the mouth of a lion in Vegas, among a mountain of produce at the local market or seeing the sights of New York. Blythe is just too cool and sure to explode in popularity thanks to Ms. Garan's vision! Considering that even a badly damaged Blythe doll goes for over $50 at auction - this book is WELL WORTH IT! You get tons of Blythe-y goodness for a low low price! A must have for anyone who collects eccentricites or appreciates bizarre beauty! ENJOY!

I am several years (almost 5 to be exact) reviewing this book but after seeing a few of Gina's Blythe pics online, I ordered this book and ever since I've been hooked! BIG TIME. These pictures and all of Gina's are so beautiful that I had to get a collection of my own Blythes underway ASAP. Here I am 5 years later and more than 20 Blythes richer! Get the book! Like most people I know, you'll either fall in love or be creeped out.

Garan's photographs are unbelievable! She makes Blythe look real. A really great book! My husband purchased this book for me because I collect dolls and now she is at the top of my list for collecting.