Rose Marie Reid: An Extraordinary Life Story

by Carole Reid Burr, Roger K. Petersen

Biography of bathing suit designer.

Genres: Biography

220 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

How do you critique a true story? Can we really find fault with the triumphs and follies of another human being without being critical? This is a sugar coated version of the life and times of Rose Marie Reid, an active member of the L.D.S. faith who became a celebrated swimsuit designer in the 1950s. There seems to be a need by her daughter (who is the author) to justify too much and explain realistically too little. Her mother seemed determined to create no oral history of herself which led to a too heavy reliance on her personal papers and letters. I could not make heads or tails of the many court cases that were described in great detail---perhaps because they were the only primary documents the authors had to deal with, perhaps because the family is still scathing over their lost fortune. Rose Marie seemed to be a driven, determined individual who could not reconcile her success and her womanhood. Because of that failure I think she was prone to self-sabatoge. I would love to read a better telling of her intriguing life.

[Linda Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved learning about Rose Marie Reid. I do not remember knowing anything about her or her swimsuits! I guess I was just buying from the Sears catalog mainly...I liked learning about her talent, her testimony, and her influence in both society and in her missionary work. I was sad to learn of the people that did not treat her right within her business as they were really her close friends.

[Karen Mosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The bikini is hideous, vulgar, and immoral." pg. 158 "The really beautiful character, the kind that creates an impression of physical loveliness, must in addition to being merely good, be cheerful, tender, refined, and sympathetic.... These are the hidden powers." pg. 145 This biography traces the life of the LDS designer of women's swimsuits who led the industry for over a decade in the 1950s. She began when her abusive husband forced her to work day and night, and her talent and creative flair brought her financial success and worldwide acclaim. She left that husband and continued to be a single working mother, wishing she could raise her children herself, but finding a different life than she had dreamed of. Although she had many tragedies, she had great faith and attributed all the goodness in her life to the Lord. A very interesting read about a woman all of your mother's would have heard of!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up hearing stories about Rose Marie Reid, and even got my own RMR swimsuit in the 80s as a teen. She was my great aunt, my grandmother's sister. We know some spicy stories that didn't make the book! So glad to have this to show my kids.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story about the life of the LDS swimsuit designer Rose Marie Reid, written by her daughter. Rose is certainly my muse when considering my swimsuit designs and it is evident that she was way ahead of her time (which was back in the 50's and 60's). She had a very interesting life with a lot of success and failures.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the book wasn't beautifully written (hence the 4 stars), the subject was fascinating. Rose Marie Reid was truly creating fashion beyond her time. I especially loved how she maintained such modest lady-like standards in her beautiful designs. This was an inspiring and motivating book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

She had an interesting life.

[Mary Bundy · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first enjoyed her success, but that was all she knew. She needed to broaden her horizons!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever. It reminds me of my mother a clothing and textile major and seamstress. Every LDS woman should read it. It was so inspiring.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography was recommended to me by a friend. Rose Marie Reid led a fascinating life and was an amazing woman. However, I was not impressed by the quality of writing.

[Michelle]

I loved reading about this amazing woman who made such a difference in the lives of women today!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. She is someone to admire.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy, inspiring read about an outstanding LDS businesswoman and the empire she created in swimwear.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was my grandfather's cousin. I loved the book!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of my paternal great-grandmother. She was a remarkable woman.