One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones (Post 2)

So many allusions in one book, some just stated and other you need to know the background information. One of the such allusions reaches to so trying many people would know of. This allusion refers to the a certain, blonde haired, perfect smile, plastic skinned toy, Barbie. Barbie is what some people think of as perfection, being spoiled, and fabulous. While Ruby is walking to her school for the first she notes some people as Barbie and Ken, seeming perfect and idle. This connection makes sense because in L.A. people seem to be perfect in every single way, just as Barbie is.

"A Barbie-Doll-sprung-to-life

is jogging toward me

screaming hideous things into a cell phone.

And here comes ken on rollerblades,

The gold ring in his navel

sparkling with sunlight." (Sones, 129) 

Here ruby is explaining that these people she is seeing on the sidewalk on the way to school, in a description of perfection. The jogger girl that Ruby sees is to her "a real life Barbie", as I imagine this I always see the stereotypical blonde, pink tight shorts or yoga pants with matching tank and jacket. Along with designer running shoes and maybe some large hoop earrings. Her hair pulled back in a tight pony  tail, and over the top makeup. And since the "Barbie's" actions are yelling horrible things into her phone could tell us she is spoiled and bratty or just bitter. 

Also for an extra touch the author brings up Ken who is Barbie's boyfriend. In this context the author couldn't be refering to this rollerblader as the jogger's boyfriend, but as a person who is also as perfect looking as a doll. Here in my mind i see the nicely evenly tanned skin, naturally sorta wavy blondish brown hair. With a gold chain around his neck and stylish shorts and t-shirt, completing the outfit. Ruby brings up the appearance of a gold ring pierced in his nose, giving off the sense of a "cool guy" or a punk, depending on your thoughts. 

 The Google Books page for the novel with back of the book, reveiws, and related books.
Google Books page