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The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe
This is the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular culture. Beautiful, damaged, the ultimate sex symbol, publicly celebrated, privately unhappy - Marilyn Monroe's tumultuous life and untimely death continue to fascinate us. When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life....more
Audio CD, Abridged, 0 pages
Published
September 28th 2010
by Hachette Audio
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I must confess for many years i was not a Marilyn fan. I thought like many that she was a bimbo who didnt deserve the fame an adulation she got through her adult years. In recent years though my thoughts have changed something that this book reinforces. The secret life of Marilyn Monroe goes into great detail with Marilyn's life from her child years as Norma Jean moved from home to home that created a feeling of abandonment and not knowing her father, to her adult years as a model and movie star...more
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This was a good book. It's amazing that Marilyn or Norma Jean, had the strength to get as far as she did and live to realize her dream of becoming famous. I think her life would have turned of differently, if she was allowed to stay with the foster family that was taking care of her. Her mother, while I am sure she actually did love her, she never had her daughter's best interests at heart.
It is also a case of a big celebrity using their fame and fortune to get what they want from d...more
It is also a case of a big celebrity using their fame and fortune to get what they want from d...more
I recently finished an epic 500-page biography of the lovely Norma Jean entitled "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" by J. Randy Taraborrelli.
Let me preface this review by saying that I have never seen a Marilyn Monroe movie, nor read any books on her. I came into this with just an image of my head that was a compilation of her most famous photos and the preconceived thought that she and JFK had some good times.
I found this book to be completely engrossing...the tal...more
Let me preface this review by saying that I have never seen a Marilyn Monroe movie, nor read any books on her. I came into this with just an image of my head that was a compilation of her most famous photos and the preconceived thought that she and JFK had some good times.
I found this book to be completely engrossing...the tal...more
I don't know what possess me to read Marilyn Monroe's biography. I do not even idolize her or pay attention to her that much. But one day, I decided, I am going to read up on her. It was one heck of a story the first two chapters, I was depressed, so I have to put it down. Yet I itch to find out how life was for her. From the innocent Norma Jean whose most relatives and guardians are irresponsible and selfish. Seriously her family history and background set her to doom. I think I would have set ...more
Last year I read the book Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates. The book is a fictional account of Marilyn Monroe's life. However the book was so fascinating it drove to me watch many of her movies and try to find a reliable biography about Monroe.
While Taraborrelli's account appears to be a book based on reliable sources, it was not nearly as interesting as the fictional account told in Marilyn's own voice. This may be because so much of what made Marilyn Monroe fascinating were things ...more
While Taraborrelli's account appears to be a book based on reliable sources, it was not nearly as interesting as the fictional account told in Marilyn's own voice. This may be because so much of what made Marilyn Monroe fascinating were things ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed it! JRT tells a story very well, the characters quite vivid in my mind as Marilyn's life unfolded in the pages.
I can be such a nit-picker when it comes to details of Marilyn's life. Primary, the name on her birth certificate is Mortenson, with a O. Throughout the book it's spelled Mortensen with an E, the spelling of Gladys's second husband, but not her daughter. It's always important to get a person's name spelled right.
The whole mix up of the chapter of "...more
I can be such a nit-picker when it comes to details of Marilyn's life. Primary, the name on her birth certificate is Mortenson, with a O. Throughout the book it's spelled Mortensen with an E, the spelling of Gladys's second husband, but not her daughter. It's always important to get a person's name spelled right.
The whole mix up of the chapter of "...more
From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture. When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now....more
I'm not sure why, but I have always been fascinated with Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps it is something about dying young(I feel very sad when I think of Heath Ledger as well), but I also believe it goes beyond that. I think it is the belief that had she been born later and lived in this day and age, she would have gotten help with her mental illnesses and perhaps had better movies in which to play. Having said that, I've only actually read two books on her. I read Goddess, but that was written over 20...more
Upon leaving they "show business"..lol..well entertainment business so to speak I thought it would be medicinal to read something about the world famous actress. This book is so sad and interesting. I havent been able to put it down. I'm not quite done with it yet. I am hoping there are more happy stories comming up in it..it pretty much just kind of details her love affairs, and medical problems and her difficulties and successes as an actress. I think the next time I read anot...more
I haven't read any other biographies on Miss Monroe so I don't really have a measure to place this experience against.
After reading this book I have become entranced with the effects of fame on 50's era celebrities.
I had no idea how troubled Marilyn's ubringing was before reading this book. She was basically tossed around amongst several mother like characters with a total lack of father figures in her life.
That explains a lot when it comes to the image that she cre...more
After reading this book I have become entranced with the effects of fame on 50's era celebrities.
I had no idea how troubled Marilyn's ubringing was before reading this book. She was basically tossed around amongst several mother like characters with a total lack of father figures in her life.
That explains a lot when it comes to the image that she cre...more
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli is in essense a story of Beauty and the Beast. A beautiful young woman with so much potential who is chased throughout her life by the beast of disappointment, heartbreak, abuse, drugs and doubtful self esteem. A story of a beautiful young woman whose life is but a roller coaster ride with so many ups and down it's no wonder the tragic outcome.
I must confess this is the first I have read of this actress and am glad for the op...more
I must confess this is the first I have read of this actress and am glad for the op...more
I've read several books on Marilyn Monroe and often come away feeling like I'm missing a lot. Not in this book. The research here is better done than any other book and the author documents everything instead of relying on gossip or "I know because so and so told so and so who told so and so". If he couldn't document the story he said it was out there but there was no proof. This was especially helpful with the tie-in with the Kennedy family. Some things are true but there is much...more
I haven't finished reading the book yet, am half way through but find it to be well written, has unusal information on Marilyn from her beginnings as a child and being in and out of orphanages, to her adult life. Much has been written on her, I'm sure there are some things in this book that you will find you are surprised to read about re: her, as I'm sure much of this is first time written about her.
I find that a few men in my life are interested in reading this book, due in part t...more
I find that a few men in my life are interested in reading this book, due in part t...more
Christina
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Recommends it for:
Anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe
"Secret Life" is proof that sometimes one's instincts serve one well. I found it 50% off at Barnes & Noble on Christmas Eve and was so drawn to the picture of Marilyn that I picked it up on a whim, assuming I'd read it "at some point." I read the first few pages and before I knew it, I was closing the book and attempting to register everything I'd just learned about Monroe's life. Taraborrelli uncovers a lot of misconceptions about Monroe and his extensive research lends m...more
There are SO many theories on Marilyn's life, her affair with the Kennedys, and her death, that any source becomes questionable. In this book the author claims what may be true and what may not, and he exposes facts and evidence to support what he says. But the truth is, there isn't a lot of evidence. Although it makes sense, it is clear that the author argues for his opinion instead of a non-biased theory, he wants the world to believe what he believes.
As for Marilyn Monroe, she is the ult...more
As for Marilyn Monroe, she is the ult...more
The author needed to find a new angle of the much written about legend and this book offers insights into family history starting with Della Monroe, Marilyn's grandmother. Both her mother and grandmother suffered with mental illness and there is lots written in this book documenting this. Its unsurprising in hindsight that Marilyn also suffered this way. What I found most uncomfortable was the number of friends and even doctors who stood by and watched her deteriorate and drug addiction spiral, ...more
Okay, I need to preface this by saying that I'm not a huge Marilyn Monroe fan...I can appreciate what a beautiful woman she was, but I've never seen any of her movies and don't really understand why she's so iconic. And after listening to this book, I still don't understand. It sounds to me like the only redeeming quality she had was her remarkable beauty. The author goes to great lengths to tell us how intelligent she was and how she resented always being given dumb blonde roles, but frankly, P...more
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli tells Marilyn Monroe’s life story from her difficult childhood to her tragic death. Marilyn was born out of wedlock to Gladys Baker. Both Gladys and her mother were mentally ill and from this book, it sounds like Marilyn was as well.
Marilyn was beautiful though, and oozed sex appeal, so she was able to parlay a modeling career into a successful acting career. She turned in some solid performances but was often difficult t...more
Marilyn was beautiful though, and oozed sex appeal, so she was able to parlay a modeling career into a successful acting career. She turned in some solid performances but was often difficult t...more
While I have given this book 4 stars, I actually have mixed feelings about it. I have read MANY Marilyn Monroe books but none quite like this. This author was able to get interviews from those close to the Kennedys, Marilyn's mother, and relatives of who Marilyn thought was her biological father. I was surprised to learn how close she was to Pat Kennedy Lawford and that the rumored affairs with Bobby Kennedy did not happen. This book also explores her family's history of mental illness and her ...more
I found myself near to tears at several times while I was reading this book. Marilyn Monroe was such a beautiful and tragic person that it's hard to believe. She seemed to live a doomed life, as if every event was orchestrated to push her toward a tragic, early ending. The book itself is well written and very cohesive. The author appears to have done extensive research and addresses a number of rumors and speculations about what did or didn't happen in her life.
I thought it was a great book. It was more in depth than most of the biographies about Marilyn. I actually learned some new things and saw a few new pictures! He concentrated on the relationship with her mother and went really in depth about her early years. Oftentimes it seems they gloss over that part of her life so they can get to the more scandalous part of her life. He has written many Biographies and I plan to try to read some of his work...it was very satisfying!
I love this book so far - perhaps I am turning into my grandmother - she loved biographies - I remember her reading the biography of Lizst one time on vacation - I'm not sure if she even knew who Lizst was before she picked up that book. (I surely didn't, I was 8, she would read out passages about his childhood to me and tell me that I should be more like him - I no longer remember what he was like - but probably driven and determined, unlike me?)
To get back to Marilyn - I'm am borro...more
To get back to Marilyn - I'm am borro...more
This is a VERY comprehensive and well documented book written about Marilyn. The author uses facts and not myths to give us the details of this very disturbed icon. It's head and shoulders above the other books written about her starting with her birth [including a little history on her mother and grandmother:] continuing on through her death and funeral. If you are a Marilyn fan or like biographies on actors- this is a must read book!
I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, I love her. My home is filled with pictures of her in all of the rooms in my apartment and I own almost all of her movies.
I have read many books about Marilyn. I have never enjoyed a book about her as I did with this one. J.Randy Taraborrelli wrote and amazing book about this fine icon. He brings up many subjects that not many authors of Marilyn books have and his sources are very realable.
If you are a fan of Marilyn or just fasinated about this star...more
I have read many books about Marilyn. I have never enjoyed a book about her as I did with this one. J.Randy Taraborrelli wrote and amazing book about this fine icon. He brings up many subjects that not many authors of Marilyn books have and his sources are very realable.
If you are a fan of Marilyn or just fasinated about this star...more
I have read a lot of biographies about Marilyn Monroe and found this particular book to read well. I actually found this book to clarify certain claims made by other authors with evidence to support the facts. I liked the way this book began with her birth and kept with the family and people throughout her life. A tragic tale that reads like a work of fiction, but good fiction. Would highly recommend.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
This book goes way in depth, way in depth. There are countless interviews with people who knew her, witnessed her, former foster family members, etc.
Reading this book is like getting to be a fly on the wall -but back in time. Some of the things talked about in here, trust me, you've never heard of! It is a very, very good book. It changed my outlook and opinion on Marilyn in general.
This book goes way in depth, way in depth. There are countless interviews with people who knew her, witnessed her, former foster family members, etc.
Reading this book is like getting to be a fly on the wall -but back in time. Some of the things talked about in here, trust me, you've never heard of! It is a very, very good book. It changed my outlook and opinion on Marilyn in general.
I absolutley loved this book.
I really didnt know alot about Marilyn at all--I got it purely out of curiosity. I like her pictures and thought she was classic..i like her quotes...thats about all I knew!
this goes in depth about her life,all the way up to her unfortunate death.
extremley interesting woman/life. i think youll be happily suprised :) makes me want to read more on her, and watch all her movies!
I really didnt know alot about Marilyn at all--I got it purely out of curiosity. I like her pictures and thought she was classic..i like her quotes...thats about all I knew!
this goes in depth about her life,all the way up to her unfortunate death.
extremley interesting woman/life. i think youll be happily suprised :) makes me want to read more on her, and watch all her movies!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a fan of Marilyn Monroe and new about her life, but not much. It is a really tragic story but make me appreciate Marilyn movies and work so much more. I like that the author tried to clear up a lot of the rumors surrounding her life and death, but obviously many of the truths about Marilyn were buried with her. Sometime you had to take parts of the book with a grain of salt especially when he quotes conversations that were not overheard or witnessed by a...more
So far, this book is incredibly moving. I already loved Marilyn and reading this has made me look past my superficial knowledge of the legendary life she lived; i am able to see- through Taraborrelli- the life of the scared human she was. The world sees what they want to see, but this biography reinforces the timeless phrase "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover" ( the book being Monroe ;P )
I was disappointed that the Michelle Williams movie "My Week With Marilyn" treated Monroe so superficially (although to be fair, the movie was about the young guy, not Monroe)so I wanted to find a book that would be a psychological study of her and not a movie star bio. This was the wrong choice! Imagined dialogue, over the top conjecture, yuck. Didn't get past page 2.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Five stars! | 1 | 5 | Jan 30, 2010 11:21am |
