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Marilyn's Red Diary
Marilyn's Red Diary is shocking, funny, scandalous and sad but always brutally honest. Marilyn Monroe is caught between intellectual giants - her award-winning playwright husband Arthur Miller and her dashing politician boyfriend Jack. Then along comes Jack's fiery brother Bobby. The world's dream girl relates her intimate adventures with many of the era's who's who. Marilyn's Red Diary is a touching portrait of a hard-working, extremely bright woman, trapped in her own sensuality and, tragically, born far ahead of her time.
- GenresBiography
330 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 8, 2013
Friedel does a fantastic job blending fact, fiction, conspiracy, speculation, and rumor together in this novel. This is a uniquely written book. It’s not quite fiction but also not entirely fact which is what intrigued me about it the most.
If portions of this diary were true….how much of what she wrote down was fact and how much was her writing with her own slant on everything that happened? This was something I questioned throughout the book.
I found myself wondering how much of what I was reading was true and how much was enhanced to serve the audience but because it was so well written, I didn’t really care what was fact and what was fiction. Marilyn’s story is so sad and moving not matter fact or fiction that you can’t help but be taken in by it all.
This novel is one that stays with you long after reading it. Marilyn’s tale is one all to common in Hollywood….a beautiful woman who only wanted one thing, true love and happiness but those are things that fame and fortune cannot buy. This novel was almost too sad. I found myself coming back to the story and re-hashing it long after I finished.
See my full review here
If portions of this diary were true….how much of what she wrote down was fact and how much was her writing with her own slant on everything that happened? This was something I questioned throughout the book.
I found myself wondering how much of what I was reading was true and how much was enhanced to serve the audience but because it was so well written, I didn’t really care what was fact and what was fiction. Marilyn’s story is so sad and moving not matter fact or fiction that you can’t help but be taken in by it all.
This novel is one that stays with you long after reading it. Marilyn’s tale is one all to common in Hollywood….a beautiful woman who only wanted one thing, true love and happiness but those are things that fame and fortune cannot buy. This novel was almost too sad. I found myself coming back to the story and re-hashing it long after I finished.
See my full review here
July 9, 2013
Summary:
What happened leading up to Marilyn’s death? Did she die of an overdose like was “officially” reported? Or did something much more brutal and vicious happen? How serious were her relationships with the Kennedy brothers? And just what, if any, was her role with the Mafia? Why don’t you let Marilyn tell you herself through her diary.
My Thoughts:
I can’t say before this book that I knew much about Marilyn Monroe. Yes, she’s a household name. Yes, she died from an overdose. I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up off the shelf. But when it arrived in the mail, I was intrigued. I’m all about fiction based on fact and trying to find out what was real and what the author added to spice it up. This is one of those books, that if you are like me, you’ll spend as much time fact checking as you will reading. I had to know a little more about Marilyn’s abortions, her relationships with the Kennedy brothers and if Clark Gable really got into a horse accident on set shortly before his fatal heart attack. Some answers I found, others I didn’t. It still left me intrigued.
EZ Friedel weaves together an amazing story of Marilyn’s struggles with men, drugs, her family’s history with mental illness and her want and need to be a mother. She is this iconic sex symbol to the public eye, but a lonesome woman with daddy issues in the privacy of her own home.
I knew that Marilyn was a sex symbol, who doesn’t? I should have known going into this book that there would be a little sex woven into it. I did not expect it to be so filled with sex. But, the more I learned about Marilyn and read several stories about her, the more it made sense. It’s a big graphic. This is not the book you allow your child to read who wants to know more about Marilyn and what may have happened to her.
As much as I loved the story, in a way, I wish I wouldn’t have read this book. (Sorry EZ.. I did truly love it) Now that I have ingested all this information, fact or fiction, I can’t stop thinking about it. Add me to the list of conspiracy theorists on Marilyn Monroe’s death. Did she really die of an overdose? Did one of the Kennedy’s have something to do with it? Or was it the mafia trying to get her to be quiet? I have read so many theories and we will never know the answer. As much as I would love to read her red diary, the real one, would it be of any good to anyone if it was ever made public? We’re not going to find out how she died. It may show who stopped by before she died, but then again, it may not. Maybe all it will do is implicate the men she slept with and pillow talk from her lovers about things that should have been kept private in the first place. How would you know if it was even truthful? Mental illness ran in her family. What if she wrote down what she wanted to happened? I think it’s an interesting discussion point, but is it even worth discussing?
Along with learning about Marilyn, I also learned a lot about our 35th President of the United States. How did I never know he was such a playboy? Although there are many articles saying while we will never know how deep the relationship was between Marilyn and Jack, some say they only spent a weekend together. This book paints quite the different picture. I wonder if any of the Kennedy’s will read and respond to this? It doesn’t show their family in a very flattering light… in the least.
I give Marilyn’s Red Diary 5 out of 5 bookmarks.
What happened leading up to Marilyn’s death? Did she die of an overdose like was “officially” reported? Or did something much more brutal and vicious happen? How serious were her relationships with the Kennedy brothers? And just what, if any, was her role with the Mafia? Why don’t you let Marilyn tell you herself through her diary.
My Thoughts:
I can’t say before this book that I knew much about Marilyn Monroe. Yes, she’s a household name. Yes, she died from an overdose. I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up off the shelf. But when it arrived in the mail, I was intrigued. I’m all about fiction based on fact and trying to find out what was real and what the author added to spice it up. This is one of those books, that if you are like me, you’ll spend as much time fact checking as you will reading. I had to know a little more about Marilyn’s abortions, her relationships with the Kennedy brothers and if Clark Gable really got into a horse accident on set shortly before his fatal heart attack. Some answers I found, others I didn’t. It still left me intrigued.
EZ Friedel weaves together an amazing story of Marilyn’s struggles with men, drugs, her family’s history with mental illness and her want and need to be a mother. She is this iconic sex symbol to the public eye, but a lonesome woman with daddy issues in the privacy of her own home.
I knew that Marilyn was a sex symbol, who doesn’t? I should have known going into this book that there would be a little sex woven into it. I did not expect it to be so filled with sex. But, the more I learned about Marilyn and read several stories about her, the more it made sense. It’s a big graphic. This is not the book you allow your child to read who wants to know more about Marilyn and what may have happened to her.
As much as I loved the story, in a way, I wish I wouldn’t have read this book. (Sorry EZ.. I did truly love it) Now that I have ingested all this information, fact or fiction, I can’t stop thinking about it. Add me to the list of conspiracy theorists on Marilyn Monroe’s death. Did she really die of an overdose? Did one of the Kennedy’s have something to do with it? Or was it the mafia trying to get her to be quiet? I have read so many theories and we will never know the answer. As much as I would love to read her red diary, the real one, would it be of any good to anyone if it was ever made public? We’re not going to find out how she died. It may show who stopped by before she died, but then again, it may not. Maybe all it will do is implicate the men she slept with and pillow talk from her lovers about things that should have been kept private in the first place. How would you know if it was even truthful? Mental illness ran in her family. What if she wrote down what she wanted to happened? I think it’s an interesting discussion point, but is it even worth discussing?
Along with learning about Marilyn, I also learned a lot about our 35th President of the United States. How did I never know he was such a playboy? Although there are many articles saying while we will never know how deep the relationship was between Marilyn and Jack, some say they only spent a weekend together. This book paints quite the different picture. I wonder if any of the Kennedy’s will read and respond to this? It doesn’t show their family in a very flattering light… in the least.
I give Marilyn’s Red Diary 5 out of 5 bookmarks.
April 25, 2014
This is horribly written and I don't know if it was meant to be intentional using Marilyn's supposed spellings or not but I got fed up with it and packed it in at 26%.
If it was meant to be written by someone who doesn't spell too well I don't see her suddenly getting plural apostrophes correct or knowing the difference with too/to and she/the author did.
If these mistakes are the author's they're pretty appalling. Every time its was written it had no apostrophe, then was used where than was meant, by instead of bye, apostrophes all over the place where they weren't needed. Burlesque was quite horribly spelt berlesk, while spelt as wile, linoleum as linolium, semen as seamen. Lots of hyphens were missed too such as in over striving/president to be/go between...........just a mess, really. If it had been noted that this was supposed to include terrible grammar/spelling I'd have probably persevered in wading my way through but it didn't and I just had enough of it.
There were some very funny remarks/one-liners in it which I believe could've been penned by the lady herself at one point as I've seen a book of her quotes and she WAS funny. I really liked the cover as well. What made me laugh in some reviews was that so many thought it was all true when the author clearly states it's a fiction story !! Probably the same people who think soap-opera characters are real people !!
If it was meant to be written by someone who doesn't spell too well I don't see her suddenly getting plural apostrophes correct or knowing the difference with too/to and she/the author did.
If these mistakes are the author's they're pretty appalling. Every time its was written it had no apostrophe, then was used where than was meant, by instead of bye, apostrophes all over the place where they weren't needed. Burlesque was quite horribly spelt berlesk, while spelt as wile, linoleum as linolium, semen as seamen. Lots of hyphens were missed too such as in over striving/president to be/go between...........just a mess, really. If it had been noted that this was supposed to include terrible grammar/spelling I'd have probably persevered in wading my way through but it didn't and I just had enough of it.
There were some very funny remarks/one-liners in it which I believe could've been penned by the lady herself at one point as I've seen a book of her quotes and she WAS funny. I really liked the cover as well. What made me laugh in some reviews was that so many thought it was all true when the author clearly states it's a fiction story !! Probably the same people who think soap-opera characters are real people !!
July 3, 2013
I am familiar with Marilyn. However I would not say that I know a lot of details about her. In fact if I was to be quizzed, I would flunk. So then why would I read a book about Marilyn? To be honest, if I had not been sent this book to review it then I would not be aware of it and would never have known about it. This would have been a real bad shame.
Marilyn’s Red Diary gives the reader a vivid inside depth look into the “real” Marilyn. This book is a speedy read. I really liked the way it was written with the diary entries. It made me feel like I really was seeing everything through Marilyn’s eyes if not stepping into her shoes. It was sad reading this book as well. Reading Marilyn’s story made me think of another famous blonde, Anna Nicole. Marilyn was a woman with a heart of gold that just wanted to be loved and fell for the wrong guys. Mr. Friedel did a good job with this book and giving Marilyn her voice again.
Marilyn’s Red Diary gives the reader a vivid inside depth look into the “real” Marilyn. This book is a speedy read. I really liked the way it was written with the diary entries. It made me feel like I really was seeing everything through Marilyn’s eyes if not stepping into her shoes. It was sad reading this book as well. Reading Marilyn’s story made me think of another famous blonde, Anna Nicole. Marilyn was a woman with a heart of gold that just wanted to be loved and fell for the wrong guys. Mr. Friedel did a good job with this book and giving Marilyn her voice again.
April 1, 2016
First of all, let me say I am not a Marilyn fan, I have not seen any of her movies and I don't know very much about her in general.
I decided to read this book because I read many reviews saying it's true with a bit of editing from the author. This is supposedly her personal diary, the one she gave to her psychologist just before she died and contains a lot of details about her relationships, especially with the Kennedy brothers. She comes out as an intelligent and very lonely person. It's a very interesting read that makes you see her story from a whole new perspective.
I would be very interested to find out how much of this was actually true. Some things sound very believable, especially about the dad Kennedy, given the story of the lobotomy of his eldest daughter.
I decided to read this book because I read many reviews saying it's true with a bit of editing from the author. This is supposedly her personal diary, the one she gave to her psychologist just before she died and contains a lot of details about her relationships, especially with the Kennedy brothers. She comes out as an intelligent and very lonely person. It's a very interesting read that makes you see her story from a whole new perspective.
I would be very interested to find out how much of this was actually true. Some things sound very believable, especially about the dad Kennedy, given the story of the lobotomy of his eldest daughter.
August 11, 2012
If this is Marilyn's *actual* diary - then the book is astonishing as well as entertaining. But I can find no confirmation one way or the other on the diary's authenticity. Some of the things written in it I saw in other non-fiction books about the idol's life - so the author is well-informed at the least. I found it a striking glimpse into Marilyn's troubled world and psychological state. I'd definitely recommend this book to any other Marilyn fans.
July 4, 2017
I have read so many books on Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn's dairy will keep you on your feet. After reading her diary, I definitely understand why the Kennedys wanted her book before the media or the government knew about it. Marilyn's dairy was kept in her psychiatrist's safe from August 4, 1962 to 1979. Then, for the remaining of the time, the book was given to her attorney; until, it was released to the public. Some of the stories in the book are funny. However, the remaining of the stories are sad.
December 26, 2021
Interesting, but... In most bookstores is in fiction
I recently read the book "Bombshell: Bobby Kennedy murdered Marilyn Monroe". What is Bye Detectives at work LAPD in the 60s. Her diary was not released to the public at that time. Howevee.
I did like this. I am a bit apprehensive if this is her " Diary "
I recently read the book "Bombshell: Bobby Kennedy murdered Marilyn Monroe". What is Bye Detectives at work LAPD in the 60s. Her diary was not released to the public at that time. Howevee.
I did like this. I am a bit apprehensive if this is her " Diary "
September 1, 2022
I found it hard to believe these words were written by Marilyn. She had a lot of vulgar language in her speaking. I put the book down and never picked it up again.
July 20, 2013
A fictional account of what Marilyn's diary might read like, the book mixes fact and fiction and gives us a glimpse of what Marilyn's internal thoughts may have been like. At times, the entries are written in a very bookish manner and other times read like thoughts quickly dashed off. There are typos and misspellings that you would expect to see in a handwritten journal not intended for public consumption and presumably representative of Marilyn's literacy level. Some entries were interesting, some boring and many assumed a level of knowledge of events and people that I lacked. I have some knowledge of course, but at times it's assumed the reader has more knowledge more than some readers may actually have. It wasn't a big problem and for some readers may not be a problem at all.
The book is written as if by her therapist with a brief chapter by her alleged attorney at the end. I honestly wasn't impressed with the doctor as presented in the book: he was self-important, overstepped boundaries, and seemed incompetent. If the therapist in the book is based on a real one, I feel sorry for Marilyn; she had a poor doctor. I also had trouble with some of the conspiracy theories presented in the book, though I'd heard some of them before. But if you like conspiracies, then you might like that part of the story.
I wasn't prepared for how sexually explicit some of the entries were. It didn't bother me; just for some reason I didn't expect it. So, you have been warned. :D Other entries were just sad. If there's any accuracy to the book, and knowing what I do about Marilyn there certainly seems to be some, her life was not all champagne and roses. I felt sorry for her, her depression and her decision making and her unhappiness. I disagreed with much of what she did and said (and remember, the book is a mix of fact and fiction) but the book made me think and made me feel. If you are interested in Marilyn, but aren't looking for anything too deep, pick this up. It's a pleasant way to spend a few hours.
Some quotes from the book:
Now as regards my fainting problem, Arthur has already talked with the Doctor who admitted me. I'm sure he's told him a pack of lies, hiding his guilt about being unfaithful. And acting all loving and supportive like the hippocrit he is. Besides grossly exaggerating my pill and alcohol intake. So far this doctor has only talked to me about my medical state and just a little about my current medications. We don't exactly agree on maintaining my present levels of Seconals which he thinks are way too much. So I had Paula peak to him and try to explain how long I have been using this rather large amount. And that's why they no longer worked. And the Doctor agreed, and called it 'ackomodation', which was a very common side effect with addicting medicines. But he wasn't going to order any more because he didn't want to be responsible for killing me or letting me kill myself. Another coward in a white coat.
It was magic just like it always is. Dammit. And damn him. My Jack, the new President, is so smooth he could charm the pants off any girl. Charming, attentive, with good manners and oh so intelligent. Funny about everything and everyone including himself and all done with this incredible inner confidence. Makes everyone else average.
Dr. Greenson asked if I would feel safer in an institution? And I replied, 'Oh no. The thought of that dreadful Payne Whitney just sends chills down my spine.' I begged him not to send me away. 'For just awhile?' he added. 'Never' I answered. And he said, 'Of course. He was just making suggestions. And meanwhile I could come move into his home, until I felt it was safe enough to venture out. Everything in small steps.'
Source: Meryl L Moss PR in exchange for an honest review
The book is written as if by her therapist with a brief chapter by her alleged attorney at the end. I honestly wasn't impressed with the doctor as presented in the book: he was self-important, overstepped boundaries, and seemed incompetent. If the therapist in the book is based on a real one, I feel sorry for Marilyn; she had a poor doctor. I also had trouble with some of the conspiracy theories presented in the book, though I'd heard some of them before. But if you like conspiracies, then you might like that part of the story.
I wasn't prepared for how sexually explicit some of the entries were. It didn't bother me; just for some reason I didn't expect it. So, you have been warned. :D Other entries were just sad. If there's any accuracy to the book, and knowing what I do about Marilyn there certainly seems to be some, her life was not all champagne and roses. I felt sorry for her, her depression and her decision making and her unhappiness. I disagreed with much of what she did and said (and remember, the book is a mix of fact and fiction) but the book made me think and made me feel. If you are interested in Marilyn, but aren't looking for anything too deep, pick this up. It's a pleasant way to spend a few hours.
Some quotes from the book:
Now as regards my fainting problem, Arthur has already talked with the Doctor who admitted me. I'm sure he's told him a pack of lies, hiding his guilt about being unfaithful. And acting all loving and supportive like the hippocrit he is. Besides grossly exaggerating my pill and alcohol intake. So far this doctor has only talked to me about my medical state and just a little about my current medications. We don't exactly agree on maintaining my present levels of Seconals which he thinks are way too much. So I had Paula peak to him and try to explain how long I have been using this rather large amount. And that's why they no longer worked. And the Doctor agreed, and called it 'ackomodation', which was a very common side effect with addicting medicines. But he wasn't going to order any more because he didn't want to be responsible for killing me or letting me kill myself. Another coward in a white coat.
It was magic just like it always is. Dammit. And damn him. My Jack, the new President, is so smooth he could charm the pants off any girl. Charming, attentive, with good manners and oh so intelligent. Funny about everything and everyone including himself and all done with this incredible inner confidence. Makes everyone else average.
Dr. Greenson asked if I would feel safer in an institution? And I replied, 'Oh no. The thought of that dreadful Payne Whitney just sends chills down my spine.' I begged him not to send me away. 'For just awhile?' he added. 'Never' I answered. And he said, 'Of course. He was just making suggestions. And meanwhile I could come move into his home, until I felt it was safe enough to venture out. Everything in small steps.'
Source: Meryl L Moss PR in exchange for an honest review
May 31, 2013
4.5 stars. Purely speculative, Marilyn’s Red Diary by E.Z. Friedel is an entertaining and captivating story that gives a haunting look into the troubled life of Marilyn Monroe. Impossible to put down, this poignant novel reveals the vulnerable woman whose fame could not erase the desperate longing for love and family that lead her down a self-destructive path that ultimately lead to her death. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.
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February 8, 2015I have never been a Marilyn fan, but for some reason this book appealed to me. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. If even half of what is written here is true, Marilyn was treated with injustice. She picked the wrong men, only wanted to be loved for who she was & desperately wanted a family. She overcame many odds, but couldn't overcome the Mafia, the CIA or the Kennedy family. She certainly deserved more respect as a person than she ever received. I believe I have become a fan.
July 17, 2013
I was very impressed with the amount of research and dedication it took to write this fictional book. Great job E.Z.!! I'm a huge Old Hollywood fan, and was very intrigued when I found out about this book! It's a very interesting book, and it will make you empathize even more with Marilyn Monroe and her struggles. Great read!
My favorite line from the novel:
My favorite line from the novel:
'You are one of a kind, which makes you feel lonely right now'
June 28, 2013
I want to thank good reads for their contest was glad to win the book and thank EZ Friedel for publishing such a wonderful book it is sad because of her untimely death but it was so good to see life from her perspective GREAT BOOK RECOMMEND IT TO ALL MARILYN MONROE FANS she will always be an icon in the movie industry
December 13, 2013
I found out about this book through a snippet in a newsletter, which said nothing of this being a fictionalized account of her life. As soon as I started reading, I noticed inconsistencies and obviously realized this was fiction. Even though it was fiction, I feel like basic research could have prevented so many "plotholes."
January 25, 2013
If the book is truly her diary, it had some very interesting historical pieces. No matter what, it was sad but interesting at the same time...like that train wreck you can't help but stare at as you drive past.
April 9, 2013
Who knows if it's actual truth, but if so it has some interesting historical information. I was interested to find out a little about the famous Marilyn but was disappointed in her character and makes me wonder shy she is so idolized??
July 10, 2013
So excited about winning this book and I have to be honest-parts were well written but, others, argh!, enough of the whining. An interesting read and insight into an icon who just happened to live in the wrong time.
December 16, 2014
Fascinating!
This book is a must read for Marilyn Monroe fans. After reading this diary I am convinced she was murdered. So sad that she never got the chance to find the right man to have a child and family that she so desperately wanted.
This book is a must read for Marilyn Monroe fans. After reading this diary I am convinced she was murdered. So sad that she never got the chance to find the right man to have a child and family that she so desperately wanted.
January 13, 2013
Sad, but it makes her look like a whore. She had a very sad life but a lot of the book was repetitive sex.
Read
April 25, 2014Good it
February 24, 2016
Loved
I enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and hard to tell what was truth and what was fiction. To me it all sounded like it could be true.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and hard to tell what was truth and what was fiction. To me it all sounded like it could be true.
Read
September 7, 2016Could not delete it fast enough
G
G
February 4, 2013
This seems too well written for someone's diary. Is it truthful? Who knows.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews