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I Wanna Be Loved By You: Marilyn Monroe: A Life in 100 Takes
Publishing one hundred years after her birth, Andrew Wilson’s biography of Marilyn Monroe is a kaleidoscopic tour of her life told through 100 captivating snapshots.
Dreamer. Bombshell. Icon. Featuring a wealth of unpublished material, I Wanna Be Loved By You presents Marilyn in a startling new light. It draws upon unpublished letters from Marilyn, Arthur Miller, and Joe DiMaggio; case notes and private letters from Monroe’s psychoanalyst, Dr. Ralph Greenson; and unpublished audio recordings from the likes of Jane Russell, Billy Wilder, John Huston, Amy and Milton Greene, housekeeper Eunice Murray (the last person to see Marilyn alive), and many more.
We go behind the scenes of her marriages to teenage sweetheart Jim Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller. We see Marilyn train with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio, working to dismantle the common perception that she was merely a dumb blonde. And in the concluding chapters, Wilson dissects what happened on the night Marilyn died after a suspected drug overdose. Were the Kennedys involved, or was she just let down by those closest to her? With a dazzling and unique blend of reportage, archival investigation, interviews, and oral history, I Wanna Be Loved By You is a revealing and nuanced portrait of the life, death and afterlife of an icon who still fascinates us today.
Dreamer. Bombshell. Icon. Featuring a wealth of unpublished material, I Wanna Be Loved By You presents Marilyn in a startling new light. It draws upon unpublished letters from Marilyn, Arthur Miller, and Joe DiMaggio; case notes and private letters from Monroe’s psychoanalyst, Dr. Ralph Greenson; and unpublished audio recordings from the likes of Jane Russell, Billy Wilder, John Huston, Amy and Milton Greene, housekeeper Eunice Murray (the last person to see Marilyn alive), and many more.
We go behind the scenes of her marriages to teenage sweetheart Jim Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio, and Arthur Miller. We see Marilyn train with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio, working to dismantle the common perception that she was merely a dumb blonde. And in the concluding chapters, Wilson dissects what happened on the night Marilyn died after a suspected drug overdose. Were the Kennedys involved, or was she just let down by those closest to her? With a dazzling and unique blend of reportage, archival investigation, interviews, and oral history, I Wanna Be Loved By You is a revealing and nuanced portrait of the life, death and afterlife of an icon who still fascinates us today.
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Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 23, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although I've personally never seen a Marilyn Monroe film, she has been my beauty standard since I was a little girl. The curvaceous figure, the soft voice, and that mole! She was the most beautiful woman in the world and no one has compared since her. I didn't know much about her before reading this other than she had a rough life. I Wanna Be Loved By You takes an in-depth look at her look in 100 chapters. Frankly, I would have been satisfied by 50, but even that felt too long. I appreciate the author's dedication to sharing her story, yet some chapters felt like filler. It was obvious he was trying to hit that 100 chapters with some sections that felt unnecessary. Some even lasted a few pages with irrelevant information. After the midway point, I definitely started to skim because it got too repetitive yet still moved at a glacial pace. It was obvious this was a well-researched passion project despite being committed to 100 chapters on this blonde bombshell. I learned a lot even if I got the 7 Year Itch at chapter 42.
Although I've personally never seen a Marilyn Monroe film, she has been my beauty standard since I was a little girl. The curvaceous figure, the soft voice, and that mole! She was the most beautiful woman in the world and no one has compared since her. I didn't know much about her before reading this other than she had a rough life. I Wanna Be Loved By You takes an in-depth look at her look in 100 chapters. Frankly, I would have been satisfied by 50, but even that felt too long. I appreciate the author's dedication to sharing her story, yet some chapters felt like filler. It was obvious he was trying to hit that 100 chapters with some sections that felt unnecessary. Some even lasted a few pages with irrelevant information. After the midway point, I definitely started to skim because it got too repetitive yet still moved at a glacial pace. It was obvious this was a well-researched passion project despite being committed to 100 chapters on this blonde bombshell. I learned a lot even if I got the 7 Year Itch at chapter 42.
June 5, 2026
I grabbed this one on audio from Libro and honestly listened to this in a day, and yes, I know it is a thicker read. Narrated by Kelly Burke, she did an incredible job with this incredible book, and I could not put it down once I got started. I thought I knew a lot about Marilyn, but I learned so much from this one. There is a ton of unpublished material in here, and it is riveting. From her childhood all the way to her last day on this Earth, it is a fascinating read. There were some anecdotes in here I took away, some I chuckled at (her trying to make homemade noodles had me rolling), but honestly, the two things that will stick with me are how resilient she was, even when men tried to keep her down, and how it really seems the night of her overdose was not as it was portrayed.
I will leave you with that, and if you have not picked this one up yet, please do so; it is not to be missed.
A huge thank you to Grand Central Publishing #partner for the gifted copy to review.
I will leave you with that, and if you have not picked this one up yet, please do so; it is not to be missed.
A huge thank you to Grand Central Publishing #partner for the gifted copy to review.
June 8, 2026
“I Wanna Be Loved By You: Marilyn Monroe: A Life in 100 Takes by Andrew Wilson is a layered and unconventional biography of Marilyn Monroe, structured through a series of short, impressionistic snapshots that collectively build a nuanced portrait of her life, career, and enduring cultural impact.
The book traces Monroe’s early life as Norma Jeane Mortenson, highlighting the instability and hardship of her upbringing, and follows her transformation into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures. Rather than presenting a linear narrative, the biography uses its 100 “takes” to explore key moments, relationships, and shifts in her personal and professional identity.
A central strength of the work is its multi-voiced structure. By incorporating perspectives from friends, collaborators, lovers, and critics, the book presents Monroe as a complex and often contradictory figure shaped by both personal ambition and the demands of the studio system. This approach helps move beyond simplified cultural portrayals of her as merely a screen icon.
The biography also examines Monroe’s intellectual and artistic aspirations, including her studies at the Actors Studio and her relationships with writers, poets, and thinkers. These elements challenge long-standing stereotypes and emphasize her desire to be taken seriously as an artist rather than confined to Hollywood archetypes.
Her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller are also explored as significant emotional and cultural touchpoints in her life, reflecting both personal longing and public scrutiny.
The book’s final sections address the circumstances surrounding Monroe’s death, engaging with both historical accounts and the many conspiracy theories that have emerged over time. Rather than offering a definitive conclusion, it presents the ambiguity and speculation that continue to surround her legacy.
Overall, I Wanna Be Loved By You is a compelling and structurally inventive biography that will appeal to readers interested in Hollywood history, celebrity culture, and re-examinations of iconic figures. Its fragmented format and multi-perspective approach create a vivid and humanizing portrait of one of the 20th century’s most enduring cultural icons.”
The book traces Monroe’s early life as Norma Jeane Mortenson, highlighting the instability and hardship of her upbringing, and follows her transformation into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures. Rather than presenting a linear narrative, the biography uses its 100 “takes” to explore key moments, relationships, and shifts in her personal and professional identity.
A central strength of the work is its multi-voiced structure. By incorporating perspectives from friends, collaborators, lovers, and critics, the book presents Monroe as a complex and often contradictory figure shaped by both personal ambition and the demands of the studio system. This approach helps move beyond simplified cultural portrayals of her as merely a screen icon.
The biography also examines Monroe’s intellectual and artistic aspirations, including her studies at the Actors Studio and her relationships with writers, poets, and thinkers. These elements challenge long-standing stereotypes and emphasize her desire to be taken seriously as an artist rather than confined to Hollywood archetypes.
Her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller are also explored as significant emotional and cultural touchpoints in her life, reflecting both personal longing and public scrutiny.
The book’s final sections address the circumstances surrounding Monroe’s death, engaging with both historical accounts and the many conspiracy theories that have emerged over time. Rather than offering a definitive conclusion, it presents the ambiguity and speculation that continue to surround her legacy.
Overall, I Wanna Be Loved By You is a compelling and structurally inventive biography that will appeal to readers interested in Hollywood history, celebrity culture, and re-examinations of iconic figures. Its fragmented format and multi-perspective approach create a vivid and humanizing portrait of one of the 20th century’s most enduring cultural icons.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe, so I’ve read and watched quite a lot about her over the years. What makes I Wanna Be Loved By You stand out is its unconventional structure. Rather than presenting Marilyn’s life in a straightforward chronological biography, Andrew Wilson tells her story through 100 short “takes” — snapshots, anecdotes, interviews, and moments that together build a layered portrait of both the icon and the woman behind the image.
At first, the vignette-style format took a little getting used to, but it ultimately worked really well for this kind of subject. The short chapters make the book incredibly easy to pick up and put down, and each section offers another piece of Marilyn’s complicated life, relationships, career, and inner struggles. Even readers who feel they already know a lot about Monroe will likely find something new here.
It’s obvious how deeply researched this biography is. Wilson had access to extensive archival material and interviews, and the result feels thoughtful, respectful, and well-balanced. The book doesn’t shy away from the sadness and fragility that defined much of Marilyn’s life, but it also highlights her intelligence, ambition, kindness, and the vulnerability that made her so endlessly fascinating.
I especially appreciated that this didn’t feel like a sensationalized retelling. Instead, it reads like an attempt to understand Norma Jeane as much as Marilyn Monroe. Some sections were heartbreaking, others illuminating, and together they paint a portrait of a woman who desperately wanted love and stability while living under impossible public expectations.
My only small disappointment was the lack of photographs, as this format almost feels like it was made to be paired with images. Still, the writing and research more than make up for it.
If you’re interested in Marilyn Monroe, classic Hollywood, or celebrity biographies that offer something a little different structurally, this is absolutely worth reading.
At first, the vignette-style format took a little getting used to, but it ultimately worked really well for this kind of subject. The short chapters make the book incredibly easy to pick up and put down, and each section offers another piece of Marilyn’s complicated life, relationships, career, and inner struggles. Even readers who feel they already know a lot about Monroe will likely find something new here.
It’s obvious how deeply researched this biography is. Wilson had access to extensive archival material and interviews, and the result feels thoughtful, respectful, and well-balanced. The book doesn’t shy away from the sadness and fragility that defined much of Marilyn’s life, but it also highlights her intelligence, ambition, kindness, and the vulnerability that made her so endlessly fascinating.
I especially appreciated that this didn’t feel like a sensationalized retelling. Instead, it reads like an attempt to understand Norma Jeane as much as Marilyn Monroe. Some sections were heartbreaking, others illuminating, and together they paint a portrait of a woman who desperately wanted love and stability while living under impossible public expectations.
My only small disappointment was the lack of photographs, as this format almost feels like it was made to be paired with images. Still, the writing and research more than make up for it.
If you’re interested in Marilyn Monroe, classic Hollywood, or celebrity biographies that offer something a little different structurally, this is absolutely worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching her films—Some Like It Hot will always be a favorite—and over the years I’ve found myself drawn not just to the icon, but to the woman behind the image.
This book offers a really unique approach to her story. Instead of a traditional, linear biography, it’s told through 100 “takes”—short, vignette-style chapters that highlight different moments, perspectives, and pieces of Marilyn’s life. Through interviews, conversations, and reflections from those who knew her (and Marilyn herself), the book paints a layered, intimate portrait that feels both personal and respectful.
I loved how digestible this format was. You can pick it up and read a few sections at a time, yet still walk away with a deeper understanding of who she was beyond the Hollywood persona. There’s something quietly powerful about seeing her life told in fragments—it mirrors the complexity of her story.
That said, I do wish photos had been included. For such a visually iconic figure, it felt like a bit of a missed opportunity not to pair these moments with imagery that could bring them even more to life.
Overall, this is a beautifully constructed and thoughtfully researched tribute. If you’ve ever been captivated by Marilyn Monroe—the legend and the woman—this is absolutely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy!
This book offers a really unique approach to her story. Instead of a traditional, linear biography, it’s told through 100 “takes”—short, vignette-style chapters that highlight different moments, perspectives, and pieces of Marilyn’s life. Through interviews, conversations, and reflections from those who knew her (and Marilyn herself), the book paints a layered, intimate portrait that feels both personal and respectful.
I loved how digestible this format was. You can pick it up and read a few sections at a time, yet still walk away with a deeper understanding of who she was beyond the Hollywood persona. There’s something quietly powerful about seeing her life told in fragments—it mirrors the complexity of her story.
That said, I do wish photos had been included. For such a visually iconic figure, it felt like a bit of a missed opportunity not to pair these moments with imagery that could bring them even more to life.
Overall, this is a beautifully constructed and thoughtfully researched tribute. If you’ve ever been captivated by Marilyn Monroe—the legend and the woman—this is absolutely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Wanna Be Loved By You
I received this unpublished book from NetGalley for an honest opinion about the novel. I found many of the facts about Marilyn Monroe to be very interesting and information I did not know about the actress. It was very apparent that the author did a lot of research, which made the story of her life very fascinating. However, the author’s presentation was not chronological, and was difficult for me to understand due to chronicling her life in vignettes.
When I read a biography, my expectation is to follow the subject’s life, with a few detours. This presentation of facts felt random and did not follow her life and experiences. It was presented more focused on who she met and the affect each individual had on her life, thus the vignettes.
There were many people who made a significant impact on Marilyn’s life that I never imagined her knowing. Basically what you learn about Marilyn is how fragile and private she actually was in her personal life, and how she was always performing in public. My feeling from the book is that she longed for her much simple earlier life yet could never leave the spotlight.
The text and references are so well documented that it’s apparent the author wanted to portray an accurate picture of Marilyn
I would definitely recommend this novel for a picture of how Norma Jean Mortenson became Marilyn Monroe and the people who influenced that change.
I received this unpublished book from NetGalley for an honest opinion about the novel. I found many of the facts about Marilyn Monroe to be very interesting and information I did not know about the actress. It was very apparent that the author did a lot of research, which made the story of her life very fascinating. However, the author’s presentation was not chronological, and was difficult for me to understand due to chronicling her life in vignettes.
When I read a biography, my expectation is to follow the subject’s life, with a few detours. This presentation of facts felt random and did not follow her life and experiences. It was presented more focused on who she met and the affect each individual had on her life, thus the vignettes.
There were many people who made a significant impact on Marilyn’s life that I never imagined her knowing. Basically what you learn about Marilyn is how fragile and private she actually was in her personal life, and how she was always performing in public. My feeling from the book is that she longed for her much simple earlier life yet could never leave the spotlight.
The text and references are so well documented that it’s apparent the author wanted to portray an accurate picture of Marilyn
I would definitely recommend this novel for a picture of how Norma Jean Mortenson became Marilyn Monroe and the people who influenced that change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A comprehensive look at the life of Marilyn Monroe written on the centenary of her birth. This one delivers new information but remains true to historical accuracy. It’s a book to delight all lovers of Marilyn Monroe.
British author, Andrew Wilson was given unrestricted access to Anthony Summer’s research. Summer is the author of what I considered to be the best biography on Monroe, Goddess, published in 1985; in writing it he interviewed everyone who knew Monroe.
Monroe was a contradiction in many ways. She was loved by the camera but shy and withdrawn in the personal arena. The book reveals unknowns such a letters to her third husband, Arthur Miller, and a quote from Angela Allen, script supervisor on The Misfits, that disparages the myth of her intelligence.
The book goes behind the scenes of her marriages, working with Lee Strasberg, and building a story behind her myth. Much of what’s written is known but is elaborated on at times. The chapters are short but not necessarily in chronological order of her life. What you get is a complex picture of a fragile, troubled woman who desperately wanted to be loved but simply didn’t know what love was because she didn’t love herself enough (my opinion).
This is a great book to add to anyone’s Marilyn Monroe collection.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me access to this ARC.
British author, Andrew Wilson was given unrestricted access to Anthony Summer’s research. Summer is the author of what I considered to be the best biography on Monroe, Goddess, published in 1985; in writing it he interviewed everyone who knew Monroe.
Monroe was a contradiction in many ways. She was loved by the camera but shy and withdrawn in the personal arena. The book reveals unknowns such a letters to her third husband, Arthur Miller, and a quote from Angela Allen, script supervisor on The Misfits, that disparages the myth of her intelligence.
The book goes behind the scenes of her marriages, working with Lee Strasberg, and building a story behind her myth. Much of what’s written is known but is elaborated on at times. The chapters are short but not necessarily in chronological order of her life. What you get is a complex picture of a fragile, troubled woman who desperately wanted to be loved but simply didn’t know what love was because she didn’t love herself enough (my opinion).
This is a great book to add to anyone’s Marilyn Monroe collection.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy
Bookbeat audiobooks
I absolutely adore Marilyn.
The persona she created and the little girl in her she never abandoned. ❤️
Celebrating the star’s 100th birthday on June 1st 2026,
Childhood of neglect and trauma, absent father and unstable mother.
No stories, no play,
she made her way into the stars.
What started as a dream to be loved (and I can’t see any reason she couldn’t be) went to Jean Harlow obsession, early marriage in hopes of getting somewhere. Modeling career, Hollywood industry.
From What I’ve read she’s been described as very loyal picky with her lovers and not cheater at all but this Book tells a bit different story and I don’t like it. Especially when she was young she fell in love with basically any man who gave her attention and made her feel loved. ”Please don’t leave me” and other BPD characteristics. Even if she was abused in all of her marriages, leaving her feel empty.
…
I actually identify with her a lot. She was this messy homie always educating herself (to be able to discuss with intelligent people at parties), she disliked underwear and neglected personal hygiene. Stinky little baby!
She spent a lot of time alone, in her bed reading or talking on the phone, or taking a long bath. She was fragile, deep and helpless like a child asking for acceptance. She had luminous presence, breathy voice and hourglass body. The ultimate fashion icon and Hollywood star.
Had she lived longer, maybe we’d got to see the real her. She would’ve lived in Mexico and produced her own films there, with more seriously taken feminist characters
I wish I could have known Marilyn. Her gaze holds so much power. Her sadness, which she hid so well, made her shine even brighter. ✨💋
I absolutely adore Marilyn.
The persona she created and the little girl in her she never abandoned. ❤️
Celebrating the star’s 100th birthday on June 1st 2026,
Childhood of neglect and trauma, absent father and unstable mother.
No stories, no play,
she made her way into the stars.
What started as a dream to be loved (and I can’t see any reason she couldn’t be) went to Jean Harlow obsession, early marriage in hopes of getting somewhere. Modeling career, Hollywood industry.
From What I’ve read she’s been described as very loyal picky with her lovers and not cheater at all but this Book tells a bit different story and I don’t like it. Especially when she was young she fell in love with basically any man who gave her attention and made her feel loved. ”Please don’t leave me” and other BPD characteristics. Even if she was abused in all of her marriages, leaving her feel empty.
…
I actually identify with her a lot. She was this messy homie always educating herself (to be able to discuss with intelligent people at parties), she disliked underwear and neglected personal hygiene. Stinky little baby!
She spent a lot of time alone, in her bed reading or talking on the phone, or taking a long bath. She was fragile, deep and helpless like a child asking for acceptance. She had luminous presence, breathy voice and hourglass body. The ultimate fashion icon and Hollywood star.
Had she lived longer, maybe we’d got to see the real her. She would’ve lived in Mexico and produced her own films there, with more seriously taken feminist characters
I wish I could have known Marilyn. Her gaze holds so much power. Her sadness, which she hid so well, made her shine even brighter. ✨💋
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(3.5 Stars) Marilyn Monroe is cemented in my mind as an icon. Her tragic childhood, screen success and then early death give her an air of mystery. Andrew Wilson does a deep dive into interviews, and what is known of her life. He also had access to the notes of Anthony Summer's, a British author who wrote a biography of her in 1985. He was able to interview people who knew her that were still alive.
The author chose not to go chronologically and instead gives 100 short chapters sharing her life in little moments. This covers her life before becoming a star, relationships, movies and even rumors. I found the format a bit confusing as multiple chapters can cover the same event from another person's point of view. I did appreciate the lengthy documentation source material.
I have read a couple of biographies of Marilyn but that was thirty or forty years ago. As her one hundredth birthday is this month it was nice to revisit this legend. I don’t know that I learned a lot that was new. But it was a quick read and informative. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
The author chose not to go chronologically and instead gives 100 short chapters sharing her life in little moments. This covers her life before becoming a star, relationships, movies and even rumors. I found the format a bit confusing as multiple chapters can cover the same event from another person's point of view. I did appreciate the lengthy documentation source material.
I have read a couple of biographies of Marilyn but that was thirty or forty years ago. As her one hundredth birthday is this month it was nice to revisit this legend. I don’t know that I learned a lot that was new. But it was a quick read and informative. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.
I tried. I REALLY did. But one would have to be a super SUPER fan of Marilyn Monroe to connect with this. I must have misread the blurb, because I thought this would be another biography, or at least a STORY, but is isn't
Marilyn Monroe would have been 100 years old this year. She has been dead for 64 years, after only being 36 when she died. There are a LOT of ideas as to HOW she died, but she died.
She seems to have had a BIT of a problem telling the truth. She told a LOT of stories about her early life. Problem is, she told a LOT of stories, but she constantly contradicted even herself. Some of the stores may have been taken from the stories of her friends, acquaintances, or family, but few of them stand up to real inspection.
Each of the (50!!!) chapters deals with another of these stories, and Marilyn seldom comes out well. I made it about 30% through and just COULD NOT CONTINUE!!
I tried. I REALLY did. But one would have to be a super SUPER fan of Marilyn Monroe to connect with this. I must have misread the blurb, because I thought this would be another biography, or at least a STORY, but is isn't
Marilyn Monroe would have been 100 years old this year. She has been dead for 64 years, after only being 36 when she died. There are a LOT of ideas as to HOW she died, but she died.
She seems to have had a BIT of a problem telling the truth. She told a LOT of stories about her early life. Problem is, she told a LOT of stories, but she constantly contradicted even herself. Some of the stores may have been taken from the stories of her friends, acquaintances, or family, but few of them stand up to real inspection.
Each of the (50!!!) chapters deals with another of these stories, and Marilyn seldom comes out well. I made it about 30% through and just COULD NOT CONTINUE!!
June 2, 2026
I Wanna Be Loved By You: Marilyn Monroe – A Life in 100 Takes by Andrew Wilson was an interesting and engaging biography. The book presents Marilyn Monroe’s life through 100 different moments, giving readers a unique look at both her public image and her private struggles.
Marilyn’s life was fascinating, but it was also filled with many hardships. Some parts of her story were difficult to read because of the challenges she faced throughout her childhood, relationships, and career.
Andrew Wilson’s writing was clear and well organized, making the book easy to follow. I appreciated how he balanced Marilyn’s successes with the realities of her personal life.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this biography and learned a lot about Marilyn Monroe. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in classic Hollywood, biographies, or learning more about the real person behind a famous celebrity.
Marilyn’s life was fascinating, but it was also filled with many hardships. Some parts of her story were difficult to read because of the challenges she faced throughout her childhood, relationships, and career.
Andrew Wilson’s writing was clear and well organized, making the book easy to follow. I appreciated how he balanced Marilyn’s successes with the realities of her personal life.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this biography and learned a lot about Marilyn Monroe. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in classic Hollywood, biographies, or learning more about the real person behind a famous celebrity.
June 15, 2026
Thank you Hachette Audio for the ALC and Grand Central Publishing, #partner for the physical copy in exchange for my honest reviews.
So fascinating…this book uses snapshots to give us an intimate look at who Marilyn really was. I loved the anecdotes that the author used, some of which was taken from unpublished material. It was both eye-opening and at times heartbreaking. Did you know she wanted to become famous so ‘everyone would like her and she would be surrounded by love and affection’ ??
Audio thoughts: The audio was fantastic! Kelly Burke does a great job.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: Always With A Book
So fascinating…this book uses snapshots to give us an intimate look at who Marilyn really was. I loved the anecdotes that the author used, some of which was taken from unpublished material. It was both eye-opening and at times heartbreaking. Did you know she wanted to become famous so ‘everyone would like her and she would be surrounded by love and affection’ ??
Audio thoughts: The audio was fantastic! Kelly Burke does a great job.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: Always With A Book
June 16, 2026
received this via grand central publishing.
honestly i've read so many marilyn biographies, it can feel like you've read them all but this was a fresh take on her life i would highly recommend. i especially liked how miller interwove an analysis of her legacy today and also what previous biographies got wrong, whether because of lying liars or biographers purposefully making things up (hi norman mailer).
the short chapters also made it perfect to read and savor over the course of a week, until it got to the unraveling of all the conspiracy theories around her death in the last 100 pages. that had to be read in one sitting
honestly i've read so many marilyn biographies, it can feel like you've read them all but this was a fresh take on her life i would highly recommend. i especially liked how miller interwove an analysis of her legacy today and also what previous biographies got wrong, whether because of lying liars or biographers purposefully making things up (hi norman mailer).
the short chapters also made it perfect to read and savor over the course of a week, until it got to the unraveling of all the conspiracy theories around her death in the last 100 pages. that had to be read in one sitting
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This tribute to Marilyn Monroe is presented in brief, easily digestible chapters. That's ideal if you don't have a lot of time to read, but if you are reading a number of chapters at once, it isn't the most cohesive read. Topics covered included her life before stardom, relationships (familial, professional, romantic), movies, and the veracity of various rumors. (I could have done without a couple of those.) Overall, it was an interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the early read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the early read.
June 10, 2026
I won this through goodreads giveaway and we'll fun fact i received it 2 days before my birthday which is June 1 which is also Marilyn Monroes birthday day as well! So it definitely was a good birthday present because I'm a huge fan of hers! Now as far as the book i loved it the cover is gorgeous great picture of her! I enjoyed learning things that I didn't know about her before. The rawness of her life the good the bad and the sad really if you are a fan like i am of hers or just want to know more about her life I highly recommend this book!
June 21, 2026
I can’t remember a time where I was not interested in Marilyn Monroe. I was very interested in reading this book because it celebrated 100 years of her birth. Mr. Wilson has researched his subject well and put all this information into 100 different “chapters” showing different aspects of her life. Yes, there are chapters on Kennedy, but also how she got discovered, her famous walk, her affairs, her funeral, and even a visit with the “was she murdered” theory. Even though the chapters are in chronological order, the book is written in more essay form than story form. I personally think this is a good way to present the material to us, the reader. Marilyn was complex, and a bit spontaneous, and the set up of the book fits her perfectly.
If you are a fan of Marilyn and have read some books about her, I still think you will learn something here, for sure you will smile as some of the stories. If you are just discovering Marilyn and this is your first book about her, well, I think you will get a nice overview of her life and now you will want to watch the films.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this one, I throughly enjoyed it.
If you are a fan of Marilyn and have read some books about her, I still think you will learn something here, for sure you will smile as some of the stories. If you are just discovering Marilyn and this is your first book about her, well, I think you will get a nice overview of her life and now you will want to watch the films.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this one, I throughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy
Since I was a young lady I have always been memorized by Marilyn and her story. I’ve seen all her movies, biographies, and read numerous books prior about the Star. This takes a look at important moments in her life, one chapter for each moment & each from either interviews or conversations that were had by those that knew her or Marilyn herself. A great biography for fans of the on screen blonde bombshell and the woman she truly was.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a dazzling, meticulously researched "portrait" of the iconic actress in 100 "takes," or short chapters that reveal Marilyn throughout her life. It cries out for a photos, however, to be interspersed with the text, which would have shown Monroe in her full glory. Still a worthwhile read even without pics. Her true fans will adore it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marilyn was an icon. This book takes you on a deep dive of Marilyn's life take by take. I am not a super fan and know only some facts about the blonde bombshell so a lot information in this book was new to me. It can be a lot of information to take in all at once. And it really makes you take a look at the woman behind the character.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
These are 100 short essays about different elements of Marilyn. The stories are illuminating and respectful, and give you a real sense of who she was. I would have loved photos though.
I read a temporary digital loan of this book via netgalley.
I read a temporary digital loan of this book via netgalley.
May 25, 2026
As this year is the centennial celebration of the birth of Norma Jean Baker- I have been reading several books about her alter ego, the woman the world knows as Marilyn Monroe. Andrew Wilson's "A Life in 100 Takes" is simply that, from her birth to her death, there are 100 chapters in chronological order breaking down the myth of Marilyn. It is equal parts heartbreaking, frustrating, and eye opening. I have been a lover of Marilyn since I was a child, and I found out some new bits of information in this book. Since Marilyn appeared on the scene there have been tomes written about her- some good, some bad, some ugly. Wilson attempts to give a stripped down honest view of the human being behind the carefully constructed mask.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC!
June 18, 2026
I have been reading books about Marilyn Monroe for as long as I’ve known how to read. With each new book I find myself dreading the end of her story, it was cut much too short. Long live Marilyn.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book blew mind. I had never read her story before, I always wanted too, but never did. Her story is full of such sadness. Plus ,I did t know she would be 100 in 2026, she was just a Lil older than my grandparents. This story touched my sole with all the mental illnesses. And the part about Mariah Carey buying her white piano was pretty wild.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2026
Not finished
70% into it,
I was curious about Marilyn’s superstardom and life. I’m sure a lot of research went into writing this book, but it reeks of speculative and conspiratorial perspectives and spends a lot of time and space exploring and feeding into the perverse exploitation of an image created by media and other dirty vultures.
70% into it,
I was curious about Marilyn’s superstardom and life. I’m sure a lot of research went into writing this book, but it reeks of speculative and conspiratorial perspectives and spends a lot of time and space exploring and feeding into the perverse exploitation of an image created by media and other dirty vultures.
March 24, 2026
Three and a half stars rounded up to four. Marilyn Monroe is an icon. This book has one hundred short chapters, to commemorate her turning one hundred this year. Most of it was revisiting things I already knew, but I still found it an interesting read.
February 19, 2026
As a teenager i became obsessed with Marilyn Monroe. I watched all her movies, watched the TV movies about her and read most of the books. It has been many years now so when I came across this book I felt it was time for a revisit. Andrew Wilson did a great job of breaking down Marilyn’s life in just over 100 short chapters. Much of the book were the stories I had already known but now with updated material. I appreciated the authors tireless journey to uncover details or fill in gaps and in many cases to call out lies and regain a semblance of truth. This book has definitely reignited my love and fascination with this beloved icon.
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February 12, 2026review text for 3599
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