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Marilyn Monroe at the Movies
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26- GenresBiography
224 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Caroline Young
135 books29 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Caroline Young read English at Cambridge University and taught English in Greece and the UK before joining Usborne as a writer and editor. She has written books about a huge variety of subjects, for all ages, and believes it's one of the best jobs in the world. Caroline lives and works on Anglesey in North Wales.
Caroline Young read English at Cambridge University and taught English in Greece and the UK before joining Usborne as a writer and editor. She has written books about a huge variety of subjects, for all ages, and believes it's one of the best jobs in the world. Caroline lives and works on Anglesey in North Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 7, 2026
This is a lovely picture book that mostly covers her life through her films. I’ve not read any other books about Marilyn so cannot compare. Whilst the photos were beautiful I am concerned about the accuracy of the information, even with my limited knowledge I spotted an error. I found some of the writing clumsy, not something I probably should criticise as my writing is always clunky. I think the last section feels a bit thrown together. I would imagine the 100 year anniversary of her birth will bring new people to want to find out more about her or existing fans wanting a book that goes through her history in a different manner so I could see this book being popular. It is written in a sympathetic manner to her. I must say having watched the recording of her meeting Queen Elizabeth I’m not sure I agree with the statement that the Queen tried to avoid looking at Marilyn’s cleavage. They were the same age and other people have quoted the Queen as worrying that Marilyn had been nervous as she had bitten off her lipstick. I wonder where the author got this information or impression from because it doesn’t fit with the information or presentation of the Queen. I debated taking a ⭐️ off but I’m sticking with 4 because the photos are beautiful and most of the writing is excellent, with only a few areas of concern and in a whole book that is only a small section. I understand that the author would have laboured over this book, where my review is only taking me minutes!
I hope the errors are amenable before publication.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
I hope the errors are amenable before publication.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
Currently Reading
May 13, 2026Loving this ARC of Young's upcoming book: the photos are spellbinding and Marilyn's mental health struggles are discussed sympathetically.
So many people were stimatized and penalized for their mental health issues. Marilyn Monroe was no exception, alas. (More comments to follow when I finish reading this highly absorbing book.)
So many people were stimatized and penalized for their mental health issues. Marilyn Monroe was no exception, alas. (More comments to follow when I finish reading this highly absorbing book.)
May 9, 2026
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic American movies stars of all time. This book explores her time in film.
While I may not have learned more about Marilyn the woman, I enjoyed seeing all the photos from the years.
Anyone who loves Marilyn would enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I may not have learned more about Marilyn the woman, I enjoyed seeing all the photos from the years.
Anyone who loves Marilyn would enjoy this book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Thanks to Gemini Books Group, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review.
I have read numerous books about Marilyn Monroe over the years but this is one of the most rewarding. What makes this book feel so fresh and distinctive is that it is a film-focused book rather than the standard cradle-to-grave biography. Giving readers a far better understanding of how the Hollywood studio system controlled her, why productions became emotionally exhausting for her, the pressure surrounding her public image, and how deeply tied her self-worth was to artistic validation and audience reception. For a reader who loves cinema history as much as biography, that angle makes a huge difference.
Structured around the chronology of her 30 films, the book follows Marilyn from her early days as Norma Jeane through to global superstardom, showing not only how she evolved as a performer but also how the pressures of Hollywood increasingly affected her personal life. The book does touch on aspects such as her childhood, foster care, difficult upbringing and her 4 marriages, but the focus remains firmly on the films themselves and how they illuminate particular periods of her life and career. That approach makes the book feel surprisingly unique amongst the many Marilyn biographies already available.
I found the emphasis on Marilyn’s acting process especially fascinating. The book highlights just how serious she was about acting and how hard she worked to improve herself professionally, something that is too often overshadowed by the media caricature of her as merely a 'difficult' or 'neurotic' woman. Marilyn had extraordinary comic timing and natural talent. Her subtle facial expressions, pauses, vulnerability and instinctive screen presence gave her performances a unique quality that still feels modern decades later.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it quietly challenges the narratives that surrounded Marilyn in her final years. Reading about the rediscovered footage from her unfinished final film 'Something’s Got to Give' sent me searching for the documentary footage myself, and it was genuinely moving to watch. For decades the public narrative focused almost entirely on Marilyn being late, unwell, unreliable and unable to function professionally. Yet the surviving footage reveals flashes of some of her finest acting - subtle, funny, magnetic, emotionally expressive and completely captivating on screen. It serves as a reminder that while Marilyn was undoubtedly struggling personally, she remained extraordinarily talented right until the end.
There is also a gendered aspect to how Marilyn was discussed both during her lifetime and afterwards. Male actors with addiction problems, erratic behaviour or perfectionist tendencies were often mythologised as tortured geniuses, whereas Marilyn was frequently infantilised or dismissed as unstable. The media often framed her vulnerability as spectacle rather than recognising the immense pressures she was living under. This book does an excellent job of restoring some of that lost humanity and reminding readers that behind the icon was a thoughtful, ambitious, emotionally complex woman who desperately wanted to be respected for her work.
The photography throughout this book is absolutely stunning. Alongside some of the iconic images everyone recognises are many candid behind-the-scenes photographs - both B/W and colour - that I had never seen before. The on-set photography in particular gives the book an intimacy that many Marilyn books lack. There is something deeply affecting about seeing her relaxed between takes or fully immersed in performance, particularly knowing how much of her public image was carefully constructed and consumed by the world around her.
This book has shown me just how much Marilyn accomplished in only 36 years. David Attenborough, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn were all born in 1926, meaning Marilyn would have turned 100 this year had she lived. There is something especially poignant about that when compared with the extraordinary longevity of the other two figures. Marilyn’s life was tragically short, yet her cultural impact remains enormous decades later.
The book captures the tension between Marilyn Monroe the global icon and Norma Jeane the vulnerable, intelligent, ambitious woman underneath. I have always been fascinated by the duality of her public persona - how she could seemingly switch Marilyn on and off, blending anonymously into crowds one moment and instantly becoming the centre of attention the next. In many ways, Marilyn’s greatest role may have been 'Marilyn Monroe' itself - a persona the world demanded constantly, even when it was exhausting or damaging for the person underneath.
Regardless of where someone lands on the circumstances of her death, the overwhelming feeling is tragedy. Whether viewed as suicide, accidental overdose or something more suspicious, the core heartbreak remains the same: a gifted woman died at only 36 years old, at a point where she still seemed to be searching for stability, respect and creative fulfilment. Watching the surviving footage from her final unfinished film only reinforces the sense that there was still so much more she could have achieved artistically. I genuinely believe that had she lived longer, Marilyn would have evolved into a remarkable dramatic actress.
Most importantly, this book treats Marilyn with empathy and respect. It acknowledges her struggles without exploiting them and never loses sight of her artistry, professionalism and humanity. Rather than sensationalising her death or reducing her to yet another Hollywood tragedy, the author restores focus to the work Marilyn created and the legacy she left behind. As the centenary of Marilyn's birth approaches, I anticipate many more books celebrating her life and career, but I think I can safely say that Marilyn Monroe at the Movies by Caroline Young will remain one of the most insightful and well-regarded. An easy five stars from me.
#MarilynMonroeattheMovies #NetGalley
I have read numerous books about Marilyn Monroe over the years but this is one of the most rewarding. What makes this book feel so fresh and distinctive is that it is a film-focused book rather than the standard cradle-to-grave biography. Giving readers a far better understanding of how the Hollywood studio system controlled her, why productions became emotionally exhausting for her, the pressure surrounding her public image, and how deeply tied her self-worth was to artistic validation and audience reception. For a reader who loves cinema history as much as biography, that angle makes a huge difference.
Structured around the chronology of her 30 films, the book follows Marilyn from her early days as Norma Jeane through to global superstardom, showing not only how she evolved as a performer but also how the pressures of Hollywood increasingly affected her personal life. The book does touch on aspects such as her childhood, foster care, difficult upbringing and her 4 marriages, but the focus remains firmly on the films themselves and how they illuminate particular periods of her life and career. That approach makes the book feel surprisingly unique amongst the many Marilyn biographies already available.
I found the emphasis on Marilyn’s acting process especially fascinating. The book highlights just how serious she was about acting and how hard she worked to improve herself professionally, something that is too often overshadowed by the media caricature of her as merely a 'difficult' or 'neurotic' woman. Marilyn had extraordinary comic timing and natural talent. Her subtle facial expressions, pauses, vulnerability and instinctive screen presence gave her performances a unique quality that still feels modern decades later.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it quietly challenges the narratives that surrounded Marilyn in her final years. Reading about the rediscovered footage from her unfinished final film 'Something’s Got to Give' sent me searching for the documentary footage myself, and it was genuinely moving to watch. For decades the public narrative focused almost entirely on Marilyn being late, unwell, unreliable and unable to function professionally. Yet the surviving footage reveals flashes of some of her finest acting - subtle, funny, magnetic, emotionally expressive and completely captivating on screen. It serves as a reminder that while Marilyn was undoubtedly struggling personally, she remained extraordinarily talented right until the end.
There is also a gendered aspect to how Marilyn was discussed both during her lifetime and afterwards. Male actors with addiction problems, erratic behaviour or perfectionist tendencies were often mythologised as tortured geniuses, whereas Marilyn was frequently infantilised or dismissed as unstable. The media often framed her vulnerability as spectacle rather than recognising the immense pressures she was living under. This book does an excellent job of restoring some of that lost humanity and reminding readers that behind the icon was a thoughtful, ambitious, emotionally complex woman who desperately wanted to be respected for her work.
The photography throughout this book is absolutely stunning. Alongside some of the iconic images everyone recognises are many candid behind-the-scenes photographs - both B/W and colour - that I had never seen before. The on-set photography in particular gives the book an intimacy that many Marilyn books lack. There is something deeply affecting about seeing her relaxed between takes or fully immersed in performance, particularly knowing how much of her public image was carefully constructed and consumed by the world around her.
This book has shown me just how much Marilyn accomplished in only 36 years. David Attenborough, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn were all born in 1926, meaning Marilyn would have turned 100 this year had she lived. There is something especially poignant about that when compared with the extraordinary longevity of the other two figures. Marilyn’s life was tragically short, yet her cultural impact remains enormous decades later.
The book captures the tension between Marilyn Monroe the global icon and Norma Jeane the vulnerable, intelligent, ambitious woman underneath. I have always been fascinated by the duality of her public persona - how she could seemingly switch Marilyn on and off, blending anonymously into crowds one moment and instantly becoming the centre of attention the next. In many ways, Marilyn’s greatest role may have been 'Marilyn Monroe' itself - a persona the world demanded constantly, even when it was exhausting or damaging for the person underneath.
Regardless of where someone lands on the circumstances of her death, the overwhelming feeling is tragedy. Whether viewed as suicide, accidental overdose or something more suspicious, the core heartbreak remains the same: a gifted woman died at only 36 years old, at a point where she still seemed to be searching for stability, respect and creative fulfilment. Watching the surviving footage from her final unfinished film only reinforces the sense that there was still so much more she could have achieved artistically. I genuinely believe that had she lived longer, Marilyn would have evolved into a remarkable dramatic actress.
Most importantly, this book treats Marilyn with empathy and respect. It acknowledges her struggles without exploiting them and never loses sight of her artistry, professionalism and humanity. Rather than sensationalising her death or reducing her to yet another Hollywood tragedy, the author restores focus to the work Marilyn created and the legacy she left behind. As the centenary of Marilyn's birth approaches, I anticipate many more books celebrating her life and career, but I think I can safely say that Marilyn Monroe at the Movies by Caroline Young will remain one of the most insightful and well-regarded. An easy five stars from me.
#MarilynMonroeattheMovies #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The life of Marilyn Monroe is fairly well trod but Caroline Young's Marilyn Monroe at the Movies, timely released to celebrate 100 years of La Monroe, still works particularly well as a coffee table book on the life and times of Monroe.
This is a filmography come to life as we explore Monroe's life from bit-part player to minor star to A+ star to star-seeking roles above caricature to star fading to star on the verge of a comeback...
I'm certain there were bits and pieces that could have been mentioned. Supposedly, Monroe, during The Prince and the Showgirl, offered advice that was frequently ignored. Supposedly, Monroe did not like Some Like It Hot initially, thinking it was stupid that a woman of Sugar Kane's experience would not connect the dots that two men were hiding with the girls in the band…
Young veers away from rumour and innuendo carefully. It's acknowledged that she was likely a victim of the 'wolves' of Hollywood. Regarding Monroe's supposed affairs with Sinatra, Kennedy #1 and Kennedy #2 and surely other high profile males, Young does not even explore this beyond a few carefully placed suggestions.
Still, as a coffee book, the pictures are great (including the last of Monroe, photographed from the back looking out to the horizon during a break in filming from The Misfits), there's most of the quotes (What did you have on? The radio - although the extended, What were you wearing? Chanel No.5 was omitted, Whatever they say, I'm the blonde..., Monroe's ad-lib 'I can be smart when I want to, but men don't like it) plus the agony and the ecstasy of a woman who paradoxically was at the right moment of history and also was clearly born in the wrong time, where her wings were clipped and her possibilities trapped by a society focused on the status quo.
As always, Monroe as a personality, as a human being, as a bright burning star is *still* relevant 100 years on - also, this was markedly better than the intelligent-but-corny Maybe Marilyn novel I finished.
Final note, in one week, Marilyn would have turned 100. I almost wish I had finished this book a week later...
This is a filmography come to life as we explore Monroe's life from bit-part player to minor star to A+ star to star-seeking roles above caricature to star fading to star on the verge of a comeback...
I'm certain there were bits and pieces that could have been mentioned. Supposedly, Monroe, during The Prince and the Showgirl, offered advice that was frequently ignored. Supposedly, Monroe did not like Some Like It Hot initially, thinking it was stupid that a woman of Sugar Kane's experience would not connect the dots that two men were hiding with the girls in the band…
Young veers away from rumour and innuendo carefully. It's acknowledged that she was likely a victim of the 'wolves' of Hollywood. Regarding Monroe's supposed affairs with Sinatra, Kennedy #1 and Kennedy #2 and surely other high profile males, Young does not even explore this beyond a few carefully placed suggestions.
Still, as a coffee book, the pictures are great (including the last of Monroe, photographed from the back looking out to the horizon during a break in filming from The Misfits), there's most of the quotes (What did you have on? The radio - although the extended, What were you wearing? Chanel No.5 was omitted, Whatever they say, I'm the blonde..., Monroe's ad-lib 'I can be smart when I want to, but men don't like it) plus the agony and the ecstasy of a woman who paradoxically was at the right moment of history and also was clearly born in the wrong time, where her wings were clipped and her possibilities trapped by a society focused on the status quo.
As always, Monroe as a personality, as a human being, as a bright burning star is *still* relevant 100 years on - also, this was markedly better than the intelligent-but-corny Maybe Marilyn novel I finished.
Final note, in one week, Marilyn would have turned 100. I almost wish I had finished this book a week later...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's impossible to discuss Marilyn Monroe in any depth without contradicting yourself.
She was adored by millions, but suffered from crippling insecurity. She craved attention, but stayed in her dressing room for hours because she dreaded the cameras. She wanted to be seen as more than a sex object, but preferred costumes so revealing she often had to be sewn into them. To this day, some people glorify her as a goddess, while others dismiss her as a vacant beauty with no talent.
In “Marilyn Monroe at the Movies,” Caroline Young sets out to deal with these contradictions, applauding Monroe’s gifts while acknowledging her flaws. Lavish photographs take up about half the space in the book, and most aren’t very familiar (at least, not to this reader). The text provides a good overview of Monroe’s career, putting each of her 30 films into the context of her personal life and describing the circumstances of the production.
There’s definitely more empathy here than criticism – but if you’re interested in this book, you’re probably for Marilyn, not against her, so that’s as it should be. Admittedly, it’s hard not to get caught in the contradictions. Young condemns the way Marilyn was reduced to her physical beauty, but the photographs are definitely the centerpiece of the book. But then, Marilyn worked in a business where image is key. That may have been what destroyed her.
“Marilyn Monroe at the Movies” emerges as a portrait, both literal and figurative, of a charismatic, troubled woman. Most of the colleagues who are quoted in the book agree that, while she was difficult professionally, Monroe had more talent and innate warmth than she generally got credit for. While the end product is less than an in-depth biography, this is far more than a picture book. I found “Marilyn Monroe at the Movies” to be an emotionally effective tribute.
NOTE: Thank you to Gemini Books Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MarilynMonroeattheMovies #NetGalley #bookreview #advancereview #ARC
She was adored by millions, but suffered from crippling insecurity. She craved attention, but stayed in her dressing room for hours because she dreaded the cameras. She wanted to be seen as more than a sex object, but preferred costumes so revealing she often had to be sewn into them. To this day, some people glorify her as a goddess, while others dismiss her as a vacant beauty with no talent.
In “Marilyn Monroe at the Movies,” Caroline Young sets out to deal with these contradictions, applauding Monroe’s gifts while acknowledging her flaws. Lavish photographs take up about half the space in the book, and most aren’t very familiar (at least, not to this reader). The text provides a good overview of Monroe’s career, putting each of her 30 films into the context of her personal life and describing the circumstances of the production.
There’s definitely more empathy here than criticism – but if you’re interested in this book, you’re probably for Marilyn, not against her, so that’s as it should be. Admittedly, it’s hard not to get caught in the contradictions. Young condemns the way Marilyn was reduced to her physical beauty, but the photographs are definitely the centerpiece of the book. But then, Marilyn worked in a business where image is key. That may have been what destroyed her.
“Marilyn Monroe at the Movies” emerges as a portrait, both literal and figurative, of a charismatic, troubled woman. Most of the colleagues who are quoted in the book agree that, while she was difficult professionally, Monroe had more talent and innate warmth than she generally got credit for. While the end product is less than an in-depth biography, this is far more than a picture book. I found “Marilyn Monroe at the Movies” to be an emotionally effective tribute.
NOTE: Thank you to Gemini Books Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MarilynMonroeattheMovies #NetGalley #bookreview #advancereview #ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marilyn Monroe has to have one of the most recognizable faces with so much readily available information as to sometimes feel oversaturated, and I expected this book to just be more of the same tired information. I was wrong! The lay out is beautiful, the pictures chosen are some I have never seen before (though I am not a Marilyn expert, more of a casual admirer) and overall it felt like a poignant yet easy to consume snapshot of a legend. It's easy to focus more on the tragedies than the positives, but this does a good job of stating the facts while being empathetic, without ever tipping towards either making her a saint or vilifying her. The quotes from cast mates and directors felt well chosen as well. She was a human, with flaws and a beautiful face, and this book is an excellent reflection of that. I would be happy to purchase a copy to keep on my shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The sheer number of books that have been published about Marilyn Monroe makes it seem impossible to find anything new to say, but I really enjoyed this look at her life through her films. The text focuses on her experience on each production, giving background to what was happening to her both professionally and personally at the time, and accompanied by masses of photos from the set and final cuts. It’s a very effective way of showing the progression of her career and how the pressure of her fame and her personal traumas affected her, as well as being a reminder of her skill as an actress, especially in comedy.
It’s not as in depth as many biographies but there are plenty of photos that I was less familiar with and it’s a great read, so definitely of interest to hardcore fans as well as those less familiar with the subject. A beautiful book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
It’s not as in depth as many biographies but there are plenty of photos that I was less familiar with and it’s a great read, so definitely of interest to hardcore fans as well as those less familiar with the subject. A beautiful book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marilyn Monroe at the Movies by Caroline Young is a biographical tribute that follows the Hollywood icon's life through the chronology of her 30 films. Moving beyond the scandals of her personal life, the book focuses on her career evolution from Norma Jeane to international stardom.
The book is largely viewed as a celebratory tribute.. It serves as a visual and narrative guide for fans looking to rediscover her legacy through the lens of her work and cinematic image.
The images are breathtaking. The chapters are very detailed.
If I could use one word to describe the book then it would be beautiful’ just like Marilyn Monroe.
I will certainly buy this book, the images are breathtaking
The book is largely viewed as a celebratory tribute.. It serves as a visual and narrative guide for fans looking to rediscover her legacy through the lens of her work and cinematic image.
The images are breathtaking. The chapters are very detailed.
If I could use one word to describe the book then it would be beautiful’ just like Marilyn Monroe.
I will certainly buy this book, the images are breathtaking
May 25, 2026
If you read just one book about Marilyn and go into it with little knowledge of her career, this is the perfect book to have. It’s filled with information on almost every movie Marilyn was in with pictures to match. The pictures are beautiful. However the first thing I noticed when I started reading this book was the writing. It’s exquisite. There’s detail and sentence structure that just makes my brain happy.
I’ve read a lot about Marilyn, so I didn’t get much if any new information here. But as a fan of her work, I would absolutely recommend this book. Whether it’s to educate yourself as a new fan or to collect another beautiful book about Marilyn, it’s a good book to read and own.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
I’ve read a lot about Marilyn, so I didn’t get much if any new information here. But as a fan of her work, I would absolutely recommend this book. Whether it’s to educate yourself as a new fan or to collect another beautiful book about Marilyn, it’s a good book to read and own.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An enlightening read featuring breathtaking photography.
The book is a moving tribute to a world-famous Hollywood icon whose life was cut short despite her immense potential. It chronicles her story from a troubled childhood through her rise to stardom, covering her roles in 30 films, and her extensive modeling career.
It truly is a visual and narrative masterpiece. Whether you are new to her story or looking to rediscover her through a different lens, I think you will really enjoy the level of detail provided.
The book is a moving tribute to a world-famous Hollywood icon whose life was cut short despite her immense potential. It chronicles her story from a troubled childhood through her rise to stardom, covering her roles in 30 films, and her extensive modeling career.
It truly is a visual and narrative masterpiece. Whether you are new to her story or looking to rediscover her through a different lens, I think you will really enjoy the level of detail provided.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is hard to think
of a woman who
embodies the ideals of
HOLLYWOOD!!!!
Norma Jean Baker
came to Hollywood
following her
dreams of stardom.
Soon "discovered"
she rapidly rose
to fame.
And when someone
realised how gorgeous
she was rockets
were attached to her career.
Overnight she became
the epitome of the sex bomb.
Appearing in far too many
movies that pandered
to her beauty and did
not let her grow as
an actress.
The sheer number
of films she was in
was a shock to me.
The story of her life
is ultimately tragic
and heartbreaking.
of a woman who
embodies the ideals of
HOLLYWOOD!!!!
Norma Jean Baker
came to Hollywood
following her
dreams of stardom.
Soon "discovered"
she rapidly rose
to fame.
And when someone
realised how gorgeous
she was rockets
were attached to her career.
Overnight she became
the epitome of the sex bomb.
Appearing in far too many
movies that pandered
to her beauty and did
not let her grow as
an actress.
The sheer number
of films she was in
was a shock to me.
The story of her life
is ultimately tragic
and heartbreaking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I never realized how much Marilyn Monroe went through throughout her short life. Failed childhood, failed contracts, failed marriages. From being given up as a child, taken back by her bio mom, her mothers mental instability. Her life was beautifully tragic. And it never dawned on me that there was no one left in her family to protect her "image" or "brand". She is even an icon in modern day. The conclusion also puts it perfectly her dying so young freezes time of aging out of that image. I admire her hard work and dedication. She wanted to be an actress and she worked hard at it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“She would always be the girl in the white dress”
I have long been intrigued by Marilyn Monroe, though I had never fully understood her life and legacy. This book offers a thoughtful and revealing insight into both her professional achievements and her personal struggles. It is deeply moving, underscoring how much she deserved from the world. The author’s admiration and respect for Marilyn are evident throughout, making this a tribute worthy of her memory. May she be remembered with the enduring sense of youth and grace that defined her.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fabulously researched and respectful book that focuses on the bright spots of Marilyn’s career, that also shows many photos that are quite rare - even for seasoned fans like myself!
This would be a wonderful book to display, but you do learn a lot about her life and career as intended too. I enjoyed this a lot and really liked how the focus on her was positive unlike other biographies of hers that often get bogged down with sad elements of her life. She was a shining star and this book reflects that well ✨
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!!
This would be a wonderful book to display, but you do learn a lot about her life and career as intended too. I enjoyed this a lot and really liked how the focus on her was positive unlike other biographies of hers that often get bogged down with sad elements of her life. She was a shining star and this book reflects that well ✨
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Marilyn at the Movies is an impressive book which covers the life of the Hollywood legend still remembered sixty-five years after her death.
The photographs are genuinely stunning, and while the main focus of the book is Monroe’s career, Young does not shy away from the turmoil of the star’s private life, but does not seek to judge or editorialise.
A very enjoyable and informative read. Perfect for any Monroe fan.
With thanks to Gemini Books for the ARC.
The photographs are genuinely stunning, and while the main focus of the book is Monroe’s career, Young does not shy away from the turmoil of the star’s private life, but does not seek to judge or editorialise.
A very enjoyable and informative read. Perfect for any Monroe fan.
With thanks to Gemini Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Gemini books for the advanced reader copy (ARC).
For fans of Marilyn Monroe, this is a nice bite-sized way to learn more about her in a visual medium. I especially enjoyed how the book was formatted by taking you through her life using her filmography. As a life long Marilyn fan, a lot of biographies focus on her personal life, but do not give thorough insight into her craft like this one did.
For fans of Marilyn Monroe, this is a nice bite-sized way to learn more about her in a visual medium. I especially enjoyed how the book was formatted by taking you through her life using her filmography. As a life long Marilyn fan, a lot of biographies focus on her personal life, but do not give thorough insight into her craft like this one did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This coffee table book has great photographs and interesting background tidbits about what was going on in Marilyn's life during each phase of her all too short film career. A nice companion for anyone who is rewatching Marilyn films in honor of her 100th birthday like I am.
Thanks, Gemini Books Group and Netgalley.
Thanks, Gemini Books Group and Netgalley.
June 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
I did not know much about Marilyn before reading and was interested in her live as an actress.
This book explores her stardom into acting, showing how influential she was at the time.
I believe Caroline honours Marilyn when speaking of her legacy.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
I did not know much about Marilyn before reading and was interested in her live as an actress.
This book explores her stardom into acting, showing how influential she was at the time.
I believe Caroline honours Marilyn when speaking of her legacy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gorgeous photos of an interesting woman and life. This book follows Marilyn Monroe through out her life and highlights her acting rolls, personality, and style. This would make a beautiful book to display.
Thank you NetGalley and Gemini Books Group | Gemini Books
Thank you NetGalley and Gemini Books Group | Gemini Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A spectacular book whose incredible photos of the iconic actress are worth the price of admission. Her incandescence still shines. Every fan of Marilyn will want this!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book. Any fan of Marilyn will love this look at her life from beginning to tragic end.l
May 14, 2026
Reading this book was an honor. A delight for the Marilyn Fan and an unopened lock or key to the locked door to the attic of her film roles…no matter the size. It makes one want to know everything about the films and the material covered in the reading really goes deep in to the life she led during her 15 years of hard fought stardom.
*Read prior to publication date though NetGalley.
*Read prior to publication date though NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a cool concept for sure. I liked the in depth look at Marilyn's movies. But hated the books formatting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Me encantan los libros de no ficción; aunque siento que no he leído muchos a lo largo de mi vida, este me fascinó. Lo solicité en NetGalley precisamente porque quiero explorar más este género, ya que lo poco que he consumido hasta ahora me ha gustado bastante.
Un gran acierto de esta obra es que se centra en la carrera cinematográfica de Marilyn y no en su vida privada. Si bien menciona aspectos muy fuertes e importantes de su infancia y juventud, lo hace únicamente para mostrar cómo influyeron en su deseo de ser actriz, dejando de lado su vida privada o romántica (al menos no la retrata como un chisme). Para un formato como este resulta ideal, especialmente al tratarse de un libro corto acompañado de fotografías preciosas con una calidad impresionante.
Leerlo fue toda una experiencia visual; de hecho, me encantaría tenerlo en físico para apreciar mejor su formato.
En resumen, es un libro que súper recomiendo y que me dejó con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo sobre Marilyn Monroe más que todo por este tipo de frases:
P.D.: Confirme que Evelyn Hugo está profundamente inspirada en Marilyn.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🤍
Un gran acierto de esta obra es que se centra en la carrera cinematográfica de Marilyn y no en su vida privada. Si bien menciona aspectos muy fuertes e importantes de su infancia y juventud, lo hace únicamente para mostrar cómo influyeron en su deseo de ser actriz, dejando de lado su vida privada o romántica (al menos no la retrata como un chisme). Para un formato como este resulta ideal, especialmente al tratarse de un libro corto acompañado de fotografías preciosas con una calidad impresionante.
Leerlo fue toda una experiencia visual; de hecho, me encantaría tenerlo en físico para apreciar mejor su formato.
En resumen, es un libro que súper recomiendo y que me dejó con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo sobre Marilyn Monroe más que todo por este tipo de frases:
“Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul”
P.D.: Confirme que Evelyn Hugo está profundamente inspirada en Marilyn.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🤍
May 29, 2026
Really interesting book that covered a history I just didn’t know. It portrays Marilyn clearly, in a fair light and with a lot of information from people who knew her. Beautiful photographs too.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for access to this arc in return for an honest review.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for access to this arc in return for an honest review.
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