Coffee with Marilyn

Coffee with...

by Yona Zeldis McDonough, Gloria Steinem (Foreword)

Sex appeal: Monroe had it, all right. And sometimes that’s all people could see: The trouble is being a sex symbol means being a “thing.” But she was, in reality, a complex, talented, and troubled woman. You can almost hear Marilyn’s soft, breathy voice rising from these pages as the screen goddess discusses her difficult childhood, feelings of worthlessness, opinions on men, relationships with her co-stars, decision to train with famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg, and turbulent personal life. Gloria Steinem provides her uniquely feminist and sympathetic perspective on Monroe’s persona.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn and many of my novels take place here. But my new novel takes place in New Hampshire, and I have woven into it a historical component: the tragic story of Ruth Blay, who in 1768 was the last woman hanged in the state. When I read about Ruth, I was fascinated and horrified in equal measure, and I knew I had to write about her.
I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book, but unfortunately, we really don't know if Marilyn would have answered as she did. Again, someone else's interpretation of a legend.

[Kaleena Carriere · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting way to write a biography of sorts. Tells the usual tale of Marilyn Monroe, something I've read about in numerous biographies, but it's written in a very unique way. The story is a fictional interview between a reporter and Marilyn Monroe. Feels like something you would read in cosmo. It's a cute idea, but ultimately you can't know if this is how she really would have answered the questions (even though her answers are "based" on facts about her life) Was a quick ad entertaining read though.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s like watching the documentaries about her.

[Jean Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting little book about a lady who was definitely NOT just a dumb blonde.

[Mandi Lucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how we got to have one last cup of coffee with Marilyn even if it’s fiction

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s really interesting, light and fun, but also slightly creepy given that although all the answers are based on fact, it’s all still pure fiction.

[Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's short, and I suppose one could say succinct. It's very obviously a fictional interview (they mention it several times in the introduction), but it reads so poorly and halted that I couldn't enjoy it all that much. The book is broken up into various sections, such as Marilyn's desire for a home life, her friends, relationship with men, religion and so on. There's also an index at the back, plus a list of books that are recommended. This book reveals nothing new, but suggests Marilyn's death was nothing but an accident.

Definitely just for Marilyn fans who want to add something to their collection.

[Dana Jerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this little book. It is not charming. It is honest and candid. Anyone interested in Marilyn and her light and her life would do well to not write this off. When you acknowledge the potential for accident in her death, a little voice leans in to coo at your heartbreak. This left me feeling wistful but healed.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea.

[Wanda Hilaire]

If you have any interest in Marilyn Monroe, a nice light read.