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The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe
From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture. When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now. In this groundbreaking book, Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress' life, including her mother, her foster mother, and her legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn's own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn's father and the half-brother she never knew, and new information about her relationship with the Kennedy's-Bobby, Jack, and Pat Kennedy Lawford. Explosive, revelatory, and surprisingly moving, this is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the 20th Century.
634 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2009
570 people are currently reading
7648 people want to read
About the author
J. Randy Taraborrelli
25 books487 followersJ. Randy Taraborrelli is an author known for biographies of contemporary entertainers and political figures. He is a featured writer in several entertainment magazines in Canada, England, and Australia. He also appears on television as an entertainment news reporter on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Today and CBS This Morning. Taraborrelli resides in Los Angeles, California.
Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.
In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.
Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.
In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
March 29, 2012
Recently, I have been curious about Marilyn Monroe. Other than a vague understanding that she was a national sex symbol and actress, I didn't really know anything about her. I chose what seemed to be the most reputable biography I could find (one of the few NOT touting never-before-seen-images!), and I was not disappointed.
The author writes well. He simply presents the facts, and allows the reader to sift through them and form their own opinion. He often shares his own conclusions, but it is done so unassumingly, he almost encourages the reader to disagree, assuming they have credible reasons to do so.
And Marilyn. Such heartache. Such courage. So fragile and yet so strong too. She had qualities I admired, her will to overcome and determination to succeed were impressive. And then my emotional pendulum would swing back the other way and her choices or lack of judgment made me want to rescue her from herself. The shallow image I loosely held was shattered. I didn't agree with everything she did, but I now understood why she did it.
She was beautiful and smart and talented and generous and hopelessly, inevitably, flawed. Overall, I felt like I understood her, I knew her almost. This book reminded me that people, like life, are merely composites of good and bad; and hopefully, the good qualities outweigh the bad.
I think they did for Marilyn.
February 3, 2019
Like all biographies not everything written can be verified. Mr. Taraborrelli does his best but there are lapses. I've read several books by this author and I can say that Mr. Taraborrelli seems to genuinely like the people he writes about. That can be a good thing or a bad thing.
This is the second time I've read The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe and I must say I enjoyed it more this time. The first around I think I wanted juicy gossip and this book doesn't have that. Its just a straight forward biography of one the most famous women ever. The author tries to strip away the glossy image of Marilyn Monroe and instead he spends time introducing us to Norma Jean. The time spent on her childhood is the best part. Poor little Norma Jean never really had a chance, I'm surprised she didn't become a Serial Killer. Instead she spent years slowly killing herself. I did have some problems with the book, the author is all over the place when it comes to Jack & Bobby Kennedy. She barely knew them, she was obsessed with them, there was no relationship, she planned to marry one or both of them. I've read his books on The Kennedy Women and he states like its a fact that Marilyn was sleeping with both brothers but in this book he's almost afraid to darken Marilyn's reputation. He continuously reminds us that Marilyn wasn't a slut.
Who cares if she was?
Other than that I really enjoyed this book and I'll probably in the future read it a 3rd time.
Must read for Marilyn Monroe fans.
This is the second time I've read The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe and I must say I enjoyed it more this time. The first around I think I wanted juicy gossip and this book doesn't have that. Its just a straight forward biography of one the most famous women ever. The author tries to strip away the glossy image of Marilyn Monroe and instead he spends time introducing us to Norma Jean. The time spent on her childhood is the best part. Poor little Norma Jean never really had a chance, I'm surprised she didn't become a Serial Killer. Instead she spent years slowly killing herself. I did have some problems with the book, the author is all over the place when it comes to Jack & Bobby Kennedy. She barely knew them, she was obsessed with them, there was no relationship, she planned to marry one or both of them. I've read his books on The Kennedy Women and he states like its a fact that Marilyn was sleeping with both brothers but in this book he's almost afraid to darken Marilyn's reputation. He continuously reminds us that Marilyn wasn't a slut.
Who cares if she was?
Other than that I really enjoyed this book and I'll probably in the future read it a 3rd time.
Must read for Marilyn Monroe fans.
June 9, 2011
I recently finished an epic 500-page biography of the lovely Norma Jean entitled "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" by J. Randy Taraborrelli.
Let me preface this review by saying that I have never seen a Marilyn Monroe movie, nor read any books on her. I came into this with just an image of my head that was a compilation of her most famous photos and the preconceived thought that she and JFK had some good times.
I found this book to be completely engrossing...the tale is almost too good to be true in the sense that it reads like a work of fiction. It is hard to believe that Marilyn lived with so many demons, but her path to fame is nonetheless extraordinary.
Taraborrelli is a wonderful biographic writer. It was never dry or boring and filled the pages with such life and detail that a film documentary could probably stand toe-to-toe with its pages.
If you are a new to biographical works, this is a great first-read. Not that it's a "training-wheels" type of book in any sense, it is very dense and very long, but her life's story is so mesmerizing that you sometimes forget it was real.
I now look forward to watching some of Marilyn's work. Her trials, tribulations and many heartbreaks and mental breakdowns were hard to read at times, but in the end it seemed to only add to her goddess-like quality that makes her seem just a little bit unreal.
Highly recommended!
Let me preface this review by saying that I have never seen a Marilyn Monroe movie, nor read any books on her. I came into this with just an image of my head that was a compilation of her most famous photos and the preconceived thought that she and JFK had some good times.
I found this book to be completely engrossing...the tale is almost too good to be true in the sense that it reads like a work of fiction. It is hard to believe that Marilyn lived with so many demons, but her path to fame is nonetheless extraordinary.
Taraborrelli is a wonderful biographic writer. It was never dry or boring and filled the pages with such life and detail that a film documentary could probably stand toe-to-toe with its pages.
If you are a new to biographical works, this is a great first-read. Not that it's a "training-wheels" type of book in any sense, it is very dense and very long, but her life's story is so mesmerizing that you sometimes forget it was real.
I now look forward to watching some of Marilyn's work. Her trials, tribulations and many heartbreaks and mental breakdowns were hard to read at times, but in the end it seemed to only add to her goddess-like quality that makes her seem just a little bit unreal.
Highly recommended!
Read
May 18, 2022DNF
Marilyn found herself writhing around on a red velvet tarp, posing, preening, and pouting while arching her back to make even more obvious two of her greatest assets.
Yeeeah, I’m tapping out.. The writing is terrible and makes me feel like he’s making it up as he goes along. I feel like I’m not getting the whole story either, despite the fact it wasn’t written all that long ago (2009) It feels old-fashioned and misogynistic and yucky. No thanks.
The subject herself is fascinating but I have to hope there’s a better written biography out there somewhere.
Marilyn found herself writhing around on a red velvet tarp, posing, preening, and pouting while arching her back to make even more obvious two of her greatest assets.
Yeeeah, I’m tapping out.. The writing is terrible and makes me feel like he’s making it up as he goes along. I feel like I’m not getting the whole story either, despite the fact it wasn’t written all that long ago (2009) It feels old-fashioned and misogynistic and yucky. No thanks.
The subject herself is fascinating but I have to hope there’s a better written biography out there somewhere.
February 17, 2012
I have never been a fan of Marilyn Monroe. Not that I disliked her, I just didn't give her much thought. Then I saw a picture of her reading Ulysses. Anyone who reads Ulysses has my respect. Then I heard that she had more than 400 books in her personal library, including Middlemarch, Crime and Punishment, books by Nietzsche and books on Judaism, and I knew I had to know more about this woman who was apparently more than a stupid, blonde beauty icon.
Boy, what a life she had and what a complex woman. I think I have to make lists to be able to tell you what I thought of this book.
The first list:
Things that I admire about Marilyn Monroe/Norma Jeane:
1. She was a good, kind woman and a true friend. You get the sense that Marilyn was through and through a good person, always there for her friends, kind to her colleagues (when her problems didn't annoy the hell out of them) and she fought hard to help her mother which couldn't have been easy for her.
2. Her ability to start from rock bottom - or below that - and make something of herself through sheer determination and hard work
3. Her wit. She was an intelligent and fast-thinking woman with quotes that have gone down in history (who doesn't know her Chanel no. 5 comment, and when 20th Century Fox heard that there were nude pictures of her in circulation an angry boss asked Marilyn, "Is that you on those pictures?!" and Marilyn replied, "Yes, but I don't think they got me from my best angle.")
4. Her ability to turn bad publicity into good publicity.
5. Her indifference to money. Marilyn wasn't in the business for the money, but because she loved her art and ... well, she liked the limelight.
Reasons why I am thankful I am not Marilyn
1. Mental instability ran in the family. Her grandfather went crazy and died young, her grandmother went crazy too and her mother was diagnosed paranoid scizophrenic and spent most of her life in mental hospitals and institutions. When in her 20s, Marilyn started to hear voices. Imagine how scary that must have been. Marilyn knew that something was wrong with her, and ended up seeing doctors and psychiatrists almost daily. She also suffered from severe depressions for most of her life and tried to kill herself a couple of times.
2. Her pill addiction. Pills to fall asleep, pills to get up, pills to stay awake, pills to get through the day, pills to keep the voices out of her head, pills to keep her borderline paranoid scizophrenia in bay, etc. Add alcohol to this and you have a dangerous coctail.
3. Her taste in men. First husband Jim was possessive and wanted Marilyn to give up her career. She had married him at 16 to avoid going back to the orphanage. Second husband Joe was possessive and jealous and didn't like her career (do you see the pattern?). After the famous hot air-scene in the Seven Year Itch - you know, Marilyn in a white dress trying to keep the dress from flying up over her head - Jim beat her. Third husband Arthur Miller was intelligent, but didn't understand Marilyn's problems and dependence on him and the marriage was as good as over after 3 weeks.
4. Her childhood. She never knew her father, her mother was paranoid scizophrenic and Norma Jeane spent the first 7 years of her life with Wayne and Ida Bolender. Then she lived with her mother and a woman called Grace. Then another family. Then the orphanage. Then another family. And another family. Then she was back with Grace. Then an aunt Ana. Then Grace. Then she married Joe. Marilyn spent most of her life looking for a family, searching for stability, love, security. It is scary how many men she called "Dad" - lovers, husbands, father-in-laws, bosses... Pat Kennedy Lawford believed that Marilyn became obsessed with the Kennedy family because they were so loving and close-knit and they had each other's backs - they were everything that Marilyn wanted and had never had.
5. Her cribbling insecurity and self-doubts, made worse by her mental problems and pill addiction.
6. She was followed by the FBI. Imagine you are borderline paranoid scizophrenic and thinks that someone is always following you, and then, someone actually IS following you and knows your every move.
Things that annoyed me about this book
1. For some reason the author has to constantly remind us of how beautiful Marilyn is. "In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes she was stunningly beautiful", "when she walked into a room everyone stopped and stared at her, she was so beautiful" etc. I mean, it's Marilyn Monroe we are talking about. I know she is beautiful and don't need to be reminded of it every five pages.
2. People interviewed for this book can always remember just what Marilyn was wearing at certain events. "We had lunch at a restaurant. Marilyn was wearing a white blouse and a black skirt with flat, white shoes". How is it that everyone can always remember what Marilyn was wearing on any random day?
3. The author insisted that Marilyn always gave splendid performances and was always the show-stealer. Surely she must have given just one luke warm performance in her life?
4. When a disputed point is debated it is clear what the author's personal opinion is and he wants us to agree with him which I didn't like. He should have been more neutral.
5. At some point Taraborrelli says that no one knows how Marilyn and Frank Sinatra first got introduced, how they got to know each other. A few pages later he says that Frank Sinatra and Marilyn's husband Joe were good friends. So here's a crazy thought: They met through Joe?
But overall a very interesting book and I certainly learned a lot about Marilyn and all the odds she had against her. It is amazing that she went on to become one of the biggest movie legends of all time because life certainly wasn't kind to her. It was always one step forward, two steps back for her. But in spite of her chaotic and frightening life she had the ability to make people care for her and take an interest in her welfare which she was very much in need of. Today, 50 years after her death, I can't help both loving her and feeling very, very sorry for her.
____
P.S. I watched "My Week With Marilyn" yesterday. Michelle Williams was an excellent Marilyn I think, and Branagh a ditto Olivier. I really enjoyed the movie, though there wasn't much in the way of a plot
Boy, what a life she had and what a complex woman. I think I have to make lists to be able to tell you what I thought of this book.
The first list:
Things that I admire about Marilyn Monroe/Norma Jeane:
1. She was a good, kind woman and a true friend. You get the sense that Marilyn was through and through a good person, always there for her friends, kind to her colleagues (when her problems didn't annoy the hell out of them) and she fought hard to help her mother which couldn't have been easy for her.
2. Her ability to start from rock bottom - or below that - and make something of herself through sheer determination and hard work
3. Her wit. She was an intelligent and fast-thinking woman with quotes that have gone down in history (who doesn't know her Chanel no. 5 comment, and when 20th Century Fox heard that there were nude pictures of her in circulation an angry boss asked Marilyn, "Is that you on those pictures?!" and Marilyn replied, "Yes, but I don't think they got me from my best angle.")
4. Her ability to turn bad publicity into good publicity.
5. Her indifference to money. Marilyn wasn't in the business for the money, but because she loved her art and ... well, she liked the limelight.
Reasons why I am thankful I am not Marilyn
1. Mental instability ran in the family. Her grandfather went crazy and died young, her grandmother went crazy too and her mother was diagnosed paranoid scizophrenic and spent most of her life in mental hospitals and institutions. When in her 20s, Marilyn started to hear voices. Imagine how scary that must have been. Marilyn knew that something was wrong with her, and ended up seeing doctors and psychiatrists almost daily. She also suffered from severe depressions for most of her life and tried to kill herself a couple of times.
2. Her pill addiction. Pills to fall asleep, pills to get up, pills to stay awake, pills to get through the day, pills to keep the voices out of her head, pills to keep her borderline paranoid scizophrenia in bay, etc. Add alcohol to this and you have a dangerous coctail.
3. Her taste in men. First husband Jim was possessive and wanted Marilyn to give up her career. She had married him at 16 to avoid going back to the orphanage. Second husband Joe was possessive and jealous and didn't like her career (do you see the pattern?). After the famous hot air-scene in the Seven Year Itch - you know, Marilyn in a white dress trying to keep the dress from flying up over her head - Jim beat her. Third husband Arthur Miller was intelligent, but didn't understand Marilyn's problems and dependence on him and the marriage was as good as over after 3 weeks.
4. Her childhood. She never knew her father, her mother was paranoid scizophrenic and Norma Jeane spent the first 7 years of her life with Wayne and Ida Bolender. Then she lived with her mother and a woman called Grace. Then another family. Then the orphanage. Then another family. And another family. Then she was back with Grace. Then an aunt Ana. Then Grace. Then she married Joe. Marilyn spent most of her life looking for a family, searching for stability, love, security. It is scary how many men she called "Dad" - lovers, husbands, father-in-laws, bosses... Pat Kennedy Lawford believed that Marilyn became obsessed with the Kennedy family because they were so loving and close-knit and they had each other's backs - they were everything that Marilyn wanted and had never had.
5. Her cribbling insecurity and self-doubts, made worse by her mental problems and pill addiction.
6. She was followed by the FBI. Imagine you are borderline paranoid scizophrenic and thinks that someone is always following you, and then, someone actually IS following you and knows your every move.
Things that annoyed me about this book
1. For some reason the author has to constantly remind us of how beautiful Marilyn is. "In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes she was stunningly beautiful", "when she walked into a room everyone stopped and stared at her, she was so beautiful" etc. I mean, it's Marilyn Monroe we are talking about. I know she is beautiful and don't need to be reminded of it every five pages.
2. People interviewed for this book can always remember just what Marilyn was wearing at certain events. "We had lunch at a restaurant. Marilyn was wearing a white blouse and a black skirt with flat, white shoes". How is it that everyone can always remember what Marilyn was wearing on any random day?
3. The author insisted that Marilyn always gave splendid performances and was always the show-stealer. Surely she must have given just one luke warm performance in her life?
4. When a disputed point is debated it is clear what the author's personal opinion is and he wants us to agree with him which I didn't like. He should have been more neutral.
5. At some point Taraborrelli says that no one knows how Marilyn and Frank Sinatra first got introduced, how they got to know each other. A few pages later he says that Frank Sinatra and Marilyn's husband Joe were good friends. So here's a crazy thought: They met through Joe?
But overall a very interesting book and I certainly learned a lot about Marilyn and all the odds she had against her. It is amazing that she went on to become one of the biggest movie legends of all time because life certainly wasn't kind to her. It was always one step forward, two steps back for her. But in spite of her chaotic and frightening life she had the ability to make people care for her and take an interest in her welfare which she was very much in need of. Today, 50 years after her death, I can't help both loving her and feeling very, very sorry for her.
____
P.S. I watched "My Week With Marilyn" yesterday. Michelle Williams was an excellent Marilyn I think, and Branagh a ditto Olivier. I really enjoyed the movie, though there wasn't much in the way of a plot
May 19, 2011
I don't know what possess me to read Marilyn Monroe's biography. I do not even idolize her or pay attention to her that much. But one day, I decided, I am going to read up on her. It was one heck of a story the first two chapters, I was depressed, so I have to put it down. Yet I itch to find out how life was for her. From the innocent Norma Jean whose most relatives and guardians are irresponsible and selfish. Seriously her family history and background set her to doom. I think I would have set to the same path of mental illness if my life was like hers, whether or not my family has mental illness. I extremely dislike Grace, while it clearly showed that she did love her best friend daughter, she was not really the fit guardian. I mourn that Norma Jean was forced to leave Ida's care. I was shocked that Grace married of Norma Jean at 16, so she could be done with responsibilities of her. Her life story was tragic, from beginning till the end. All those glitter, all that beauty, the fame. It was all a fascade to what she is actually feeling inside. Now I understand, why people love her, until now even if she's been long gone.
May 6, 2022
Yes, I rewatched Smash and wanted to read a Marilyn Monroe biography XD This was a solid read, that lends particular insight into Marilyn's childhood, mother, family and personal history of mental illness, and general personality. It chronicles her rise and fall, as expected, and seemed well-sourced in terms of conclusions drawn/theories debunked.
That said, Monroe feels like the kind of figure I'd need to read a few books on to get a sense of how complete this one is. Generally I did feel like I never quite really knew her/fully grasped her as a woman... that could just be the woman and not the book, but who knows. I do wonder what a biography written by a woman might look like (and am keen to seek one out).
So my verdict is solid, did what I wanted, but I'm definitely keen to read a few other pieces on Marilyn as she was so complex.
That said, Monroe feels like the kind of figure I'd need to read a few books on to get a sense of how complete this one is. Generally I did feel like I never quite really knew her/fully grasped her as a woman... that could just be the woman and not the book, but who knows. I do wonder what a biography written by a woman might look like (and am keen to seek one out).
So my verdict is solid, did what I wanted, but I'm definitely keen to read a few other pieces on Marilyn as she was so complex.
July 7, 2022
“Marilyn Monroe was so much more than just a famous movie star. She was a vulnerable soul, a generous spirit, and a brave soldier in a devastating battle with her own mind.”
What I knew about Marilyn was that she sang happy birthday to JFK, she was something of a sex symbols in the 1950s and this image above was the only real reverence I had of her.
So this story was a revelation to me. Now the image I have of this iconic women is so different, and so sad.
The presentation and writing style of this book was not 100% to my liking and at one point I became a bit annoyed with the narrator's different voices, but the information give seem valuable and mostly accurate.
What I knew about Marilyn was that she sang happy birthday to JFK, she was something of a sex symbols in the 1950s and this image above was the only real reverence I had of her.
So this story was a revelation to me. Now the image I have of this iconic women is so different, and so sad.
The presentation and writing style of this book was not 100% to my liking and at one point I became a bit annoyed with the narrator's different voices, but the information give seem valuable and mostly accurate.
May 12, 2013
I started reading this in January when I didn't know anything about her. I figured she was an over blown celebrity and didn't have an opinion of her. After reading this book my opinion changed of her.
The writer did a wonderful job at portraying Marilyn's life. She was very intelligent and not only an amazing actress. This is a great book to read if you're curious about Marilyn. The writer uses evidence and allows you to question the statements he makes, and this book is not only an eye-opener of the "secret life" of Marilyn, but something I highly suggest.
I agree with the person who commented on the back of this book, every other book about her life from now on will be measured on this one.
The writer did a wonderful job at portraying Marilyn's life. She was very intelligent and not only an amazing actress. This is a great book to read if you're curious about Marilyn. The writer uses evidence and allows you to question the statements he makes, and this book is not only an eye-opener of the "secret life" of Marilyn, but something I highly suggest.
I agree with the person who commented on the back of this book, every other book about her life from now on will be measured on this one.
February 23, 2020
4.5**
This was so good! By far the best biography I've read this year, probably the best i've read ever - though I haven't read tons.
When I got to the final chapter I was struggling to continue because I knew Marilyn would obviously die and I was hoping she wouldn't, that someone would come rescue her, but alas no one did.
She had such an interesting journey; she came from nothing, never had a home and could never find one. She had a lot of mental health problems, as did her mother and grandmother. The Kennedy affair never really happened, contrary to popular belief, or at least it wasn't as big a deal as people make it out to be. Its very likely she slept with JFK over the weekend once, but they weren't in love, to him it was just a fling - however she became obsessed with him and that was part of the reason for her downfall.
Of course there's other factors though, mental health ran so strongly in her family she was basically doomed from the start!
My biggest complaint about this book is that I never felt like I really got in the skin of Marilyn Monroe; you always feel like an outsider looking in, or like your watching a friend sink further into their own demise. However, if I want to feel like I know Marilyn intimately perhaps I should read her autobiography; this book is quite factual but takes everything with a grain of salt, Taraborrelli always encourages his readers to question statements and sources - which I really liked!
This books also got me thinking a lot about conspiracy theories; before reading this I was familiar with the Marilyn Monroe conspiracy theory that the government killed her, and after reading this I'm quite certain that they didn't. I didn't believe it originally but I know lots of people who do, and this book prompted me to think about how little most conspiracy theorists really look into their theories. I understand that for most of us they're just a bit of fun and make life a little more interesting, but for the people who present thesis as fact really need to do more research (for example, ive heard so many times that Monroe and JFK were in love so they faked their own deaths just to live in peace together - but as I learnt from the book, there was barely even an affair between Kennedy and Monroe). This book has me thinking about how many people will go round preaching their conspiracies but then do the bare minimum research!
I haven't stopped thinking about miss Monroe since I finished this book, and its been awhile since ive put down a book and been as blown away as I am right now! Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend not just far Monroe fans but for anyone just looking for a good biography.
This was so good! By far the best biography I've read this year, probably the best i've read ever - though I haven't read tons.
When I got to the final chapter I was struggling to continue because I knew Marilyn would obviously die and I was hoping she wouldn't, that someone would come rescue her, but alas no one did.
She had such an interesting journey; she came from nothing, never had a home and could never find one. She had a lot of mental health problems, as did her mother and grandmother. The Kennedy affair never really happened, contrary to popular belief, or at least it wasn't as big a deal as people make it out to be. Its very likely she slept with JFK over the weekend once, but they weren't in love, to him it was just a fling - however she became obsessed with him and that was part of the reason for her downfall.
Of course there's other factors though, mental health ran so strongly in her family she was basically doomed from the start!
My biggest complaint about this book is that I never felt like I really got in the skin of Marilyn Monroe; you always feel like an outsider looking in, or like your watching a friend sink further into their own demise. However, if I want to feel like I know Marilyn intimately perhaps I should read her autobiography; this book is quite factual but takes everything with a grain of salt, Taraborrelli always encourages his readers to question statements and sources - which I really liked!
This books also got me thinking a lot about conspiracy theories; before reading this I was familiar with the Marilyn Monroe conspiracy theory that the government killed her, and after reading this I'm quite certain that they didn't. I didn't believe it originally but I know lots of people who do, and this book prompted me to think about how little most conspiracy theorists really look into their theories. I understand that for most of us they're just a bit of fun and make life a little more interesting, but for the people who present thesis as fact really need to do more research (for example, ive heard so many times that Monroe and JFK were in love so they faked their own deaths just to live in peace together - but as I learnt from the book, there was barely even an affair between Kennedy and Monroe). This book has me thinking about how many people will go round preaching their conspiracies but then do the bare minimum research!
I haven't stopped thinking about miss Monroe since I finished this book, and its been awhile since ive put down a book and been as blown away as I am right now! Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend not just far Monroe fans but for anyone just looking for a good biography.
March 23, 2013
This is one of the best biographies I have ever read (not that I have ready many), but I have no complaints. The author takes you on a journey through Marilyn’s life from beginning to after her death. He focuses on everything I wanted to know about: her mother, childhood, men in her life and the movies. I felt that I got a complete picture of Marilyn’s life and I found it absolutely fascinating!
Source
I now fully understand the fascination with Marilyn Monroe! She went through so much heartache and setbacks in her life, and yet she is was one of the biggest movies stars of all time. The men in her life treated her like property, they tried to control her, and some even attributed to her paranoia. And yet she kept on trying, she kept on looking for love and I wish with my whole heart that she would have found it in time.
At the back of this book there are images of Marilyn and the people in her life – I found these very interesting and I loved seeing everyone that was talked about in the book.
I also found the writing thoughtful and the author presented the facts to me, so I could form my own opinion. The author also tried to be fair to everyone that affected Marilyn’s life and I came out feeling that this was a job well done!
I couldn’t help but completely falling under Marilyn’s spell while reading this novel – I even watched a few old movies and started Tumblr’ing. So count me among one of Marilyn Monroe’s fans and I will definitely be reading more about her. And even more biographies, I can only hope that they are as great as this one was!
Source
I now fully understand the fascination with Marilyn Monroe! She went through so much heartache and setbacks in her life, and yet she is was one of the biggest movies stars of all time. The men in her life treated her like property, they tried to control her, and some even attributed to her paranoia. And yet she kept on trying, she kept on looking for love and I wish with my whole heart that she would have found it in time.
At the back of this book there are images of Marilyn and the people in her life – I found these very interesting and I loved seeing everyone that was talked about in the book.
I also found the writing thoughtful and the author presented the facts to me, so I could form my own opinion. The author also tried to be fair to everyone that affected Marilyn’s life and I came out feeling that this was a job well done!
I couldn’t help but completely falling under Marilyn’s spell while reading this novel – I even watched a few old movies and started Tumblr’ing. So count me among one of Marilyn Monroe’s fans and I will definitely be reading more about her. And even more biographies, I can only hope that they are as great as this one was!
June 14, 2015
"This is a story of a girl named Norma Jean Mortenson. She thrived despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles and almost impossible odds. She created and became a woman more fascinating that she ever believed possible. And in the face of her own failing mind, she battled to keep the creation alive-- not for her, but for us."
Although this is such a tragic story, it is very well-written and gives a detailed account of Marilyn Monroe's entire life-- not just her movie star days.
Reading this really made me feel more empathy for Marilyn. As I read this, it occurred to me how quickly (and easily) we are to judge others' misfortunes and choices. This book has reminded me not to judge a book by its cover (both figuratively and literally). We never truly know what others have been through unless we have walked in their shoes.
Although this is such a tragic story, it is very well-written and gives a detailed account of Marilyn Monroe's entire life-- not just her movie star days.
Reading this really made me feel more empathy for Marilyn. As I read this, it occurred to me how quickly (and easily) we are to judge others' misfortunes and choices. This book has reminded me not to judge a book by its cover (both figuratively and literally). We never truly know what others have been through unless we have walked in their shoes.
February 11, 2022
This Marilyn Monroe biography is written from a very distinct angle: it puts her mental health at the forefront of her life story, focusing on her relationship with her mother, from whom she had inherited what psychiatrists had diagnosed as “paranoid schizophrenia.” I think that this was a very interesting and successful way of laying out Marilyn’s life; it felt more personal, relatable, and serves as a good example of the utter misery mental illness can wreak upon a person.
I feel like wherever Taraborrelli could make possible explanations of Marilyn’s behaviours he would, but he remains tastefully vague enough about the origins of her problems. There’s no need to get into a fruitless biological versus behavioral debate here. I really appreciated how empathetic the author is toward Marilyn Monroe. He neither dismisses nor passes judgment on her actions, which is honestly refreshing, especially considering that the people actually in Marilyn’s life were much less understanding.
However, I have some issues with the way both Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra were presented. It is clear from the mere recounting of events that the things they did to Marilyn were shockingly horrible—unforgivable, in my opinion—but Taraborrelli clearly wants to leave the reader with the sense that, though they made some bad calls, overall they were well-intentioned guys who truly cared about Marilyn.
Look, I’m all for plurality in people, and Joe DiMaggio breaking Marilyn Monroe out of the insane asylum is incredibly gripping stuff. But since he was both physically, economically, and mentally abusive of Marilyn while they were married, I would hesitate to label this particular relationship as “true love,” which is what Taraborrelli does. It really minimizes the awful things he did. He was a controlling abuser in pretty much every sense of the word.
I won’t even get into all the nonsense with Sinatra, but suffice it to say it has put a significant damper on my enjoyment of his music (which I really do love, by the way).
But, let me just say, that words on a page will always fail to do the gorgeous and charismatic Marilyn Monroe justice. Luckily, a camera can. Here is my favorite clip of her of all time.
She was an extraordinary woman. And I really, truly, appreciate her work all the more now.
I feel like wherever Taraborrelli could make possible explanations of Marilyn’s behaviours he would, but he remains tastefully vague enough about the origins of her problems. There’s no need to get into a fruitless biological versus behavioral debate here. I really appreciated how empathetic the author is toward Marilyn Monroe. He neither dismisses nor passes judgment on her actions, which is honestly refreshing, especially considering that the people actually in Marilyn’s life were much less understanding.
However, I have some issues with the way both Joe DiMaggio and Frank Sinatra were presented. It is clear from the mere recounting of events that the things they did to Marilyn were shockingly horrible—unforgivable, in my opinion—but Taraborrelli clearly wants to leave the reader with the sense that, though they made some bad calls, overall they were well-intentioned guys who truly cared about Marilyn.
Look, I’m all for plurality in people, and Joe DiMaggio breaking Marilyn Monroe out of the insane asylum is incredibly gripping stuff. But since he was both physically, economically, and mentally abusive of Marilyn while they were married, I would hesitate to label this particular relationship as “true love,” which is what Taraborrelli does. It really minimizes the awful things he did. He was a controlling abuser in pretty much every sense of the word.
I won’t even get into all the nonsense with Sinatra, but suffice it to say it has put a significant damper on my enjoyment of his music (which I really do love, by the way).
But, let me just say, that words on a page will always fail to do the gorgeous and charismatic Marilyn Monroe justice. Luckily, a camera can. Here is my favorite clip of her of all time.
She was an extraordinary woman. And I really, truly, appreciate her work all the more now.
January 14, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed it! JRT tells a story very well, the characters quite vivid in my mind as Marilyn's life unfolded in the pages.
I can be such a nit-picker when it comes to details of Marilyn's life. Primary, the name on her birth certificate is Mortenson, with a O. Throughout the book it's spelled Mortensen with an E, the spelling of Gladys's second husband, but not her daughter. It's always important to get a person's name spelled right.
The whole mix up of the chapter of "Jasper Dies" is another big mistake. Not very thorough research, and I am surprised no one else caught these obvious whoppers before it hit the presses.
I loved this book most for the research and telling of Marilyn's relationships, especially the women in her life; Gladys, Ida, Grace, Ana, Natasha, Berniece, and Pat Kennedy. Surprising little attention compared to previous biographies was paid to Paula and Lee Strasberg, Eunice Murray, Ralph Greenson, and Pat Newcomb, in my opinion. Another reason why the serious Marilyn student/fan needs to read a full spectrum of bio's on her before they see the whole person and all of her complexities.
Just my opinion, I don't think Marilyn was as mentally ill as she is made out to be in the book, but who knows. I do think she was pron to clinical depression with bi-polar personality, but progressively psychotic, hearing voices, and Thorazine? I'm not convinced it was so, and I am in my third decade of studying Marilyn.
It reminds me of the time Marilyn quipped about hearing voices in her head to Susan Strasberg that she had "a whole committee" - in perfect Marilyn dry wit. Not taken literally at all. One of the most important details of Donald Spoto's biography on Marilyn was the medical explanation for the mental illness of Marilyn's grandparents, and her mother Gladys too. It made perfect logical sense to me.
Taraborrelli's portrayal of Gladys was incredible and haunting, and very believable.
As far as Marilyn's romance or non-romance with the Kennedy's go, that too will remain for us to each decide what we believe. I don't think one weekend with JFK set Marilyn on the coarse that played out in the book. I just don't believe Marilyn went that gaa-gaa for him, I think she was a smarter more sophisticated woman than that. I've always felt that if Marilyn actually fell for one of the Kennedy's it would have been Bobby. I think she so would have been drawn to the sensitive, compassionate side of his personality.
I'm not sure about all the sources to these important points in her life...
My favorite chapter was "Gladys: I Don't Say Goodbye". I cried, it was so well told.
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J Randy Taraborrelli is now on my short list of recommended "must reads" for anyone admiring Marilyn.
x0x
Mary
I can be such a nit-picker when it comes to details of Marilyn's life. Primary, the name on her birth certificate is Mortenson, with a O. Throughout the book it's spelled Mortensen with an E, the spelling of Gladys's second husband, but not her daughter. It's always important to get a person's name spelled right.
The whole mix up of the chapter of "Jasper Dies" is another big mistake. Not very thorough research, and I am surprised no one else caught these obvious whoppers before it hit the presses.
I loved this book most for the research and telling of Marilyn's relationships, especially the women in her life; Gladys, Ida, Grace, Ana, Natasha, Berniece, and Pat Kennedy. Surprising little attention compared to previous biographies was paid to Paula and Lee Strasberg, Eunice Murray, Ralph Greenson, and Pat Newcomb, in my opinion. Another reason why the serious Marilyn student/fan needs to read a full spectrum of bio's on her before they see the whole person and all of her complexities.
Just my opinion, I don't think Marilyn was as mentally ill as she is made out to be in the book, but who knows. I do think she was pron to clinical depression with bi-polar personality, but progressively psychotic, hearing voices, and Thorazine? I'm not convinced it was so, and I am in my third decade of studying Marilyn.
It reminds me of the time Marilyn quipped about hearing voices in her head to Susan Strasberg that she had "a whole committee" - in perfect Marilyn dry wit. Not taken literally at all. One of the most important details of Donald Spoto's biography on Marilyn was the medical explanation for the mental illness of Marilyn's grandparents, and her mother Gladys too. It made perfect logical sense to me.
Taraborrelli's portrayal of Gladys was incredible and haunting, and very believable.
As far as Marilyn's romance or non-romance with the Kennedy's go, that too will remain for us to each decide what we believe. I don't think one weekend with JFK set Marilyn on the coarse that played out in the book. I just don't believe Marilyn went that gaa-gaa for him, I think she was a smarter more sophisticated woman than that. I've always felt that if Marilyn actually fell for one of the Kennedy's it would have been Bobby. I think she so would have been drawn to the sensitive, compassionate side of his personality.
I'm not sure about all the sources to these important points in her life...
My favorite chapter was "Gladys: I Don't Say Goodbye". I cried, it was so well told.
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J Randy Taraborrelli is now on my short list of recommended "must reads" for anyone admiring Marilyn.
x0x
Mary
April 13, 2015
Many biographies have been written about Marilyn Monroe. She was born under the name of Norma Jeane Mortenson in the charity ward of the Los Angeles County Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA on June 1, 1926. She was a Golden Globe Award winning American actress, singer, model and pop icon. She became known for her comedic skills and screen presence, going on to become one of the most popular movie stars of the 1950s. Later in her career, she worked towards serious roles with a measure of success. However, longstanding problems were exacerbated by disappointments in both her career and personal life during her later years. Her death on August 5, 1962 has been subject to speculation and conspiracy theories.
I found this biography by J. Randy Taraborrelli in my local library and I decided to read it to try to separate the fact from the fiction. He is an American journalist and biographer. Taraborrelli was born February 29, 1956 in Califonia, USA and is an author known for his biographies of contemporary entertainers and political figures. In The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe the author draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress’ life, including her mother, foster mother, and legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn’s own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn’s father and the half-brother she never knew. He has also uncovered new information about her relationships Robert Kennedy, John F Kennedy, and Pat Kennedy Lawford.
When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn’s world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never previously been told. In this groundbreaking book Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress’ life, including her mother, her foster mother and her legal guardian.
Marilyn was beautiful but damaged. She was the ultimate sex symbol, publicly celebrated, privately unhappy; that is why Marilyn Monroe’s tumultuous life and untimely death continue to fascinate us. The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli is explosive, revelatory and surprisingly moving. It is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the twentieth century.
I found this biography by J. Randy Taraborrelli in my local library and I decided to read it to try to separate the fact from the fiction. He is an American journalist and biographer. Taraborrelli was born February 29, 1956 in Califonia, USA and is an author known for his biographies of contemporary entertainers and political figures. In The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe the author draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress’ life, including her mother, foster mother, and legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn’s own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn’s father and the half-brother she never knew. He has also uncovered new information about her relationships Robert Kennedy, John F Kennedy, and Pat Kennedy Lawford.
When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn’s world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never previously been told. In this groundbreaking book Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress’ life, including her mother, her foster mother and her legal guardian.
Marilyn was beautiful but damaged. She was the ultimate sex symbol, publicly celebrated, privately unhappy; that is why Marilyn Monroe’s tumultuous life and untimely death continue to fascinate us. The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli is explosive, revelatory and surprisingly moving. It is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the twentieth century.
August 9, 2012
I bought this book because it was on sale for $4 and I thought "Why not?" Unfortunately, the author is clearly biased in Monroe's favor, and painted a very favorable picture of her as being good, decent, talented, and so on, if also mentally ill and ,therefore, a victim. In addition to his obvious bias, he left out a lot of details about Marilyn's life that I had read in other places. For instance, a few years ago, Playboy released an article documenting an audio tape she had made a few days before her death to her psychiatrist, in which she describes in great detail sexual encounters with various celebrities including Joan Crawford. But the author of this book never mentions that tape nor the info it contained. It is known that Marilyn often invented tales for her own image, but in a private tape to her psychiatrist it's not likely she was lying. I think that in choosing to not acknowledge that tape, this author is purposefully leaving out things that make Marilyn look bad. It also makes me wonder what else he's leaving out.
I also find it questionable that the people he has interviewed all seem to have such an amazing memory for details that occurred over 50 years ago, down to exactly what Marilyn was wearing in her daily life and exactly what words were spoken. It makes me suspicious that a lot of this information could be fabricated; if we're only relying on the words of people involved so long ago, how can we be sure any of it is true?
For a book that claims to be the new, definitive biography of Marilyn, I found it highly lacking. It was breezy to read, but I found the chronological order of things to be a bit out of whack. And the author's obvious adoration of Marilyn got on my nerves considerably. I guess it was worth the $4, and it was interesting, but yeah, that's about it.
I also find it questionable that the people he has interviewed all seem to have such an amazing memory for details that occurred over 50 years ago, down to exactly what Marilyn was wearing in her daily life and exactly what words were spoken. It makes me suspicious that a lot of this information could be fabricated; if we're only relying on the words of people involved so long ago, how can we be sure any of it is true?
For a book that claims to be the new, definitive biography of Marilyn, I found it highly lacking. It was breezy to read, but I found the chronological order of things to be a bit out of whack. And the author's obvious adoration of Marilyn got on my nerves considerably. I guess it was worth the $4, and it was interesting, but yeah, that's about it.
March 9, 2013
I left the Marilyn Monroe story more than 30 years ago having read Norman Mailer's "Marilyn" and Fred Guilles' "Norma Jean: The Life of Marilyn Monroe". The character of Marilyn was not of interest to Mailer and the gossip was. My vague memory of Guilles is that he made a lot of her as a fatherless child. Both by-passed an exploration of her relationship with her mother who was alive at the time of their publications. I don't know much of the considerable research since that time, but it appears that this is a new and long delayed analysis.
Taraborelli demonstrates how Marilyn's relationship with her mother and her family heredity are the determining factors in her life and career. This background holds Marilyn Monroe's stunning story together as nothing else does. Without it, her life, the rumors, the innuendo, etc. are just plain mystifying. Besides the historical record, the story has importance for, and may provide comfort to, the many families who suffer from having a loved one with a mental illness.
The book prompts my interest in "Marilyn: Norma Jeane" with the text by Gloria Steinem, Photographs by George Barris, which I will read. I presume Steinem takes a different tack. The friendship of Gladys and Grace is astounding. Perhaps this set the stage for Marilyn's later reliance on female friends, her half-sister, and a host of female professionals. I did not know of her stands against the studios, nor of her formation of her own production company.
I appreciated the sensitivity that Taraborelli gives to the many people in her orbit. He explains their role and does not judge a one of them.
Many books of this scale are team efforts, but this is the first one that I have seen where the author seems to be genuinely sharing the credit.
Taraborelli demonstrates how Marilyn's relationship with her mother and her family heredity are the determining factors in her life and career. This background holds Marilyn Monroe's stunning story together as nothing else does. Without it, her life, the rumors, the innuendo, etc. are just plain mystifying. Besides the historical record, the story has importance for, and may provide comfort to, the many families who suffer from having a loved one with a mental illness.
The book prompts my interest in "Marilyn: Norma Jeane" with the text by Gloria Steinem, Photographs by George Barris, which I will read. I presume Steinem takes a different tack. The friendship of Gladys and Grace is astounding. Perhaps this set the stage for Marilyn's later reliance on female friends, her half-sister, and a host of female professionals. I did not know of her stands against the studios, nor of her formation of her own production company.
I appreciated the sensitivity that Taraborelli gives to the many people in her orbit. He explains their role and does not judge a one of them.
Many books of this scale are team efforts, but this is the first one that I have seen where the author seems to be genuinely sharing the credit.
March 22, 2010
Okay, I need to preface this by saying that I'm not a huge Marilyn Monroe fan...I can appreciate what a beautiful woman she was, but I've never seen any of her movies and don't really understand why she's so iconic. And after listening to this book, I still don't understand. It sounds to me like the only redeeming quality she had was her remarkable beauty. The author goes to great lengths to tell us how intelligent she was and how she resented always being given dumb blonde roles, but frankly, Paris Hilton has made the same assertions. Yes, she showed signs of being mentally ill and yes, she had a rough childhood (although her youth wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. There were people in her life who truly loved her, even if her mother wasn't one of them), but these were things that she could have overcome if she wasn't too busy milking the "lost little girl" schtick.
Again, I haven't seen any of her films, so I'm willing to accept the widely-held belief that she did display acting talent in some of her films, but is that really why we remember her? No, it's not...we remember her because she's the original Hollywood cautionary tale, a train wreck we can't keep from watching, the forebear of Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and other famous girls who are the path to self-destruction. Really, aren't there any better role models out there?
Again, I haven't seen any of her films, so I'm willing to accept the widely-held belief that she did display acting talent in some of her films, but is that really why we remember her? No, it's not...we remember her because she's the original Hollywood cautionary tale, a train wreck we can't keep from watching, the forebear of Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and other famous girls who are the path to self-destruction. Really, aren't there any better role models out there?
March 22, 2016
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Marilyn Monroe. It's detailed, eloquent, and written so that the reader feels like they personally knew the actress. A truly beautiful, yet heartbreaking book.
May 14, 2012
Hediye gelmişti , pek M. Monroe seven birisi değilim o yüzden belki kitap ilgimi çekmedi ama Allah için *taş gibi kadınmış rahmetli :)
July 8, 2017
I knew Marilyn Monroe had a tragic life, however I never realized the extent of it before reading Taraborrelli's book. This book made me appreciate her career so much more.
April 20, 2021
I am not a Marilyn Monroe fan. I was born in 2003, and you guessed it, I should be crazy over TikTokers now, or maybe the Kardashians. But, I am here, pouring all of my thoughts regarding the 500ish pages book of one of the most iconic prima donna of all time, Marilyn Monroe's biography. It took me four days to finally finished reading this book, and I would read more of her if the book were longer. I was always curious when it comes to Marilyn. She was the hottest tea during the 50s, and it intrigued me since I heard about her mysterious death.
So far, before I read this book, I only had a glimpse of knowledge about her life. I never knew Marilyn had a very rough and tragic life, which is actually unsurprising. Hence the depression, pills, gossips, etc.
I loved how specific Mr. Taraborrelli wrote her life story. It was like studying math problems in the craziest ways, but in words. When I start reading, throughout the pages, I kept processing and absorbing all the situations and circumstances happening in Marilyn's life then: chapters by chapters, parts by parts, and pages by pages. It was overwhelming. Marilyn Monroe's life story is overwhelming.
I keep thinking: it must be hard for her. All of her sadness, depression, dark days, her love life, and all of her youth times, it was hard to process. Knowing that Marilyn experienced all those kinds of incidents and events put me in any aspects of odd way; uncomfortable. Before I dived into the main stories, the chapter's title gave a glimpse of clues about what is going on ahead. And, that always had me prepared.
I have no regret reading Marilyn's biography book. Right before I picked this one up, I read My Story. So, I got to see her life from both perspectives. Marilyn Monroe's story was the first non-fiction book I've ever read, and it didn't fail me. I'm glad that I got to learn things from her life story, and never have I ever felt more curious about someone's life more than her's. Well, besides Michael Jackson's, who is one of my favorite artists of all times. It would be the next biography book I would be reading from this author.
So far, before I read this book, I only had a glimpse of knowledge about her life. I never knew Marilyn had a very rough and tragic life, which is actually unsurprising. Hence the depression, pills, gossips, etc.
I loved how specific Mr. Taraborrelli wrote her life story. It was like studying math problems in the craziest ways, but in words. When I start reading, throughout the pages, I kept processing and absorbing all the situations and circumstances happening in Marilyn's life then: chapters by chapters, parts by parts, and pages by pages. It was overwhelming. Marilyn Monroe's life story is overwhelming.
I keep thinking: it must be hard for her. All of her sadness, depression, dark days, her love life, and all of her youth times, it was hard to process. Knowing that Marilyn experienced all those kinds of incidents and events put me in any aspects of odd way; uncomfortable. Before I dived into the main stories, the chapter's title gave a glimpse of clues about what is going on ahead. And, that always had me prepared.
I have no regret reading Marilyn's biography book. Right before I picked this one up, I read My Story. So, I got to see her life from both perspectives. Marilyn Monroe's story was the first non-fiction book I've ever read, and it didn't fail me. I'm glad that I got to learn things from her life story, and never have I ever felt more curious about someone's life more than her's. Well, besides Michael Jackson's, who is one of my favorite artists of all times. It would be the next biography book I would be reading from this author.
April 14, 2023
I found this biography to be compulsively readable. I also appreciated that it didn't seem overly biased for or against Marilyn. I mean I think the author leaned toward a bias *for* Marilyn, but he still was willing to acknowledge her flaws and complexities. This book also made me want to go and watch all of her movies now. Would definitely recommend if you're a Marilyn fan.
March 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot of new info that I didn’t know. Marilyn was such a Beautiful person. She went through a lot of heartaches as a child. These things followed her into adulthood. She was successful and famous , although not able to let the people that had only her best interests in mind help her.
December 29, 2023
2 ⭐️
I didn't enjoy this book very much. If anyone has good recommendations on Marilyn Monroe's biography, I'm all ears.
I didn't enjoy this book very much. If anyone has good recommendations on Marilyn Monroe's biography, I'm all ears.
December 6, 2009
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli is in essense a story of Beauty and the Beast. A beautiful young woman with so much potential who is chased throughout her life by the beast of disappointment, heartbreak, abuse, drugs and doubtful self esteem. A story of a beautiful young woman whose life is but a roller coaster ride with so many ups and down it's no wonder the tragic outcome.
I must confess this is the first I have read of this actress and am glad for the opportunity to hear it from an author that has taken the time to get the facts from reliable sources so as to give us a true rendition of what really went on behind the closed doors of America's Sweetheart. Even though I was but a young child when Marilyn Monroe met her tragic end I still remember so much emphasis on the most beautiful woman that ever lived. The two people I do remember from this time period are Marilyn Monroe and JFK. Two people whose lives impacted so many and ended so tragically.
The author starts this story before Marilyn is even thought of and the circumstances that bring about her life. A story starting with her grandmother giving us important background that will give us some understanding of the vicious cycle of all that is good and bad in life. A telling of no matter what station you hold in life and how the happiness and cruelties can latch onto you as easily as a cold germ from the sneeze of a sick person in a grocery store.
This story talks about Marilyn's loves, marriages, affairs. Her achievements from hard word and failings from human frailty. People she knew that influenced her to the point of almost truly possessing her. Bad choices and good choices she made and how each and every one affected the outcome of her life. The story makes you think of what if she had made a different choice and how fate would have handled her. A story that will touch you in many ways and open your eyes to how good your life really is in comparison.
I must confess this is the first I have read of this actress and am glad for the opportunity to hear it from an author that has taken the time to get the facts from reliable sources so as to give us a true rendition of what really went on behind the closed doors of America's Sweetheart. Even though I was but a young child when Marilyn Monroe met her tragic end I still remember so much emphasis on the most beautiful woman that ever lived. The two people I do remember from this time period are Marilyn Monroe and JFK. Two people whose lives impacted so many and ended so tragically.
The author starts this story before Marilyn is even thought of and the circumstances that bring about her life. A story starting with her grandmother giving us important background that will give us some understanding of the vicious cycle of all that is good and bad in life. A telling of no matter what station you hold in life and how the happiness and cruelties can latch onto you as easily as a cold germ from the sneeze of a sick person in a grocery store.
This story talks about Marilyn's loves, marriages, affairs. Her achievements from hard word and failings from human frailty. People she knew that influenced her to the point of almost truly possessing her. Bad choices and good choices she made and how each and every one affected the outcome of her life. The story makes you think of what if she had made a different choice and how fate would have handled her. A story that will touch you in many ways and open your eyes to how good your life really is in comparison.
August 1, 2012
J. Randy Taraborrelli is one of my favorite biographers of all time. I always know that when I read his books I will get the full story and that he has done is massive research behind what he writes. Needless to say he did not let me down in this book.
Marilyn Monroe has become such a wordly icon that her life and death drives many curiousities. Her death left mamy questions unanswered. Her life was not always glamorous, instead I found it to be actually very sad. Even though she became Hollywood's sex bombshell, she led a very lonely unloved life. From the time she was born she was pretty much alone going from foster home to foster home. I think throughout the rest of her life she tried to look for that type of real love from the many people that surrounded her.
There were many interesting facts stated in the book that I didnt know about her. For example, her birth mother was born in Mexico and mental illness ran in her family.
After reading this book and seeing all the different theories behind her death it is hard for me to say how I think she died. It could possibly have been a suicide being that she had tried to commit suicide 2 previous times and that mental illness ran in her family, & towards the last years of her life she became depressed and was very drug dependant. At the same time however, I can see why it is also believed that the Kennedy brothers had her murdered. They were very powerful and the relationship they both (Bobby & JFK) had with her seemed to have been unwanted by the brothers. I think they just used her for sex and when they got tired of it they just wanted to rid themselves of her.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. Especially if you a Marilyn Monroe fan it is a MUST READ. I hope Marilyn found the love & happiness in heaven that she couldn't find here on earth.
Marilyn Monroe has become such a wordly icon that her life and death drives many curiousities. Her death left mamy questions unanswered. Her life was not always glamorous, instead I found it to be actually very sad. Even though she became Hollywood's sex bombshell, she led a very lonely unloved life. From the time she was born she was pretty much alone going from foster home to foster home. I think throughout the rest of her life she tried to look for that type of real love from the many people that surrounded her.
There were many interesting facts stated in the book that I didnt know about her. For example, her birth mother was born in Mexico and mental illness ran in her family.
After reading this book and seeing all the different theories behind her death it is hard for me to say how I think she died. It could possibly have been a suicide being that she had tried to commit suicide 2 previous times and that mental illness ran in her family, & towards the last years of her life she became depressed and was very drug dependant. At the same time however, I can see why it is also believed that the Kennedy brothers had her murdered. They were very powerful and the relationship they both (Bobby & JFK) had with her seemed to have been unwanted by the brothers. I think they just used her for sex and when they got tired of it they just wanted to rid themselves of her.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. Especially if you a Marilyn Monroe fan it is a MUST READ. I hope Marilyn found the love & happiness in heaven that she couldn't find here on earth.
September 13, 2009
From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture. When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now. In this groundbreaking book, Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress' life, including her mother, her foster mother, and her legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn's own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn's father and the half-brother she never knew, and new information about her relationship with the Kennedy's-Bobby, Jack, and Pat Kennedy Lawford. Explosive, revelatory, and surprisingly moving, this is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the 20th Century.
*****Rate this well-written book about Marilyn as 5/5. I like the fact that the author did extensive research prior to writing it. There have been many misconceptions about her life and a lot of unknown facts. This book covers it all. I have read many books on Marilyn, but this is the most researched and well-written one by far
*****Rate this well-written book about Marilyn as 5/5. I like the fact that the author did extensive research prior to writing it. There have been many misconceptions about her life and a lot of unknown facts. This book covers it all. I have read many books on Marilyn, but this is the most researched and well-written one by far
November 10, 2011
This was a good book. It's amazing that Marilyn or Norma Jean, had the strength to get as far as she did and live to realize her dream of becoming famous. I think her life would have turned of differently, if she was allowed to stay with the foster family that was taking care of her. Her mother, while I am sure she actually did love her, she never had her daughter's best interests at heart.
It is also a case of a big celebrity using their fame and fortune to get what they want from doctors who are too "fame struck" or greedy to say no to a celebrity. Marilyn used her fame and fortune and maybe even her feminine whiles to get the drugs she wanted from Doctors. If one Doctor didn't want to give them to her, she would "shop" around until she found one.
This book shows that she was an intelligent woman, but because of the way she was raised, and the people she was surrounded by, she was a very insecure person who used drugs to escape the demons who haunted her, and sometimes used the drugs as a way of getting sympathy from people who would come running to "save" her.
It is also a case of a big celebrity using their fame and fortune to get what they want from doctors who are too "fame struck" or greedy to say no to a celebrity. Marilyn used her fame and fortune and maybe even her feminine whiles to get the drugs she wanted from Doctors. If one Doctor didn't want to give them to her, she would "shop" around until she found one.
This book shows that she was an intelligent woman, but because of the way she was raised, and the people she was surrounded by, she was a very insecure person who used drugs to escape the demons who haunted her, and sometimes used the drugs as a way of getting sympathy from people who would come running to "save" her.
August 10, 2013
I have always idolized Marilyn Monroe, but I never did too much reading about her. I read this book and my appreciation for her has multiplied tenfold. It was my first Marilyn biography, and it could be my last (though it probably won't be).
The problem with Marilyn was that she was very troubled and had many issues, one of which was lying. So many accounts of events in her life, are based on lies, and people took them as truth. This book attempts to set them straight as. What I appreciate most is he doesn't say "This is true, this is not." He presents all of the evidence and sources of stories, explains why each source might not be trusted or why it should be questioned, and leads you make your own assumptions. Much of her life is unknown, and we will never know for sure what exactly happened and why, but at least we can understand the woman and her motivations a little clearer.
It was a fascinating read, and the way all of the information was presented is how I wish all biographies were written. I will definitely be reading more of Taraborrelli's books soon.
The problem with Marilyn was that she was very troubled and had many issues, one of which was lying. So many accounts of events in her life, are based on lies, and people took them as truth. This book attempts to set them straight as. What I appreciate most is he doesn't say "This is true, this is not." He presents all of the evidence and sources of stories, explains why each source might not be trusted or why it should be questioned, and leads you make your own assumptions. Much of her life is unknown, and we will never know for sure what exactly happened and why, but at least we can understand the woman and her motivations a little clearer.
It was a fascinating read, and the way all of the information was presented is how I wish all biographies were written. I will definitely be reading more of Taraborrelli's books soon.
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