I have always wanted to find a good book telling the story of Marilyn Monroe but this ...
342431
I have always wanted to find a good book telling the story of Marilyn Monroe but this is definitely not it. I couldn't finish it as the style it is written in I found hard to follow and I found myself getting bored while reading it.
1540490
I haven't read this one in a couple years but it still stands out as one of the best written about Marilyn. It gives great detail into the last year or two of her life. This is not a slow-paced or boring read, its very engrossing & will keep you flipping the pages! Recommended to any Marilyn fan & its one of the favs in my MM library.
3102414
I chose this book simply because of its nature. I have always been interested in the happenings of the Salem Witch Trials. I started researching it because of a school project and continued because I was just interested in the wonder of it all. I have always loved anything to do with witchcraft. The fact that this book is filled with so much history is just a plus to me.

This is the story of a young girl who desperately wants to fit in. But, soon trouble begins and she must either go with it or tell the truth. She fights with her feelings on the matter throughout the book, while her family is persecuted along with many others. You soon feel for her because she fears for her family and keeps quiet for too long.

Based on my research, I can say this book is filled with history. While it is a work of fiction, it is still full of the facts and history of this major event. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading many more by Ann Rinaldi. She is an amazing writer and can make a reader get swept in on page one and feel like they are living the story.

Best book I have read in a long time!...Stormi
4272226
The king among Marilyn Monroes biographers-
a review of Gary Vitacco- Robles Icon: The Life, Times, and Films of Marilyn Monroe, Volume 1 & 2
Gary Vitacco- Robles Icon: The Life, Times, and Films of Marilyn Monroe Volume 1 & 2 is, as the title explains, much more than Monroes biography; it is a very detailed chronicle of not only the actress` private and professional life, but also of the times in which she used to live. It may seem that everything about Monroes life has been written, but Robles proves that there is still a lot of to research about; Robles debunks in his second volume inter alia myths and conspiracy theories about Monroes death.
The authors both volumes are doubtless brilliant, immensely readable, superbly-written and well-researched. The biggest advantage of his books is their thoroughness- Robles` riveting volumes come up with the facts, pure and simple; each of sentences and each of statements are proved and stick to the facts. The author deliberately avoids any sensationalism in order to provide an absolute truth  about Monroes life. What should be emphasised is the fact that Robles` biography is probably the most comprehensive ever written- with 781 pages of the first and with 892 pages of the second volume (hardback edition- in accordance with data on Amazon). Though both tomes are so extensive they aren't ever boring, on the contrary- a reader enjoys each of pages. Robles provides a very detailed information not only about each film, each year of Marilyns life, but also particulars about her make up, clothes and piece of jewellery. With his work the author honours Monroe not only as a goddess, a legend, an icon, but first of all as a human being. Robles has given her the treatment she deserves. The actress is reborn and reclothed in a fair and gorgeous way.
About the motives for writing of both volumes Robles explained to me : I wrote it with the intent not only to honor Marilyn and to educate readers about the impact of abuse and mental illness, but also for those who both admire and feel empathy for her. Thats just what strikes  readers of the volumes  the authors incredible empathy for  Marilyn.
In the light of whats been written in this review I would risk an assertion that G. Vitacco- Robles is the king among Monroes biographers. As an ardent and a long standing fan of Marilyns talent I really appreciate Robles` extraordinary and first-class work recommending it warmly to the fans of MM. As the  author wrote to me: The research and writing was a labour of love & along journey- a reader can feel it on each page of this excellent book. In order to fill up this review, a special importance should be given to an exquisite layout of both volumes- they are greatly edited in every detail including beautiful pictures of Marilyn on the cover.
In conclusion, I would like to add that I had a great opportunity to exchange a few e-mails and massages on Facebook with the author in which I got to know G. Vitacco-Robles as a very warm, intelligent and kind person. On this spot I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his magnificent biography.
  Lukasz Sikora
1374506
I had very mixed feelings about this book.  While I was completely intrigued by Norma Jean/Marilyn, I was disconcerted about the style.  It is written in a very dream-like prose, often shifting perspectives and form.  Oates portrays Monroe as a very sympathetic character, an innocent Norma Jean who is only playing the role of Marilyn as she would any other roll in a movie.  But she tries so hard to prove she is not as dumb and nave as people would think, while at the same time contradicting herself in her words and actions.

There were certain aspects of her life that I found tedious, and I can't say whether it was the narrative or just my frustration with these phases of Monroe's life, namely her childhood with her mother and her relationship with Cass Chaplin and Eddy G.  However, there were other relationships that were intriguing, like her marriages to her first husband at 16, "The Ex-Athlete" and "The Playwright" and her tryst with "The President."  She is extremely clingy and needy at times, referring to her beaus as "Daddy," in her twisted need to fulfill the roll of a father figure which she lacked growing up.

At the heart of this book was the insecurity of Monroe and her desperation to be accepted.  As talent and fame rise, her downward spiral increases, as does the drug use.  While she was always a fastidious actress striving for perfection, as her demeanor worsened, she had more difficulty conjuring her character of Marilyn.  In the end, it was loneliness and self-doubt that was her downfall.  As for Oates's conclusion, I found her take on Monroe's death to conspiracy theoretic.  Overall, I think the biggest struggle for me was not only the sheer size of the narrative, but the fact that I don't know much about Marilyn Monroe and I had a hard time separating what was fact and what was artistic license.  The next time I want to read about her life, I will perhaps read Monroe's "autobiography" or a non-fiction source.  It seems to me that while Oates touched on so many defining moments of her life, the overall story lacked some of the detailed nuances that would have shaped the novel into a more defined narrative.
486975
This is one of the best Marilyn books out there.  I advise any one looking for a good read about her to buy it.
4214018
This is a big book that contains copies of actual items that went through Marilyn's hands at one time. I love the pictures and everything in between. A true Marilyn fan will love this book!
603171
I'm a life long Dolly Parton fan and love this book. Her story is touching and inspirational so happy to see a bio for kids but it's also an easy fun read for grown ups also. I got this for a Christmas gift for my mom who also loves Dolly.  I hope they will make one on Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lalanne and Lucille Ball someday. Marilyn would especially be nice to see.
4664577
I have known Marilyn for years and, even before I read this book, I have had great admiration and affection for her.
This book, though, has now given me the young Marilyn, middle-aged Marilyn still going strong, and glimpses of how she became the wise,
brilliant, and sweet person she is now.  She is an living advertisement for how much Life can be worth living,
if you don't let its downsides get you down.  Nothing can get Marilyn down!  If she fell into a pit of mud, she'd
make mud pies and say, "We didn't have mud like this when I was a kid, so I'll do this now!" But this isn't just
an inspirational story.  This is a very funny, laugh-out-loud story.  It captures her voice, her wonderful, cheerful, wry voice.
Just a great read.  May it make her rich.  It's made me rich, reading it.
3344475
I have been a John Wayne fan since I was a little kid and I wanted to read this book
3020362
Mrs. Kennedy and Me is the best book ever written about Jackie.  So many of the photos and anecdotes have never previously been seen or heard.  The story about the "50 mile walk" is really funny and had never been told as far as I know.  Throughout the book you find yourself laughing out loud one minute and then crying the next.  The story telling is superb and the writing style is excellent making this book an easy read.  It is a valuable addition to the historical record of the Kennedy years.
4940498
I love all of Monroe's books. They usually take you back in history. This might be my favorite. The story is about healing while solving an old mystery.
2635383
I have to say that it is just amazing how after 44 years Marilyn Monroe is still considerd one of the most beautiful women to ever live. After seeing the photographs of Marilyn Monroe taken by Mr. Barris in this book I am not suprised that people are still captivated with the beauty of Marilyn Monroe. The pictures of Marilyn in this book are amazing and beautiful. Marilyn shows her true character in the most natural looking pictures I have ever seen of her. Each picture tells a story and shows you the woman Marilyn really was. Marilyn truely was a naturally beautiful woman and it shows in this book. This great book also lets you read and learn about the real person Marilyn Monroe was in her own words. Marilyn tells her life story in this book, taking you through her young years as Norma Jean to her Hollywood life as Marilyn Monroe. When you are reading this book it is very interesting to hear Marilyn talk about her life in her own words. Marilyn takes you along her life journey through the pages in this book. The only sad thing is when you are reading this book you wish Marilyn's life story would continue past the inevitable days of Marilyn's death on August 4-5,1962.  I alreadly knew Marilyn was going to die before reading but it really made me sad because after reading this book it makes you feel like you actually knew Marilyn personally. That just goes to show how well written this book is. I have to say Mr. Barris you have done a great job writing this excellant book. Marilyn would truely have been happy with this book. Whether you are a Marilyn Monroe fan or you are just curious about this iconic Hollywood actress this book will definitely be intresting to read. Before I read this book I thought Marilyn Monroe was all Hollywood glitz and glamour. After reading this book however I found that Marilyn was a sweet down to earth woman who just wanted to be loved. I only hope Marilyn made it into heaven, because in her life most of the people that said they loved her and called themselves her friend only used and betrayed Marilyn. I hope that one day Marilyn's death will finally be proven as murder and this case of wrong doing can be closed so Marilyn can finally rest in peace.
679190
I have always wanted to read this book trying to get the horror classics, already read The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and decided to read this one next.  The only downfall that I have to say and this does not go against the author at all, but it was a little hard to read with the way it was written.  Took me a few chapters to get used to the way it was written, after that I took off with reading it.  On saying that this story is so good.  Wish I would have read it a while ago.  If you are used to the old classic film version this is nothing like that.  This is so good what I loved is you get to hear the version of Frankenstein, and then you get the Monster's version.  So well written became instantly a new favorite of mine.  There are a lot of scenes where it is just so sad and you feel sorry for both of them.  It contains the horror and mostly full of sadness.  Highly recommend this book.  If you have ever thought of reading it......DO IT.  I also love the way this book is made to from the cover to the gold on the pages.  Just loved this book all the way around.
1493591
I still remember that hushed argument in the library, in which my mother assured me this was one of the best books ever.  I was highly doubtful, because this book was not "my" genre.  I had already discovered the great fantasy books of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Madeline L'Engle and was complaining about a summer with no GOOD books to read.  Mother recommended this story of a lost young circus performer on the run from an orphanage and hiding with a generous farm family.  My first thought was BORING!  But I relented just to shut mom up.  Now, 20 years later, I still check this book out of the same public library at least once or twice a year.  I have been hoping to find my own copy and am hoping the renaissance of young readers that has seemed to spring up will get this book into reprint.  It would be a shame to lose such wonderful story.  I cheered, I cried, I didn't care that it was not fantasy.
969823
I never knew Frank Langella had this kind of writing talent.  I hope he writes some more.  This one is very goods because you can actually choose whom you want to read about.

The people he writes about in this book are listed similarly to a movie end credit - in order of DISappearance,  First to die was Marilyn Monroe, so his encounter with her is Chapter 1.

Paul Baragona  Raleigh, NC  USA
3486427
I recently had the pleasure of receiving a new copy of "What She Knew"
by K.R.Hughes and T.L. Burns.  The topic of this book is about what
Marilyn Monroe really knew and who was behind her "suicide". Yes, there
have been many books about this fascinating topic but this book is purely
fictional.  That is why it stands out from the others as a magnificent piece
of creative imagination.  Truly the best of the best!  From the moment you
open this book, you cannot put it down.  You must walk around your house with
the book in one hand and do your chores with your other hand so you will not
miss anything. The book is that great. The dialogue is so clear you can
visualize everything as if you were watching a movie.  And speaking of movies,
this book is scheduled to become a movie in the near future. There is a trailer
on youtube.com where you can enjoy a preview. You will want to see the movie
come alive on the silver screen.

Most of all, you want to know what she knew but I will not tell you.  You
must find out for yourself.  and you will look for more books by K.R.Hughes
and T.L. Hughes. Yes, you will.

My name is Irene Brodsky, Adunct Professor, Brooklyn College, full time
author (Outskirts Press Publishers) and new member of Gator Creek Artists.
I was very honored to review this book.