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List Price: $26.99 | | Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Salesrank: 2303
Released: August 25, 2009 |
| Our Price: $11.20 |
| Used Price: $11.10 |
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| Media: Hardcover |
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Editorial Review:
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.
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe Reviews:
nothing really new here... 
2009-12-02 - I did not read much here that I have not come across before in other books on Marilyn Monroe. As far as the allegedly new info on the possible father, I am not at all convinced that the theory presented in this book has any merit, but is left for each reader to decide I suppose. Also this author tends to inject his opinions into the book, which can be intrusive, especially when it is impossible for him to have any firsthand knowledge of the incidents portrayed. Also tends to quote a lot of nameless relatives, which seems odd, since she has so few and the ones she had are always named when quoted.
This is just a personal thing w/me but I can't stand exclamation points by author; any point that is made that is extraordinary should be obvious enough without having to point to it with a !
Offering newly discovered photos of Marilyn that have never been published 
2009-11-17 - This story of the world-famous daughter handling a parent's paranoid schizophrenia provides a different survey of Marilyn Monroe and her family, including her mother, foster mother, and legal guardian. It reveals, for the first time, the identity of her real father and half-brother she never knew, her relationship with the Kennedys, and more offering newly discovered photos of Marilyn that have never been published, the most complete filmography in print, and detailed research. Highly recommended.
Best Marilyn Monroe Book YET!
2009-11-16 - At first I thought oh no yet another Marilyn Monroe book. I wondered how could this one be any different then all the others. The difference is the author has really done his research. It is highly creditable and so interesting. I found myself glued to it and could not wait to get back to reading it.
Norma Jean's early childhood years are all here. Her Mother's sad life and mental illness are highly detailed.. as is Marilyn's mental illness and struggles.
The people interviewed for this book and the amount of work researching this is outstanding. While Marilyn was beautfiul, her life was not. I hope now she can finally rest in peace. I feel that this book has finally done this for her. This book gets a 5 star rating!
Detailed Personel History
2009-10-25 - My wife just begun to read it but this is new information about Marilyn's family that gives new insight and my wife being such a big fan and reading many books about her already makes this book worth every penny.
Author Stays To The Truth
2009-10-24 - I was very happy with this book. Although I have only read a few other MM bios, I like this one the best. Some other books hint at scandals or unprovable things, while I feel this author has merely tried to stick to the facts as he found them. I too was a bit surprised to find out how disturbed she seemed to be but it only adds to her vulnerability. Fans will never agree en m asse about what happened "that night" but overall I strongly recommend this book. It is even good as a first bio for those unfamiliar with her life. And I still don't like Arthur Miller any better after reading this!
