J. Randy TaraborrelliSecret Life of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is one of those past celebrities who has and will live on for eternity. She had an aura of the rare combination of innocence and sensuality that enthralled all. There has also been much mystery, myth and rumour over her last years and death. The connection of the Kennedys adds that definite touch to make the whole story even more alluring. But many often forget that Marilyn Monroe was a real person who was born, had a difficult childhood, invented Mariln Monroe, an entity which became worshipped and idolized, the feelings that the true woman, Norma Jeane Baker never felt or achieved in her life.There are those who are enthralled by her shining star, the presence she possessed and the mysterious vulnerability she possessed. She had IT and men and women alike have always been drawn to it. Then there are those who know more of the story from her childhood in foster homes and the mental illness that ran rampant in her family and want to go deeper. They identify more with the true person, the Norma Jeane. I am one of those. I understand how different Hollywood was then and how stars were manufactured and the true person lost. It makes perfect sense that the personality of Marilyn Monroe took over more and more as her personal self esteem never grew.One may also ask why another book on Marilyn? Isn't this all the old stuff rehashed? An author just out for a buck? Gratefully the answer is that this book far surpasses all other biographies on Ms. Monroe. J. Randy Taraborrelli not only pays homage to Marilyn but does the most research of any previous author to try to get to all the true facts of the miraculous woman's life. He spends much time on the influential people and those who were a part of her childhood going so far as to provide true insight into their lives before Marilyn came along so we can understand more their perspective with their actions in her life. Much more emphasis is given to her mother and her life plus their relationship. Many in the past have chosen to ignore the true impact Gladys Baker had on Marilyn. There are also other reasons why Mr. Taraborrelli was able to delve deeper for due to the 2006 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT there was FBI documentation on Ms. Monroe released that has never been seen including an anonymous agents report on Marilyn's relationship with Bobby Kenneddy. It is very interesting to read how as Marilyn the FBI did keep much attention on her. It is not just gossip.The author here pays true respect to all previous biographers and takes much previous information and then goes further. Her marriages, films, Kennedy relationships particularly with Pat Lawford Kennedy come to new life and depth with well research data. And the author adds an additional 30 page section at the end of the book where he details everyone he interviewed, all the books and files he read. His research here is so precise the reader must give him the highest kudos. He also never takes info to back his personal opinions. Often he writes of rumours that have been held true for years and will provide info to show how they could not have been true. But when not able he will leave an issue open-ended and leave the reader to form their own opinions.Bottom line, this book shows an intimate, honest look at all aspects of Marilyn and her life. No matter what additional information the story is still sad. We still have Norma Jeane Baker, a young woman raised with little love or esteem who becomes a model and then actress who had a rare gift that she used to become Marilyn Monroe. Norma Jeane never went away and with all her acclaim she remained troubled and looking for love throughout her life. The truth about her death will always be a mystery but she was constantly abusing pills as life became more and more difficult for her. There is a very important lesson to learn as one reads how the Hollywood system used doctors to provide her with numerous pills and medication so she could perform not in any way caring of the after effect she would deal with. Norma Jeane/Marilyn Monroe was dealt a raw deal from day one and it is fully drawn here for us to experience with true facts and immense research.I highly recommend this book. It is a truly must read. I only hope that Marilyn did find some happiness in life and that she is now living the hereafter she deserves. Also, may fans continue to praise the special angel she was. I know I always will. Thanks J. Randy Taraborrelli for a biography that is not based on gossip and rumour that provides much needed insight into the life of a very special person. A very intelligent, well researched worthy read.

It would be an understatement to say that this is an excellent biography. The amount of research that went into it is prodigious. Everything that I could possibly want to know about Marilyn Monroe and her life is written here.I had no idea that she had such a mean and undeserved childhood, such a disturbed extended family of origin, and, as an adult, so many men that were wrong for her; and I was happy for the assistance she received from generous others.Despite the serious difficulties life gave her from an early age, Marilyn grew up to be a gentle soul with a rare native emotional intelligence and humanitarianism. She cared for others, including animals. Although her looks have been widely touted as her main asset, Marilyn's self-discipline and her unselfish personality were probably the key factors that helped her manage life, win supporters, and become famous.Her mother's mental illness lasted all of her life; in return for the little she got, Marilyn unfailingly cared for and supported the woman in every way. The one thing she desired was to see her mother get well and have the capacity to enjoy life, but nothing, including institutionalization, could bring that to pass.Before reading this book, if I'd thought about it at all, I'd not have expected that Marilyn Monroe was particularly bright ... this book totally changed that impression. Her life story reflects intelligence beyond what could be expected given her background. She was a reader and a perpetual student, always working on improving herself and her aptitude in her chosen field of acting.She made good decisions in life ... when one decides to end their life, it is a matter for them and them alone to decide, so I cannot speak to that part.This book is sensitively written in a way to help the reader deeply understand the points of view of the main people written about. It's reader-friendly, smooth and fast, and helped me to keep clear who was who along the timeline.Clearly, Randy Taraborrelli has found his calling as a biographer.

Such a well written, expertly researched biography. I love that the focus wasn't on her work but on her as an individual. A moving account of her tragic life behind the beautiful facade. Well worth a read.

I enjoy books about real people their lives and how they came to be who they are or rather who they were.I have read three of Randy Taraborrelli’s books I really like this author. Lots of facts and tidbits of information in this book. I have not read any other books about M Monroe so I have no way to compare what other books are out thereBut I have thoroughly enjoyed this one.

la livraison de ce livre a été respectée au niveau du délai et je suis satisfaite de cet achat.

Well written!

Nice