The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe, J. Randy Taraborrelli
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe, J. Randy Taraborrelli
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The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

Author: J. Randy Taraborrelli

Narrator: Robert Petkoff

Abridged: 8 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/25/2009


Synopsis

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.

About J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli is the author of over 20 biographies, most of which have become New York Times bestsellers, including: Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot; After Camelot: A Personal History of the Kennedy Family 1968 to the Present, which was adapted as a mini-series for Reelz; and Jackie, Janet & Lee: The Secret Lives of Janet Auchincloss and Her Daughters, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill, presently being adapted for television by Taraborrelli. His most recent book, Jackie: Public, Private, Secret, debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Peace Love on 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......more

Goodreads review by Alexa on May 05, 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......more

Goodreads review by Marisa on May 11, 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 a......more

Goodreads review by Lu on March 22, 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 mov......more