The Definitive MM biography

What made the experience of listening to Marilyn Monroe the most enjoyable?

The fact that it was unabridged. I think the narration is quite good, but I would have preferred to hear the actual author's voice.

What other book might you compare Marilyn Monroe to and why?

The biographies of the Queen, the Kennedys, and Diana, Princess of Wales by Sally Bedell Smith. Sally Smith, like Donald Spoto, knows how to research and pen a proper biography, unlike hatchet hacks like Kitty Kelley and Christopher Anderson who rely too much on gossip, printed tabloid reports, and unsubstantiated or incredible sources for their books.

Which character – as performed by Anna Fields – was your favorite?

Marilyn Monroe herself. She would have wanted this fair and balanced account of her life written before Norman Mailer (1972) and Anthony Summers (1985) brought sensationalism into their versions, which clearly distorted her legacy and damaged the legend of Monroe. Mailer did not mince words when he admitted forty years ago that he wrote a semi-fictional biography because he needed the money. After that all MM biographers, except for Spoto, did the same. No wonder Spoto was the only one granted access to her private letters and documents. He has done full justice to her memory and once and for all cast permanent doubt on the many lies told about this heartbreaking icon. She deserved nothing less.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

If anyone wishes to know the real truth about Marilyn, this is the biography to read or listen to.

8 people found this helpful

The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe

Monroe's life is full of mystery, from her birth to her death. Donald Spoto tries to solve this mystery, but I don't always agree with his conclusions. For example, was Monroe's psychiatrist responsible for her death? Was Robert Kennedy completely innocent of an affair with Monroe? This is Spoto's conclusion. However, I'm glad this audiobook finally made it to Audible. Narration is fine, not great. The afterword gives some thoughtful reflections on the Monroe "cottage industry" that was primarily started by Robert Slatzer and others.This book will keep you thinking about the unanswered questions of Monroe's life and death, even if you don't agree with the author's conclusions.

8 people found this helpful

The Tangable MM

What made the experience of listening to Marilyn Monroe the most enjoyable?

Hearing fresh ideas based on concrete evidence and fact you learn how sweet and amazing she really was.
It is not centered on seedy sexual ideas or a sleazy contempt, but based on a genuin love of Marilyn as a human being.
It is based on facts and not theory

What other book might you compare Marilyn Monroe to and why?

None

Which scene was your favorite?

When Marilyn calls a Fox exec and gets his wife, and she thoughtfully chooses her words and asks the mans wife to deliver the message that she says F--- off. And then politely tells the wife she wishes her warmest regards and to have a wonderfull day.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, very interesting!

Any additional comments?

Great read on Marilyns life and death and it chronologicly covers her life and status from start to end.
It also sets straight many myths concerning her death and a briliant well thought theory on how she died that im convinced is true.
It all makes common sense and makes you wonder why certain people werent put in prison.

God bless Marilyn

5 people found this helpful

RIP MM

This book is so enlightening and tenderly evokes the spirit and essence of the beloved Marilyn Monroe. I can't believe it took me this long to read a biography on her, as I am obsessed with history and have always been enchanted and mystified by Marilyn. I am very bothered by the oversimplification of her in the media when it is clear to pure hearts everywhere that she was phenomenal in so many ways. I am so delighted and moved by the writing of this book and its debunking of the many ridiculous myths, like the Kennedy ones. I am so sad that such a brilliant woman's life was cut short by the hangers on😫. Whyyyyyyyyy. Thank you to the author and the lovely narrator. Splendid biography. Sad that it's over and that it, and her life, ends so tragically. Marilyn Forever! May she Rest In Peace. ❤️

4 people found this helpful

Turned Me Into A Marilyn Fan

This is actually the first Marilyn book I've read/heard. Very informative and detailed account of her early years. I got a much better understanding of Norma Jean and was somewhat surprised by her courage and perseverance. This author also presents details regarding her death that I'd never heard either. This bio of Marilyn Monroe gave me a respect for the woman and made a fan out of me.

4 people found this helpful

After listening, I now feel like I know the truth

Where does Marilyn Monroe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A very balanced and in depth biography without the myths and sensationalism.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Marilyn Monroe?

There were many points of Ms. Monroe's life that I learned about that made this book important to me as it dispelled the rumours and tabloidism surrounding this icon who justsimply wanted to be a woman who was loved for herself and her God given talent.

Which character – as performed by Anna Fields – was your favorite?

Ms. Fields voice was the least favorite part of the book for me. I didn't expect characterizations or anything of that sort. I just didn't care for the sound.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book is 22+ hours, so no, I wouldn't want to listen to it all at once. There is a lot to digest as far as factual info, i.e. addresses, side bars, etc., but it is all relevant, and builds to make the listener really feel what made Norma Jean into Marilyn Monroe.

Any additional comments?

I had never read a bio on Ms. Monroe, but am watching SMASH on TV and wanted to know more about the facts of her life. She was a determined, smart, kind, generous soul who was not cared for by herself or those she trusted. I will watch her movies again with a deeper appreciation. God Bless you Norma Jean.

3 people found this helpful

Extraordinary

Spectacular account of Marilyn's life. Fact and insight dominate Spoto's well-researched narration of a mysterious story.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent, well researched

Changed my mind on Marilyn Monroe. Older book, however definitely worthwhile listening to Spoto's balanced reporting

1 person found this helpful

most informative book I've read on Marilyn.

this book shows you what a tangled web Hollywood can be. very informative and well researched.

1 person found this helpful

excellent

the narrator did a wonderful job in telling the story and the book itself was intriguing and truly draws you in

1 person found this helpful