The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

By: J. Randy Taraborrelli

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

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.©2009 J. Randy Taraborrelli; (P)2009 Hachette

Finally!!

In depth account of the legend Monroe void of the ever murder theory . Gave a good insight into her childhood without the usual so call molestation and abuse so many historians have embellished to the point of religion.. Good and clear account . Unfortunately the murder conspiracies will always overshadow the obvious.

A good Marilyn tale

This is a good capture of Marilyn's life that leaves you thinking about many of her options and society at the time.

Truly was a secret

Would you listen to The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe again? Why?

No , once was enough

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe?

How she lived with her husbands, she truly was abused.

What does Robert Petkoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He did a good job with his narration, but I think it would have been better if it was a female narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Marilyn, she really was not a dumb blonde

Great!

I never knew how interesting biographies could be. This is a fascinating book about a fascinating woman. A great listen!

Interesting but not earthshaking.

A well-performed, well-written biography of an icon. There is nothing startling in the book but it is a good all round account of the life of a Hollywood personality. Marilyn Monroe appears to be yet another personality used and abused by the system prevalent in Hollywood.

I cannot recall having heard the word "however" used more frequently by a writer. It became something of a distraction.