Good introductory text. Little new for aficionados

Casillo has written a well-paced and literally assessable narrative. His criticisms are even-handed, written with a journalist's commitment to objectivity (for the sake of this review we stipulate, whether it's true or not, that objectivity is a goal of journalists) and clarity; his arguments are well-reasoned and cogent. I would recommend this book to anyone newly curious about Marilyn's life, with a few caveats:

I can appreciate Casillo's aversion to the more outlandish claims about Marilyn's life. Authors have exploited Monroe in death as others did during her lifetime. Norman Mailer famously admitted that much of the salacious material in his biographical essay on Marilyn's life was fabricated; written to maximize book sales, because he "needed the money." No doubt others did the same. That Casillo chose to limit his scope to Marilyn's lifetime, and reasonably well-established facts, is fine, but potential readers should know that there's much more to the story.

In 2018 (when this book was published) any story of Marilyn Monroe's life really should include a nod to Marilyn lore. One need not elaborate on, or give credence to, the myriad hypotheticals and speculations about Marilyn's life and death, but a brief sketch of Marilyn historiography only further illustrates the lasting impact of her life and imprint on the collective psyche of global popular culture. Casillo ignores most of the controversial elements in Marilyn's story and in doing so attenuates the narrative to the detriment of his readers' understanding of her life. Was Marilyn a pawn of the KGB, sent to seduce and elicit Top Secret information from the President of the United States during post-coital pillow talk? Almost certainly not, but a lot of people believe strongly that indeed such a plot existed. The mere mention of such theories does not imply endorsement, and the omission is a bummer, if not a deal-breaker.

Aficionados won't find much new in this book. The promotional material on Audible and Amazon state that it's based on new interviews and research, but that material, and Casillo's research, seems to consist largely of watching the, admittedly remarkable, video now available on YouTube. And while Casillo's analysis of these videos is not particularly insightful, again we can understand this editorial decision. Watch the test footage, dear reader, of Something's Gotta Give, on YouTube then try to describe it. We just don't have the words...

I would recommend this book to Marilyn neophytes. Fans of MM biographies will enjoy it too (I did. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could), but you won't find anything new.

10 people found this helpful

THE REAL DIRT

I am a Marilyn fanatic, and Charles Casillo's book is the most satisfying fact filled account I have ever read. This is the real skinny on who she loved, why she was always late. If you are curious about the great Marilyn Monroe this book is sure to satisfy.

8 people found this helpful

Beautiful Tragic Marilyn

Mental illness, Hollywood, sexism, and the valiant beautiful woman who suffered all the flames.

I’m so glad I tried this book. It’s very well written. The narrator, one I didn’t like in the past, was perfect here. I’m very glad I came to know Marilyn’s real story.

7 people found this helpful

LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!

Listened to it at least 3 times in a row the first week I bought it. My daughter did her book report on Marilyn, I I got to listen to it again with my daughter.
Enjoyed it very much!

4 people found this helpful

an american tragedy I barely knew

Basic:
The audio voice, when slowed down to .8 or .9 was magnetic and completely drew me in. The information contained, while obviously biased, was a genuine learning experience. By the time the final sentence finished, this book left me feeling strong emotions.

Complaints/ Problems:
Other than time skipping around, it was a good read. We, as the audience, already know how Monroe ends but after the tenth reminder, I became more annoyed than impressed with the writer’s ability to turn a phrase.

I also would have enjoyed some more information on her mother and her mother’s friendships and relationships. While I was impressed that this information was even included, I did wish to know some more intimate details.

Specifically: reactions to large life events (such as marriages/ divorces), the interactions following the spoken-of fractures and or moves across country, any more information regarding her father and the conversations, and the initial and now faded reactions of Monroe’s suicide.

Personal info:
I have always known about Monroe. I grew up surrounded by images and quotes, her movies sometimes airing on television, and every Halloween seeing her white-dress costume in stores. I hadn’t ever realized there was anything more to her than a silly girl in a white dress singing Happy birthday Mr President.

Overall:
All of Monroe’s life was truly, very, very sad. She ended up being typecast as the sweet but dumb blonde, when in reality, she was very clever. She understood what people wanted from her and she was able to use it to her advantage. Very giving & extremely lonely, the author was able to convey her need for connection—and ultimately, her inability to form lasting bonds. Simply put, the people around her used her for their own sakes. And that is resonating.

I’m sorry that she wasn’t able to obtain any peace or lasting happiness in her short life.

3 people found this helpful

Pronunciations

Great narration except for the names of famous Hollywood folks being mispronounced. Elia Kazan (eelya) and Leslie Caron(carone), and there’s no need to put on a deeper false baritone when quoting a man’s comments. Otherwise, an exceptional speaking voice that draws the listener in.

2 people found this helpful

Just ok

Ok story. Expected more juicy tidbits about Marilyn and the President or even Bobby but I didn’t get. The story needed a better more interesting reader, very bland and boring.

2 people found this helpful

The best Marylin’s bio.

Author is a genious. I’ve read a couple of her bios and this one is the ultimate one. Written with love and compassion not looking for cheap scandal as other ones but not avoiding touchy subjects. Perfect.

1 person found this helpful

Marilyn Is a Sad Story

Mostly I just felt sad for Marilyn as I read the story. And, I think the author's assessment of her talent is over-rated. I went back while listening to the book and watched some of her movies. She was an okay actress, but not a great one. She had a sad sad life. The pills and booze and the endless promiscuity ruined her. She had no moral core. I couldn't finish the book; I quite with just over five hours remaining. Her life was one big train wreck. I hope she can find some peace now.

3 people found this helpful

Great book for a Marilyn newbie!

I've been a Monroe fan for over a decade and I have read many books about her life. If I've learned anything about Marilyn Monroe it's that only a handful of people actually knew who Norma Jeane was. A lot of biographers have over-sensationalized her story for profit but this book cuts through the BS and gives you only verifiable facts. I doubt we will ever truly know exactly who this enigmatic woman was, but if you're looking for an honest detailed glimpse of her life I would recommend this one first.