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My Story Hardcover – September 29, 2006
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Marilyn Monroe was a film actress whose seductive screen presence shot her to stardom as a sex symbol. After she was mysteriously found dead of a drug overdose at the age of 36, the movie star became a beloved pop icon.
Journalist, novelist, and Oscar-winning screenwriter of Underworld, Ben Hecht (1893-1964) assisted Marilyn in the creation of My Story.
Journalist, novelist, and Oscar-winning screenwriter of Underworld, Ben Hecht (1893-1964) assisted Marilyn in the creation of My Story.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
62 of 65 people found the following review helpful
By
A reader
on April 5, 2007
Format: Hardcover
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Reading this book one realizes that in real life Marilyn Monroe was very observant and insightful, the antithesis of the bubble-headed role she projected both on screen and in public. In simple, almost childishly naive conversational tones, she describes her childhood as an orphan, sexually abused by an older man and married (to another man) by her late teens. She recounts the struggle as a young actress - the seemingly endless round of casting calls and dashed hopes until she begins to get noticed by the powers that be.
Her persona may be that of someone lacking street smarts, but she is also perceptive. Her observations of the usual cast of characters at Hollywood - the movers, shakers, stars and wannabes of all stripes - is surprisingly deep. She describes the myriad women whose movie roles for ten years has been limited to walk-on extras, as walking "ten feet towards nothing" after each fleeting appearance.
Her tone is wisful and longing but she never devolves into self-pity. Her famed vulnerability and her adult/child appeal comes through as very real personality traits, not as an on screen creation. She sees herself as just another pretty girl, and cannot comprehend the magic spell she cast on Hollywood and her fans. It comes as a surprise to read her revelation about sex being no big source of pleasure for her.
I would have loved to see at least a chapter's worth of commentary on her writings. Other than for the obvious luminaries who greatly impacted her life, many people she mentioned would be unfamiliar names to readers of this book. A little background on their influences on her life would have been a welcome addition to the book.
Her persona may be that of someone lacking street smarts, but she is also perceptive. Her observations of the usual cast of characters at Hollywood - the movers, shakers, stars and wannabes of all stripes - is surprisingly deep. She describes the myriad women whose movie roles for ten years has been limited to walk-on extras, as walking "ten feet towards nothing" after each fleeting appearance.
Her tone is wisful and longing but she never devolves into self-pity. Her famed vulnerability and her adult/child appeal comes through as very real personality traits, not as an on screen creation. She sees herself as just another pretty girl, and cannot comprehend the magic spell she cast on Hollywood and her fans. It comes as a surprise to read her revelation about sex being no big source of pleasure for her.
I would have loved to see at least a chapter's worth of commentary on her writings. Other than for the obvious luminaries who greatly impacted her life, many people she mentioned would be unfamiliar names to readers of this book. A little background on their influences on her life would have been a welcome addition to the book.
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56 of 61 people found the following review helpful
By
Marisol Audette
on August 14, 2007
Format: Hardcover
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The book was all about Marilyn , her life, loves and all verbatim. I know and understand more about her childhood and personal life through this book. I loved reading it and seeing all the photographs it included. I must say that the ending was so abrupt;In a way it shows how fast and unbelievably sudden Marilyn left us. The funny, witty, and even smart comments she wrote was clear to everyone she was an intelligent lady that will be remembered forever.
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38 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By
K. Toseland
on February 8, 2008
Format: Hardcover
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I was so impressed with this book I brought a copy for my friend, this book is really easy reading (great for bedtime) and quite an insight to Marilyn Monroe's own personal biography, the pictures are fantastic and this is a must for any Marilyn Monroe fan an absolute must for any fan's collection. Most enjoyable, if I hadn't broughtit already I'd buy it again.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By
YA Librarian
on November 23, 2008
Format: Hardcover
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This is the story of Marilyn Monroe, told in her own words, which is raw, refreshing and sad. Apparently, this is the only book written by the famous star. I never knew she had written a book until I stumbled across it on Amazon. Like most, I had preconceived notions about Marilyn. I fell for the Hollywood image of her, but now I realize there was so much more to this amazing woman.
Marilyn gives the reader an insight into her childhood, and how her young life was extremely hard. I never knew she was an orphan, or that she was shuffled around to numerous families. I now can understand how it was hard for her to love or trust anyone. She explains to the reader how life as a teenager was and how difficult it was at times. Women hated her, men loved her, and she was struggling to find herself amongst it all.
Marilyn also talks about trying to become an actress and the colorful cast of characters she meets along the way. I found her insight into the world around her very interesting. She really wasn't the dumb blonde everyone thought she was. And when she found that she was lacking in something she decided to improve herself. Marilyn did this by taking acting/singing lessons and reading books that would cultivate her mind.
Littered throughout the book is Marilyn's wit and sense of humor, and her ability to see the world for what it really was.
Those who are unfamiliar with Marilyn Monroe's story might find this book a little difficult at times. I will confess I did not know all the players in her life. I had to do my own research and find out who she was writing about. But for those who know Marilyn's history this shouldn't be a problem.
The pictures are great.Read more ›
Marilyn gives the reader an insight into her childhood, and how her young life was extremely hard. I never knew she was an orphan, or that she was shuffled around to numerous families. I now can understand how it was hard for her to love or trust anyone. She explains to the reader how life as a teenager was and how difficult it was at times. Women hated her, men loved her, and she was struggling to find herself amongst it all.
Marilyn also talks about trying to become an actress and the colorful cast of characters she meets along the way. I found her insight into the world around her very interesting. She really wasn't the dumb blonde everyone thought she was. And when she found that she was lacking in something she decided to improve herself. Marilyn did this by taking acting/singing lessons and reading books that would cultivate her mind.
Littered throughout the book is Marilyn's wit and sense of humor, and her ability to see the world for what it really was.
Those who are unfamiliar with Marilyn Monroe's story might find this book a little difficult at times. I will confess I did not know all the players in her life. I had to do my own research and find out who she was writing about. But for those who know Marilyn's history this shouldn't be a problem.
The pictures are great.Read more ›
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By
S. Workman
on March 12, 2010
Format: Hardcover
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This book has been such an eye opener. Gently written almost like her and I could be sharing our life stories with each other over coffee. It's a very smooth read.
I'm not disappointed in the least that I bought this book. I have always seen her as glamorous and beautiful. This book with the way it has been written just makes her so much so. If you're a fan of Marilyn Monroe, definitely a book to read.
I'm not disappointed in the least that I bought this book. I have always seen her as glamorous and beautiful. This book with the way it has been written just makes her so much so. If you're a fan of Marilyn Monroe, definitely a book to read.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By
Barry Kiefer
on January 9, 2009
Format: Hardcover
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Sad book, but a wonderful read if you want to know the real Marilyn Monroe. All other books about her pale in comparison. This book lets you know,unlike others, what a beautiful person she was on the inside. She has been dead for years, yet their has yet to be a woman to rival her beauty and fame. BUY THIS BOOK!
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21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By
Lisa M
VINE VOICE on April 10, 2007
Format: Hardcover
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It was very interesting to read this book, since it came from Marilyn's own words. You read so many books written about her, but with MY STORY, I felt like I was having an intimate chat with a close girlfriend. I only wish there was more. I finished it in a few hours and found myself wanting to learn more about her years after her divorce from DiMaggio.
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