I did it in this way, but it didn't have a huge impact.

I conducted some research prior to selecting this biography. Apparently, it is the least partial one available.

Moreover, in the afterward, it discredits the conspiracy theories surrounding her death, especially the one about Bobby Kennedy's murder.

I was able to relate to the very human struggle of a woman who felt a complete disconnection between her external persona and her inner self.

She was so terrified of being abandoned that she believed her beauty and sex appeal were the only valuable aspects of herself.

Overall, it was good. However, it didn't really wow me. There were aspects that could have been explored more deeply or presented in a more engaging manner.

Perhaps a different approach or more in-depth analysis would have made it a more remarkable read.

Nevertheless, it did provide some interesting insights into the life and mindset of this particular woman.

It made me think about the pressures and insecurities that many people face, especially those in the public eye.

And it served as a reminder that there is often more to a person than what meets the eye.

Marilyn Monroe is an iconic figure in Hollywood history, and there are numerous biographies written about her. One of them is probably the most popular and most read, but it may not necessarily be the best. This particular biography has gained a wide following due to its engaging narrative and access to some exclusive details about Marilyn's life. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that it has its limitations. It may not provide a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of her complex personality and the various factors that contributed to her rise and fall. The author may have focused more on sensationalizing certain aspects of her life rather than presenting a balanced and objective portrayal. Nevertheless, it still manages to capture the essence of Marilyn's allure and the fascination that she continues to hold for people around the world.

I had a strong desire to read a "real" biography about Marilyn Monroe after delving into Joyce Carol Oate's Blonde.

The Spoto biography appeared to be a reliable choice. (In fact, there are numerous biographies about Marilyn to select from, yet there seems to be a general agreement that the one by Spoto is among the more dependable ones.)

Admittedly, some parts of the reading were a bit of a struggle, but Marilyn was undoubtedly an intriguing personality.

When one considers that she passed away at the tender age of 36, it becomes astonishing how much she accomplished during her brief time on this planet.

Her story has truly left me with a great deal to contemplate, as in many aspects it is a narrative about being a woman, and how women define themselves and shape their lives.

It makes me reflect on the challenges and opportunities that women face, and how they navigate through life to create their own unique paths.

Marilyn's life serves as a fascinating example of a woman who defied expectations and made a lasting impact in the world of entertainment and beyond.

This book was truly comprehensive and detailed. It delved deep into various aspects, which was quite impressive. However, I couldn't help but find it rather odd how dismissive the author was of Marilyn Monroe's work.

Every movie that was mentioned received such a terrible review. The plot was absurdly misrepresented, to the extent that it made it extremely hard to believe that the author was actually familiar with the work at all. It seemed as if the author had a preconceived notion and was determined to paint a negative picture.

The only piece of her work that the author seemed to talk favorably about was the last scene she filmed for a movie that was never made. This was a bit of a strange exception in an otherwise negative assessment.

Despite this, I still love the in-depth look into all the people and relationships surrounding this celebrity. Marilyn Monroe's work is enchanting, and getting a peek behind the curtain is certainly enlightening. It gives us a better understanding of the woman behind the icon and the complex web of people and events that surrounded her.

Overall, while the book had its flaws in its treatment of Monroe's work, it still offered valuable insights into her life and the world she inhabited.

Glad I Chose It

This is such an outstanding and objective work that is filled with love for a person. Marilyn Monroe was a star, but this book tells the episodes of the life of the flesh and blood woman, not the idol. It is critical where necessary and also a touching tribute to her life. The author seems quite candid regarding Marilyn Monroe's flaws, and I am more than satisfied after finishing the book. At last, I did not receive an altered, sophisticated version full of conspiracies and mysteries but a plain description that can be as close to the truth as we can ever get. The author's thorough, well-established, and detailed work is truly commendable. It provides a unique perspective on Marilyn Monroe's life, allowing readers to see beyond the glamorous image and understand the real woman behind the icon. Thanks to the author for this remarkable piece of work that enriches our understanding of Marilyn Monroe and her complex life.

One of my absolute favorite Marilyn Monroe biographies is this particular one.

It is an incredibly detailed account that is filled with numerous stories that were completely unknown to me prior to reading it.

The author has done an outstanding job of delving deep into Marilyn's life, uncovering aspects that many might not be familiar with.

What makes this biography so special is that it offers a unique perspective on the iconic star.

It doesn't just focus on her glamorous exterior but also explores her inner struggles and the complex person she was.

I always find myself enjoying rereading this book, as each time I discover something new and gain a deeper understanding of Marilyn Monroe.

It truly is a captivating and engaging read that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

Whether you are a die-hard Marilyn Monroe fan or simply interested in learning more about her life, this biography is definitely worth checking out.

The first biography I ever read in my life was during the summer of 1994.

I was just fifteen years old when I walked into a bookshop on Streatham High Road. As I entered, my eyes were immediately drawn to a book cover. There, it seemed as if a lady, illuminated in a white dress, was staring back at me. Something about that image intrigued me deeply. Without hesitation, I purchased the book. That was it. From that moment on, I was hooked for life on a pursuit of finding out who was the real 'Marilyn'.

Over the years, I devoured numerous biographies of Marilyn Monroe. However, I never truly did find out who this enigmatic woman was. But what I did learn from all those biographies is that she was one of the most mysterious and beautiful women who ever lived. Her allure, her talent, and her tragic life story continue to fascinate people to this day.

Even though I may never fully understand the real Marilyn Monroe, my quest to know more about her has been a journey filled with discovery and wonder.

The author reaches the conclusion that Monroe met her demise at the hands of her psychiatrist and housekeeper, Eunice Murray. It is emphasized that JFK and RFK had no connection whatsoever to her death.

Spoto is highly critical of Anthony Summer's biography of Monroe. In fact, this particular work by Spoto is likely the best biography on Monroe that the reader has come across.

Perhaps Spoto's in-depth research and analysis have shed new light on the circumstances surrounding Monroe's tragic end. His dismissal of Summer's account suggests that there are significant differences in their interpretations of the events.

Overall, Spoto's biography offers a fresh perspective and challenges some of the commonly held beliefs about Monroe's life and death. It serves as a valuable addition to the body of literature on this iconic figure.

I'm giving this an amazing five stars because I learned an enormous amount from it.

Before reading it, I didn't know a great deal about MM. In fact, much of what I thought I knew was incorrect. She wasn't shallow or histrionic as some might have believed, and it's highly doubtful that she intended to take her own life.

This seems to be an incredibly comprehensive account. I can understand why some might think the book is overly long, but for me, it was utterly fascinating. It delved into the history of Hollywood, the entertainment and mental health industries, and their treatment and exploitation of women.

This is an incredibly sad story. From the time when the documentation of the end of her marriage to DiMaggio began, I found that I couldn't read it without feeling queasy in my stomach. The details were so poignant and heart-wrenching.

Overall, this book has provided me with a new perspective on MM and the complex web of circumstances that surrounded her life. It's a must-read for anyone interested in Hollywood history or the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.

4.5 stars!

I can clearly understand why this book is regarded by numerous people online as the best Marilyn Monroe (MM) biography. Among all the ones I've read, Spoto's work is by far the most comprehensive. He meticulously details her entire life, not just focusing on her career. He passionately defends her talent and agency, even when facing the attempts of studios and doctors to keep her reliant on them. Moreover, he presents evidence to refute some of the more absurd theories regarding her death.

Although this book exceeds 700 pages, it reads extremely smoothly and I never experienced boredom. It is an older audiobook, so the production and narration weren't my personal favorites. However, I believe this actually showcases how captivating the writing is.

I'm extremely glad to have continued my annual Marilyn reading with this outstanding biography. It offers a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the iconic star, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe or the history of Hollywood.

The first book that I read for pleasure.

I am an unconditional fan of this woman and moreover, after this book, I never stopped reading

If you have even the slightest interest in Marilyn Monroe, then you must read this book.

This is truly the definitive work on her, filled with excellent footnotes that provide historical accuracy and context.

It offers a loving, yet fair, examination of her life.

We really don't know the whole truth about Marilyn Monroe.

There is no way the Kennedys were involved in her death, but there is still so much to learn about her.

This book delves deep into her personal and professional life, uncovering details that you may not have known before.

It is a must-read for any fan of Marilyn Monroe or anyone interested in Hollywood history.

So, pick up this book today and discover the real Marilyn Monroe.