This is truly one of the most impeccably written biographies I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

The book commences with a fascinating exploration of her family history, which sets the stage for the captivating narrative that follows. It then delves into the events that occurred after her death, meticulously examining and discussing any possible theories related to her tragic murder.

What I hold in the highest regard is that Donald Spoto presents the story with absolute objectivity, devoid of any personal biases. He adheres strictly to the facts, paying no heed to baseless gossips and unsubstantiated rumors.

I have always held Marilyn Monroe in high esteem, not merely as a sex symbol but also as a talented actress. She had the remarkable ability to transform even the most lackluster scenarios into engaging movies. However, I was truly astonished to discover the extent of her insecurities regarding her acting skills and herself as a person.

Reading about the abysmal treatment she received from the studio and her co-workers made me extremely angry. She was consistently underestimated throughout her life and unjustly accused of being an unprofessional, dim-witted, and lousy actress. Even those closest to her exploited her vulnerability by squandering her money and leveraging her fame for their own benefit.

The final few chapters of this book bear a striking resemblance to an Agatha Christie mystery novel, yet unfortunately, in this case, the crime remains unresolved. It is truly disheartening to witness how weak and dependent she had become on her psycho doctor and his magic pills. In the end, I believe her profound loneliness was the ultimate culprit that claimed her life.

I think she was simply too good, too sensitive, and too trusting for this chaotic world.

I would like to conclude my review with a quote from Marilyn that has deepened my understanding and respect for her:

I think that when you are famous every weakness is exaggerated. This industry should behave like a mother whose child has just run out in front of a car. But instead of clasping the child to them, they start punishing the child. Like you don't dare get a cold. How dare you get a cold! I mean, the executives can get colds and stay home forever and phone it in, but how dare you, the actor, get a cold or a virus. You know, no one feels worse than the one who's sick. I sometimes wish, gee, I wish they had to act a comedy with a temperature and a virus infection. I am not an actress who appears at a studio just for the purpose of discipline. This doesn't have anything at all to do with art. I myself would like to become more disciplined within my work. But I'm there to give a performance and not to be disciplined by a studio! After all, I'm not in a military school. This is supposed to be an art form, not just a manufacturing establishment. The sensitivity that helps me to act, you see, also makes me react. An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What if everybody jumped on his violin?

You know a lot of people have, oh gee, real quirky problems that they wouldn't dare have anyone know. But one of my problems happens to show: I'm late. I guess people think that why I'm late is some kind of arrogance and I think it is the opposite of arrogance. I also feel that I'm not in this big American rush, you know, you got to go and you got to go fast but for no good reason. The main thing is, I want to be prepared when I get there to give a good performance or whatever to the best of my ability. A lot of people can be there on time and do nothing, which I have seen them do, and you know, all sit around sort of chit chatting and talking trivia about their social life. Gable said about me, \\"When she's there, she's there. All of her is there! She's there to work.\\"

It is truly difficult to fathom the extent of painstaking research that was involved in the creation of this comprehensive work with its exquisite details.

Spoto not only manages to capture the unique essence of MM's engaging personality, but he also delves into the minutiae of her life experiences to such a remarkable degree. This is such that even someone who did not grow up in the midst of her iridescent image would still feel a sense of connection to this era.

Particularly interesting are the intricate details of her early life, which would later have a profound impact on her vulnerable psyche.

Regrettably, what deterred me were the conclusions he reaches regarding the controversial circumstances of her death. He presents some rather bizarre theories, seemingly based on his own suppositions, which are founded on less than concrete evidence and are fabricated to fit the unanswered questions.

You might find his theories plausible, or you might deem them ridiculous. Although he does present a somewhat convincing argument, I have never come across or heard of any other documentation that would lend support to these claims.

I firmly believe that the only genuine conclusion that can be drawn is that we will never fully resolve all the questions surrounding the mystery of her death.

This is the story of a very special lady, a lost and deeply lonely little girl who spent her entire life reaching for an intangible dream of fulfillment that continuously slipped through her fingers.

This comprehensive work succeeds admirably in capturing the spirit of that struggle, as well as those who exploited it. Judge for yourself the validity of Spoto's allegations. Beyond that, you will discover this to be a thorough and captivating portrayal of our most luminous screen goddess.

This book had a profound impact on me.

It made me feel as if I truly knew her, as if Marilyn Monroe was a real and tangible person right before my eyes.

The writing is excellent, engaging, and flows seamlessly.

It provides a comprehensive look into every aspect of Marilyn's life, leaving no stone unturned.

Of course, it doesn't delve into the details of her death, as the author admits that the public may never know the full truth.

Instead, it lists some possible reasons, which only adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding her untimely passing.

What I find most remarkable about this book is its honesty and humanity.

It doesn't shy away from the flaws and struggles that Marilyn faced, but rather presents her as a complex and multifaceted individual.

I love this book, and I love Marilyn even more for the insights it has given me into her life.

It's a must-read for anyone who is interested in the life and times of this iconic Hollywood star.

This well-researched and exhaustive biography on screen legend Marilyn Monroe by Donald Spoto (who passed away this past February) was released back in 1993.

Donald Spoto didn't simply wallow in the gossip and speculation that swirled around Marilyn Monroe. Instead, he took a more objective approach and debunked many of the ridiculous myths that had been circulating.

Marilyn's career was remarkable, spanning 16 years and including 29 films. While the reader might have wished for more details about the behind-the-scenes goings-on of her films, this biography still provided a wealth of information about her life and the struggles she faced.

By the end of the book, the reader comes away with a newfound respect for Marilyn Monroe, having learned more about the woman behind the icon. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe or the history of Hollywood.

This is an extremely well-written and comprehensive biography.

I particularly appreciated that the author provided detailed background information on numerous individuals who played significant roles in Marilyn's life.

As this is the only biography I have read about her, I am unable to make comparisons with others. However, if you are seeking a concise and accurate account of Marilyn's life, this is undoubtedly the book to read.

The author's portrayal of her life appears to be highly accurate, supported by in-depth research.

The explanation of her death is not only highly believable but also deeply heartbreaking, especially considering that it occurred just as Marilyn was on the verge of finding true happiness.

Overall, this biography offers a fascinating and engaging look into the life of one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history.

So much I didn't know about her!

I thought I knew her well, but as I spent more time with her, I discovered there was a whole side of her that I was completely unaware of.

She had hidden talents and interests that she had never shared with me before.

Her past was filled with experiences that had shaped her into the person she is today, and I was eager to learn more.

I started to ask her questions, and she opened up to me in ways I never expected.

I realized that I had only scratched the surface of who she really was, and I was excited to continue exploring this newfound knowledge.

It made me appreciate her even more and made me realize that there is always more to a person than meets the eye.

I will never take her for granted again and will always strive to know her better.

Spoto should be highly commended as he is regarded as one of the greatest celebrity biographers.

His astute observations of the minute details of his subject are truly remarkable. This attention to detail makes his books an extremely fascinating read and adds another dimension to the person he has painstakingly researched.

After reading almost every major biography of Monroe, I have noticed Spoto's well-delivered research and his obvious dedication to his craft throughout.

Monroe biographers often tend to fall into the trap of sensationalizing her life, especially her childhood. However, it is truly impressive to see that Spoto did not do this. Instead, he chose to divulge intricate details of her life, seemingly from credible witnesses.

His research into her mysterious death is also particularly captivating.

This book is a highly recommended read for all Monroe fans. If you must own a comprehensive biography about Marilyn, it must surely be this one.

It offers a unique and in-depth perspective on the life of the iconic Marilyn Monroe.

A solid biography of a complicated person is presented here. Spoto does an admirable job at dispelling many of the myths associated with Marilyn.

To be fair, some of these myths were even created by the subject herself. While ultimately one is taking Spoto's word over others, his research appears to be thorough. For instance, when he claims that there is absolutely no way Marilyn ever had an affair with Bobby Kennedy, it is easy to tend to believe him.

As for his reconstruction of the events surrounding Marilyn's death, once again, his research seems sound. However, we'll never know for sure. He also includes an afterword where he systematically disproves all the other theories that are out there. It seems to check out for me.

In any event, Marilyn Monroe was indeed a complex person. She led a strange and sad life, which makes this biography a pretty entertaining read. If one is going to read a biography of Marilyn Monroe, it should probably be this one.

Unquestionably, this is the best researched biography that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I can't quite recall how I managed to stumble upon this precious gem. However, one thing is for sure, I now have an entirely new perspective on the iconic Marilyn Monroe. This biography is truly a must-read. It delves deep into her life, revealing a story not only of survival but also of horrific exploitation. As you progress through the pages, you will find yourself increasingly drawn to her. By the end, you will definitely fall in love with her all over again. It's a captivating account that offers a unique insight into the woman behind the legend.

I have truly learned a great deal from this book about my favorite icon.

It has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the life, achievements, and character of this remarkable individual.

The author's detailed research and engaging writing style have made it a captivating read from start to finish.

I have discovered new aspects of my icon's journey that I was previously unaware of, and it has only deepened my admiration and respect for them.

This book has not only enhanced my understanding of my favorite icon but has also inspired me to strive for excellence in my own life.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this amazing person.

The only book that ever made me cry was an absolute masterpiece.

It was a literary gem that had the power to touch my emotions on a profound level.

The story was so beautifully crafted, with vivid characters and a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Every page was filled with heart-wrenching moments and profound insights into the human condition.

As I read, I found myself completely immersed in the world of the book, feeling every joy, every sorrow, and every hope of the characters as if they were my own.

By the time I reached the end, I was in tears, not only because of the emotional impact of the story but also because I knew that I had just experienced something truly special.

This book will always hold a special place in my heart and I will recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.

The narrator's pronunciation was far from perfect, with many words mispronounced. Moreover, her reading had a rather monotonous and droning quality to it. MM, on the other hand, seemed to be a typical Hollywood star who was indulging in excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. This behavior of hers really got on my nerves, and I felt like shouting at her to "pull up her socks".

However, it was quite evident that the author, Spoto, had a very soft spot for MM. He repeatedly excused her bad behavior, which I found rather frustrating. It was clear to me that I was not the intended audience for this book. I just couldn't seem to connect with the story or the characters, especially given the way MM was portrayed and the author's lenient attitude towards her.

I guess everyone has their own taste in literature, and this particular book just didn't appeal to me. Maybe others would find it more interesting and engaging, but for me, it was a bit of a disappointment.