This was a very interesting insight into Marilyn Monroe's life. Most of the chapters are pretty short, little tidbits of stories about her life growing up, how she broke into the business, her first loves etc. Its too bad she didn't continue writing it, because it ends a bit abruptly (not because of her death, it ends right after her marriage to Joe DiMagio). Definitely recommended to any Marilyn fan. ( )

Just about the saddest memoir I've ever read. ( )

My only disappointment with this autobiography is that MM didn’t continue writing it during her glory years. Perhaps the glory years didn’t allow her enough time to commit to it.

This is a fascinating insight to Marilyn’s childhood and early years as a struggling actress. It’s very much a rags to riches story, albeit it cuts off at the outset of the riches period.

I felt sorry for Marilyn during her girlhood. This unwanted "orphan" was good-hearted yet unable to build friendships, owing to being sent to different homes, and often being kicked out through other children blaming her for things she didn't do, such as ripping another child's clothes.

Her introduction to the film world and the painstaking efforts she had to win parts is also an absorbing read.

Overall, this great book is a sad story that isn’t without hope. ( )

Marilyn Monroe is a fascinating woman, even years after her death. This unfinished memoir started with her less-than-happy childhood and follows her rise to fame. It was interesting to read about her experiences at Hollywood parties, where she never truly felt like she fit in and preferred to stand aside and watch everyone. She was a woman of many layers and surprising depth. I'm eager to read more about her. ( )

I don't know if Marilyn actually wrote this (the controversy was never resolved) or even part of it, but it's a sad window into a tragic life. Finished on the 87th anniversary of her birth. ( )

Regrese a mis orígenes de estoy obsesionada con Marilyn Monroe , lo que en un principio (cuando tenia catorce años) era estoy obsesionada con Marilyn y Joe Dimaggio y luego estoy obsesionada con el misterio de la muerte de Monroe y ahora es solo Marilyn x Marilyn y todo lo que se haya escrito sobre ella .

Que mejor modo de conocerla que a traves de sus propias palabras . Una autobiografía inconclusa pero ciertamente triste sobre una mujer que nunca quiso ser un mero símbolo sexual .

Es muy deprimente leer como se esforzó , como luchó por ser reconocida (como mínimo) como un ser humano pero siempre las miradas y las manos ajenas no hicieron mas que cosificarla descaradamente ..

"...The “shooting down” photograph had been condemned by some army general. He said it would be bad for the Armed Services for parents to think their daughters might be subjected to the influences of somebody like me—who showed her bosom in public.

I thought this a little mean. I hadn’t meant to show my bosom, and I hadn’t been aware of the camera that was peeping down under my bodice. Of course nobody would believe me ..."

( )

Not a great literature piece but very insightful. ( )

This paperback edition I read is not the later "Illustrated Edition" which I'm sure is a much better version. Obviously, this book was not ever meant to be published in Monroe's lifetime. Ben Hecht co-wrote this with Marilyn. The first part of the book is a reminiscence on a desolate childhood, isolated from everyone who could protect her. The second part becomes a more present tense portrayal of events involving how Hollywood worked at the time. This is equally as powerful as the tragedy of her family of origin difficulties. Monroe talks about her desire to learn about Renaissance Art, read Russian literature, take acting, speech, and dance lessons. She seems to be very aware of her emotional split personality (Marilyn and Norma Jean) and how they could both be present at the same time. I was surprised to read about how Monroe always considered herself special, unlike anyone else in the world, even at her most desperate moments. Monroe seemed to have learned how to gauge her moments of desperation, knowing they wouldn't last. They could return at a future time, but usually wouldn't become permanent. ( )

I never really cared for Marilyn Monroe before reading this book, but afterwards I'd consider myself a fan.

It was interesting to read the way that she thought about things and at the same time it was kind of depressing. She had a pretty tragic childhood, but overall I was touched by this book.

My one complaint is that it was too short. I would have liked to read more about what she had to say. ( )

GREAT CONDITION! ( )