The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli is in essense a story of Beauty and the Beast. A beautiful young woman with so much potential who is chased throughout her life by the beast of disappointment, heartbreak, abuse, drugs and doubtful self esteem. A story of a beautiful young woman whose life is but a roller coaster ride with so many ups and down it's no wonder the tragic outcome.

I must confess this is the first I have read of this actress and am glad for the opportunity to hear it from an author that has taken the time to get the facts from reliable sources so as to give us a true rendition of what really went on behind the closed doors of America's Sweetheart. Even though I was but a young child when Marilyn Monroe met her tragic end I still remember so much emphasis on the most beautiful woman that ever lived. The two people I do remember from this time period are Marilyn Monroe and JFK. Two people whose lives impacted so many and ended so tragically.

The author starts this story before Marilyn is even thought of and the circumstances that bring about her life. A story starting with her grandmother giving us important background that will give us some understanding of the vicious cycle of all that is good and bad in life. A telling of no matter what station you hold in life and how the happiness and cruelties can latch onto you as easily as a cold germ from the sneeze of a sick person in a grocery store.

This story talks about Marilyn's loves, marriages, affairs. Her achievements from hard word and failings from human frailty. People she knew that influenced her to the point of almost truly possessing her. Bad choices and good choices she made and how each and every one affected the outcome of her life. The story makes you think of what if she had made a different choice and how fate would have handled her. A story that will touch you in many ways and open your eyes to how good your life really is in comparison.

Audio CD
Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (August 24, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1607882558
ISBN-13: 978-1607882558