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Anthony Summers
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Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe Kindle Edition

by Anthony Summers (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,424 ratings
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The updated bestselling biography—based on over six hundred interviews—and the inspiration for the Netflix documentary, The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe, born in obscurity and deprivation, became an actress and legend of the twentieth century, romantically linked to famous men from Joe DiMaggio to Arthur Miller to John F. Kennedy. But her tragic death at a young age, under suspicious circumstances, left behind a mystery that remains unsolved to this day.

Anthony Summers interviewed more than six hundred people, laying bare the truths—sometimes funny, often sad—about this brilliant, troubled woman. The first to gain access to the files of Monroe’s last psychiatrist, Summers uses the documents to explain her tangled psyche and her dangerous addiction to medications. He establishes, after years of mere rumor, that President Kennedy and his brother Robert were both intimately involved with Monroe in life—and in covering up the circumstances of her death.

Written and updated by a Pulitzer Prize nominee who has authored works on JFK, J. Edgar Hoover, and the 9/11 attacks, this investigation of an iconic star’s brief life and early death is “remarkable. . . . The ghost of Marilyn Monroe cries out in these pages” (The New York Times). Netflix’s The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe will cement this work as the definitive biography of the unforgettable woman.
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  1. Print length
    718 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Open Road Media
  4. Publication date
    November 6, 2012
  5. File size
    30.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
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  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. Marilyn was a prime candidate for what is today called a ‘borderline’ personality — someone who hovers ‘on the border between psychotic and neurotic, with frequent fluctuations between the two.’
    Highlighted by 78 Kindle readers
  2. ‘True love is visible not to the eyes, but to the heart, for eyes may be deceived.’
    Highlighted by 67 Kindle readers
  3. Divine love always has met and always will meet every human need … since to all mankind and in every hour, divine love supplies all good.
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Summers claims to have interviewed more than 600 people in the course of writing this book, and the effort shows in this exhaustiveand exhausting biography. Overall, the book is well written. Of the new material presented, the most provocative is Summers's assertion that Monroe's corpse was first discovered by Robert Kennedy and Peter Lawford. The reason for the confusion of facts about her death, says Summers, is that a coverup was conducted to hide Monroe's sexual involvement with both John and Robert Kennedy. Since Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller declined to be interviewed, this is not the definitive Monroe biography. Still, libraries that do not already have a surfeit of books on Monroe should find this a popular addition. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club featured alternates. John Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Freehold, N.J.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“A remarkable performance . . . The ghost of Marilyn Monroe cries out in these pages.” —The New York Times

“Convincing evidence of a crude but effective cover-up which was designed to protect Robert Kennedy.” —The Times Literary Supplement

“I knew and admired Marilyn’s husband Arthur Miller. . . . [Marilyn] was a classic example of borderline personality disorder, filled with despair, terror, and rage . . . an eternal damaged child. . . . She was a genius, a sorceress who could stimulate the world’s sexuality and still seem innocent, turn on a light and become ‘Marilyn Monroe.’ And she has become eternal. This is the most believable, useful book of all the books about her.” —Harvey Wasserman, former professor of psychiatry, Yale University College of Medicine

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009S33ICC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media; Reprint edition (November 6, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 30.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 718 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,424 ratings

About the author

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Anthony Summers

Anthony Summers

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Anthony Summers is the bestselling author of eight nonfiction books. As a journalist with BBC television, he covered Vietnam, the Middle East, and major issues in the United States. His investigative books have ranged from the Kennedy to the Nixon years, and he recently produced what critics praised as the definitive account of the 9/11 attacks.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,424 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-researched. They praise the writing quality as honest and truthful. The book provides an in-depth look into Marilyn's life and career, describing her as fascinating and remarkable. Readers appreciate the life perspective and new insights provided by the book.

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ReadabilityResearch qualityWriting qualityLife storyBeautyLife perspectiveSadnessTimeline accuracy
143 customers mention "Readability"118 positive25 negative

Customers find the book readable and entertaining. They appreciate the interesting storyline and the author's research.

"...But all in all, this is an amazing book." Read more

"...Part IV thru VI of the book is very interesting and due to all the characters sometimes difficult to follow...." Read more

"...What I liked most about this book is the manner in which the book is infinitely readable while not departing from facts which are establishable by..." Read more

"...I can't quite put my finger on what was wierd. It was interesting and maybe sometimes too detailed...." Read more

111 customers mention "Research quality"91 positive20 negative

Customers find the book's research thorough and credible. They appreciate the author's detailed, informative writing style and his meticulous sharing of sources, mentioning names where appropriate. The book answers some questions and presents a balanced view.

"...But it is well worthwhile. He completely documents disagreements in sources and presents clearly his beliefs based upon the research...." Read more

"...Summers well known biography of Marilyn Monroe is incredibly long and detailed...." Read more

"...It is in six parts and has a table of contents, a reference section, black and white photos in two section, and a nice index...." Read more

"...is the manner in which the book is infinitely readable while not departing from facts which are establishable by empirical evidence...." Read more

41 customers mention "Writing quality"36 positive5 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book engaging and well-written. They praise the author's honesty, truthfulness, and insight. The book is described as factual and informative yet exciting, with a comfortable style that keeps it interesting. Readers appreciate the author's detail and believable characters despite being a work of fiction.

"...He completely documents disagreements in sources and presents clearly his beliefs based upon the research...." Read more

"...The author is relentless with his pursuit of the truth...." Read more

"...But, at the same time, he fulfilled what I was seeking: a truthful and complete story of her life and death...." Read more

"...But this beautifully written, compassionate and meticulously researched work answered all of my questions about her life and death and, for me,..." Read more

27 customers mention "Life story"23 positive4 negative

Customers find the book provides an in-depth look at Marilyn Monroe's life and career. They appreciate the author's thorough research and portrayal of her turbulence. Many consider it the definitive work on Marilyn and the Kennedys, well-researched and sad.

"...In the LA Times article, this book was mentioned as a definitive journal of her life and death...." Read more

"...time, he fulfilled what I was seeking: a truthful and complete story of her life and death...." Read more

"...Her link to the Kennedy's is documented and the mystery surrounding her death keeps one reading, and then to draw your own conclusions...." Read more

"...As a fan I think she was a very talented actress, never be another like her. Such a sad ending to her life with many unanswered questions...." Read more

23 customers mention "Beauty"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful about Marilyn Monroe's life. They describe her as a talented and remarkable person with a tragic past. The book provides an engaging account of her complex character and tormented soul.

"...The highlight for me was his dreamy depiction of a mesmerized Marilyn at the Metropolitan Museum of Art walking around and around Rodin's The Hand..." Read more

"...She was a remarkable human being, a real life goddess and one of God’s best creatures...." Read more

"...Too me she was a beautiful little girl always!" Read more

"...fan, but more than that - to anyone who simply wants to read a compelling biography with characters that have shaped history." Read more

14 customers mention "Life perspective"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a thorough review of Monroe's life. They appreciate the insights and details into his life that shed new light. The book is described as thoughtful, poignant, and well-researched.

"...always been facinated by Marilyn Monroe and this book did provide some life details I hadn't heard before...." Read more

"...However, the more I read the more I grew to admire his uniquely philosophical approach to the ever complex Norma Jean with her decidedly existential..." Read more

"...Very fragile emotionally, but sweet and somewhat wanting for an authentic sense of life...." Read more

"Summers delivers a thorough review of the lives and perspectives surrounding Monroe...." Read more

45 customers mention "Sadness"29 positive16 negative

Customers have different views on the book's sadness. Some find it well-written and interesting, while others describe it as a sad story with a tragic ending.

"...These story lines are so engrossing that it is difficult to put the book away for the night but the book is such a time commitment that it's not..." Read more

"I laughed and I cried reading this book that brings Marilyn to li Dr e. I will keep this wonderful book forever." Read more

"...For me personally, it was a bit long and weighty, and I got bogged down towards the end and even had to skip a few sections...." Read more

"...I still feel she was gorgeous. She paid a terrible price. (NOTE: Joe DiMaggio comes across as pretty seedy and obnoxious!)..." Read more

10 customers mention "Timeline accuracy"3 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the timeline accuracy of the book. Some find it an asset and a fast read, while others say the timelines are difficult to follow, as the book doesn't flow chronologically but rather by source. It can be slow-moving at times, but there are parts that readers enjoy very much.

"...What it seemed to be was one LONG slog through the entire (mostly sex) life of this woman, interspersed with very dubious "diagnoses" from..." Read more

"...It is not a book that flows chronologically, but rather by source...." Read more

"...It was a pretty fast read in spite of the sometimes "oddness". I would recommend to any MM fan." Read more

"...It was a little difficult to place the events in a time perspective since the author seemed to skip back and forth quite a bit." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Rick Spell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pulitzer for Research!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book after reading the 2005 LA Times story of the police medical examiner who believes Monroe did not kill herself. He believes she was administered a morphine overdose by suppository. Also, the psychiatrist who was very close to Monroe at her death and was criticized for this closeness believed the same theory. In the LA Times article, this book was mentioned as a definitive journal of her life and death. Also, it alluded that the psychiatrist's statements were shared with this author and in this book. Therefore, on that recommendation that this was the definitive Marilyn Monroe book, I felt a need to understand and investigate her life and death.

    I was not disappointed. I remain absolutely amazed at the completeness of the research involved in this book. Be forewarned this is not a short read. But it is well worthwhile. He completely documents disagreements in sources and presents clearly his beliefs based upon the research. An important fact from early and mid-life that I had never seen emphasized was exactly how few movies she made at the end of her life, something like only 5 in the last 10 years. In my 52 year lifetime, Marilyn clearly had the most unique combination of sex and innocence that drew people in. It's difficult to describe her appeal. Probably closest would be Pamela Anderson who unfortunately feels the need to wear massive make-up hiding the very attractive wholesome girl she was when initially discovered. Much like Marilyn.

    But where this book is at its best is describing the DiMaggio/Miller marriages, the many close friendships late in her life and what they expose about her potential suicide, the Kennedy relationships and ultimately her death. These story lines are so engrossing that it is difficult to put the book away for the night but the book is such a time commitment that it's not the type to be read in a few hours.

    I cannot stress how detailed is the research on the last three years of her life including Sinatra, Lawford and the Kennedys. Based upon all the exhaustive research, I still believe this was a suicide. She had tried too many times before and sadly, was totally addicted to narcotics. What is more interesting is her relationship with the Kennedy's. But would they really have been involved in foul play when at that time the press ignored politician affairs? Marilyn's life is a great tragedy and this book does a fabulous job of summarizing. I strongly recommend this book if you have any interest in this icon. Be forewarned. This is not a quick weekend read but well worth the hours spent.
    32 people found this helpful
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  • James A. Davidson
    4.0 out of 5 stars An amazing biography
    Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Anthony Summers well known biography of Marilyn Monroe is incredibly long and detailed. Readers wanting to know every fact about Marilyn’s life will love this book. For me personally, it was a bit long and weighty, and I got bogged down towards the end and even had to skip a few sections. But all in all, this is an amazing book.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Hawkeye
    5.0 out of 5 stars Goddess! The ultimate in historical research!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I purchased this book after a program Anthony Summers had on Net flicks. Up to that time I never hear of this book written and published in 1985. The product seems to have been used due to the coloration of the cover and the flexure of the binding. I thought I order it new! The book was obtained to understand the last portion of the book revealing the leading up to the aftermath of Marilyn Monroe’s death.

    Part IV thru VI of the book is very interesting and due to all the characters sometimes difficult to follow. The author is relentless with his pursuit of the truth. The author obtains all his research to provide a reasonable scenario as to what really happen on that faithful night in August, 1962. The interested reader and inquisitor of this story will be well rewarded to obtain his view.

    The book is well written with not editorial flaws. It is in six parts and has a table of contents, a reference section, black and white photos in two section, and a nice index. My only difficulty was keeping up with all the personalities in the story. A glossary would be well appreciated.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Randy M Lloyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read it!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I have to admit that I only ordered this book because I was curious after reading the book "Double Cross" written by Sam and Chuck Giancana. One of the most dubious claims made in that book was that mob associated figures were used to assassinate Marilyn Monroe. At least it was told that Sam Giancana Sr said that. I read this book because I wanted to see what an objective biographer might say about it.

    What I liked most about this book is the manner in which the book is infinitely readable while not departing from facts which are establishable by empirical evidence. I found it shocking the way Marilyn's life spiraled out of control without her having anyone who could successfully reach out to her; her appalling behavior notwithstanding. Equally shocking was how completely alone and unloved she ultimately felt even though she had achieved such laudable fame, even if by salacious means . By reading this book you will completely understand how believable were the reports of drug overdose suicide, and alternatively, how vulnerable her mental and medical condition made her to being eliminated as a threat in the manner described in the Giancana book. In the closing chapters, all plausible theories are explored about how she may have been eliminated, and also how she might have just as easily killed herself either by accident, or possibly on purpose.

    In any case, the journey through Norma Jean's life, and ultimately her demise, and her shocking death, is an entertaining one. A journey that absolutely qualifies as better than any wild yarn that even the best fiction writer could concoct about an imagined character. This book could easily dovetail into a study of the Kennedys and their behavior, and even into JFK's assassination.
    49 people found this helpful
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  • Tina
    3.0 out of 5 stars Marylin Review
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2013
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    I gave this book 3 stars because it was an "odd read". I can't quite put my finger on what was wierd. It was interesting and maybe sometimes too detailed. I have always been facinated by Marilyn Monroe and this book did provide some life details I hadn't heard before. It was a pretty fast read in spite of the sometimes "oddness". I would recommend to any MM fan.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Renzo Mora
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
    Reviewed in Brazil on May 3, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I did read the first edition and this new and improved book is worth reading, with new and well researched information
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  • Security light
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marylin book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great read if it’s your cup of tea
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  • Maria Anna Montuori
    5.0 out of 5 stars The unseen Marilyn
    Reviewed in Italy on November 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Marilyn Monroe is one of the most photographed woman ever, and yet the insight of this thouroughly detailed manuscript and the details provided are something previously unseen. This book is a collection of memories from people who were there when she was alive and sources have all been verified by the writer. The part regarding the death of this beloved Hollywood star takes most of the lenght of this book, and yet I found only one testimony missing: the one of the ambulance driver who supposedly witnessed her psychiatrist administering her an adrenaline shot to the heart to revive her from the overdose. I wonder if this is a detail that came out only recently or if the fact is yet to be proven, therefore he decided not to include it (which would be strange, since other controversial fact are detailed, although with a disclaimer note). A really interesting read.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A throwaway goddess
    Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I rate this at the top because it is a penetrating and sad story of a very sad woman. And it is no credit to those around her - Hollywood, her husbands and the Kennedys who treated her like a throw-away property. She had much more potential than just a Hollywood glamor girl and her efforts to achieve some measure of intellectual position were not the route to happiness. The only genuine spot is that, despite Di Maggio's macho old-world view of marriage, his anger when she left him and her continued flirting with danger, he was the only one who was there at the last to look after her in death and interment.
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  • Linda Buchanan
    4.0 out of 5 stars too sad
    Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Disillusioned by what i found out about people i used it admire - and how they kept high-paying jobs when their lives were so shallow and miserable.. Sad.
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