Book Review: Marilyn, My Marilyn by Art Johnson

Author:  Art Johnson
Title: Marilyn, My Marilyn
Genre: Historical Fiction & Mystery
Pages: ebook
Published: May 10th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

It’s the summer of ’62, and twenty-five-year-old journalist Rory Long receives a phone call at quitting time: it’s Marilyn Monroe. She wants to personally compliment him on a review he wrote of the new collected works of poet Carl Sandburg. 

She then enlists the cub reporter to tell her story; she doesn’t want to be remembered as a joke. When they meet, Rory is captivated by her knowledge of classical music, art and literature. As their relationship intensifies, Rory experiences a coming-of-age inspired by this side of Marilyn few know, and at the same time, Marilyn is influenced by Rory to begin reassessing her own life. 

But when Rory’s boss assigns him to write an article on the unsolved murder of the Black Dahlia, paranoia and tension mount. File papers go missing, then mysteriously return. An unknown covert organization watches Marilyn Monroe’s every move, thinking she may hold a clue to the Dahlia case. And just when Rory can feel he’s getting closer to the truth, J. Edgar Hoover himself intervenes to request that Rory be reassigned. Rapid changes are about to unfold in the land of the free, and they may be more costly than even Rory can surmise. 

In Art Johnson’s latest novel, he continues his style of combining historical fact with fiction to offer the reader a steady stream of drama, tension and humor. Marilyn, My Marilyn reveals fresh insight into the most iconic woman of modern times, not as a biography, but with a view of a nation which often buries the truth with its dead. 

Everyone knows the face and the name even today years and years after her death. Marilyn Monroe is considered one of the greatest beauties of the modern era. She is also considered one of the greatest mysteries and tragedies. I truly blame Hollywood for her demise. So many blame the government or other entities for her death. No. I flat out blame Hollywood and the paparazzi for her death. If they didn't physically do it; they drove her to do it. 

Sorry...back to the book. 

The story follows Rory who is a new and young journalist. A certain article of his draws the attention to Marilyn who reaches out to him. She wants to give him an exclusive interview. She wants the world to know she isn't some dumb, sexy blond. She has a brain and is a person like everyone else. Rory, of course, agrees to meet her and write her story. We get to see a side of Marilyn that was a rarity.

I really enjoyed this story. I know it is all fiction, but I really hope there is an interview out there was covered up and hidden that shows the truth behind Marilyn. How cool would that be? 

I like Rory and I really liked Marilyn in this. She was just so sad. Poor girl. 

There is also a murder mystery going on in the background that Rory is working on researching. It fit a little bit and then at the end you really get to see the connection. It was a nice add-on, but it really wasn't necessary for the story. But it show that even though Rory is now a close friend to Marilyn, he still has work to do to pay for his bills at the newspaper. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this. It was a nice what-if. There is more to the star and we have seen glimpses of this throughout the years, but wouldn't it be nice if there was a secret interview none of knew about? I highly recommend this. I'll stamp it with 5 stars. 

Movie Review: My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Length: 99 mins
Released: 2011
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:
Colin Clark, an employee of Sir Laurence Olivier's, documents the tense interaction between Olivier and Marilyn Monroe during the production of The Prince and the Showgirl in the 1950s. 

TRAILER:

REVIEW:

 This has been on my TWL for a long time now, because I adore Marilyn Monroe. The moment I seen it was available Netflix I popped it on. 

Yes, I had high exceptions because I do love Marilyn Monroe and I want them to do right by her. Also, the cast is good, so I have high expectations of them. Did the movie meet me expectations? Sadly…no. 

The cast is amazing and you love Marilyn Monroe…so what is the issue you may asked.

It felt 2D. The characters were flat and the storyline seemed unrealistic and boring. Yes, I wasn’t expecting this boy to be the love of her life. She certainly just was looking for a bit of fun, but there was no emotion. I wanted to punch everyone. Everything seemed so forced. Honestly….I barely made it to the end. Not because the film was horrible, but it didn’t catch my attention and interest. I pretty much surfaced the internet while watching this, because I was bored. There are only a few moments in the film that caught my full attention. That is sad.

I must put in a good word though…the costumes were lovely and accurate. Kuddos to that department. Also, the main actress looked and sounded like Ms Monroe. It was nice, but her acting left me wanting more…in a bad way.

So disappointing. I expected so much out of this and I was left bored and bummed. 

There is little left to say at this point. I’ll be honest…I barely remember the vast majority of the film except for a few highlights. Very forgettable. 

 I do not recommend this film unless you are looking for background noise. I had so much hope for this, but a big meh from me. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 1. 

Re-watch?: Maybe give it another chance 10 years from now when I am feeling nicer. hahaha

The Return of Carole: Music Monday

Happy Monday everyone! Sooooo sorry I have been pretty much absent. Once school was done, I was busy due to work and the catching up with socializing with the world. I had been anti-social during school it was sad. Haha. Now I have rested and am motivated to blog once more.

Well, since it is Monday and I have nothing ready to share yet, I'll share some music to get this Monday started:

First one is a lovely little tribute to Marilyn Monroe. It's fabulously done.

By boyfriend showed me this video...it's "controversial" and people are in an uproar thinking this video is real. Gotta hate people....it so obviously fake its not funny. What do you guys think?