Frankie recommends... Marilyn And Her Books: The Literary Life of Marilyn Monroe - Gail Crowther

Frankie says... A tender, beautiful exploration of Marylin's sharp wit and intelligence that was honed throughout her reading life. Crowther's clever questions gently probe into the shelves of Marilyn's collection - over 400 titles strong!! - and discusses how and why her literary life has been sidelined in favour of a false narrative of ignorance, when in fact Marilyn was endowed with an ferociously enquiring mind. Crowther makes sure to frame her enduring beauty with both her deep, nuanced interiority as well as her undeniable brightness and magnetism, exposing an imperfect, self-deprecating reader who consumed hundreds of books across her short life, thirsting for knowledge and alternative experiences. Exquisite, sensitive research contained in a beautifully produced book that will delight Marilyn's devotees (myself included). 

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Timed to the 100th birthday of Marilyn Monroe, and with the full cooperation of the Monroe estate, comes an investigation into the literary life of the Hollywood icon and actress, from the author of Three-Martini Afternoons at the Ritz and Dorothy Parker in Hollywood. Far from the spotlights of the Hollywood film sets and the flashbulbs of the press, Marilyn Monroe was a great reader and lover of books. Her association with writers did not stop at reading their words on the page.

Through her deep research, Crowther delves into Marilyn's personal collection of books and charts how Monroe, who left high school before graduation, embarked on an impressive and progressive program of self-education, hungry for knowledge, and devouring books as an active and engaged reader. Her personal library reflects this enquiring mind.

In 2026, for her centenary, this book showcases Marilyn Monroe, the reader. Because at the end of her life, it was not her jewels or her furs, her shoes, or dresses that she cared about. It was her books.