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One of the most iconic names, one of the most intriguing and heartbreaking stories of a star, is unequivocally Marilyn Monroe. When one thinks of Monroe, they either think of her sex icon status, her untimely death, or the tortured soul she was behind the camera. Even though she passed away in 1962, she continues to inspire and mystify fans from all around the world over 60 years later.
Did you know she was an amazing cook? Did you know the last book she read was To Kill a Mockingbird? That she lived in London and did a love scene with Clark Gable? All of that and so much more can be found in the catalogs of biographies dedicated to the star.
Whether you want to know about her tumultuous relationships or first-hand accounts from her half-sister, we found the best books to read. From the book that the Netflix film Blonde is based on to her unfinished autobiography, these books will give you a glimpse of Monroe that you may never know existed.
Check out our top book picks on Monroe’s life, and get lost in the crazy, head-spinning world of Monroe.
A version of this article was originally published on Sept 2022.
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‘Marilyn Monroe: A Photographic Life’ by Jenna Glatzer
Image Credit: Chartwell Books. If you’ve truly wanted to dive into Marilyn Monroe’s world, then this book containing “rare photos, intimate stories, and removable memorabilia” is for you. It shows her whole life in photos and recreation of documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, correspondence, and more.
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‘The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe’ by Donald H Wolfe
Image Credit: William Morrow Paperbacks. The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe by Donald H Wolfe details the final weeks of Monroe’s life, and gives evidence to the claims that she was allegedly murdered.
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‘Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis’ by David Wills
Image Credit: It Books. Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis by David Wills is a truly comprehensive guide to all things Monroe, specifically showing a bunch of unseen photos and the details behind each one.
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‘On Marilyn Monroe: An Opinionated Guide’ by Richard Barrios
Image Credit: Oxford University Press. On Marilyn Monroe: An Opinionated Guide by Richard Barrios is an in-depth look at the parts of Monroe’s life that aren’t talked about enough such as her stage work, vocal work, and more.
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“The Girl: Marilyn Monroe, The Seven Year Itch, and the Birth of an Unlikely Feminist” by Michelle Morgan
Image Credit: Running Press Adult. The Girl: Marilyn Monroe, The Seven Year Itch, and the Birth of an Unlikely Feminist talks about a specific two years of Marilyn Monroe’s life, during the making of The Seven Year Itch. It goes in-depth on her tumultuous marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, when she started her own production company, and became part of multiple revolutions.
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“Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon” by Charles Casillo
Image Credit: St. Martin's Press. Marilyn Monroe: The Private Life of a Public Icon shows a glimpse into her life, but most of the details people don’t know, including the love scene with Clark Gable, a detailed account of her last day on Earth, and her relationship with the Kennedys. It’s a must for any Monroe lover!
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“Blonde” by Joyce Carol Oates
Image Credit: Ecco. Before you see the Netflix movie, you need to open up Joyce Carol Oates’ Blonde, which is in the POV of Monroe herself navigating the highs and lows of being an instant icon.
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“Marilyn: Norma Jeane” by Gloria Steinem
Image Credit: Open Road Media. Marilyn: Norma Jeane by Gloria Steinem is a national bestseller that starts from her life as Norma, leading into the persona of Monroe. There are private interviews and portraits everyone needs to see.
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“Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters” by Marilyn Monroe and Bernard Comment
Image Credit: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters is an iconic book that reveals the intimate and personal writings of Monroe before she died, showing a deeper side to the complex artist.
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“My Story” by Marilyn Monroe and Ben Hecht
Image Credit: Taylor Trade Publishing. No Marilyn Monroe book collection is complete without her unpublished, unfinished autobiography that talks about every moment of her life in such an in-depth, touching manner.
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“The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe” by J. Randy Taraborrelli
Image Credit: Grand Central Publishing. This biography shows the depths and dynamic side of Marilyn Monroe, talking about her home life and mental illness.
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“When Marilyn Met the Queen: Marilyn Monroe’s Life in England” by Michelle Morgan
Image Credit: Pegasus Books. In July 1956, Marilyn Monroe arrived in London on her and Arthur Miller’s honeymoon, and soon she lived in the rainy town. This book chronicles the unheard time in her life when she lived in the UK, talking about when she grew obsessed with the Queen and what she did while filming there.
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“Mimosa: Memories of Marilyn & the Making of ‘The Misfits’” by Ralph L. Roberts
Image Credit: Roadhouse Books. Ralph Roberts talks about when he met Marilyn Monroe in Mimosa: Memories of Marilyn & the Making of ‘The Misfits,’ and how he grew to be her friend from 1959 until her death in 1962. He also talks about their times together and his grief.
“Mimosa: Memories of Marilyn & the Making of ‘The Misfits’” by Ralph L. Roberts$12.00on Amazon.com -
“Joe and Marilyn” by Roger Kahn
Image Credit: Avon Books. If you’ve been itching to know more about Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s rocky and toxic love story, this biography goes into their passion, highs, lows, and eventual breakup.
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“Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe” by Vivian Kirkfield and Alleanna Harris
Image Credit: little bee books This illustrated children’s book gives even little ones an appreciation for Marilyn Monroe, more specifically, her amazing friendship with Ella Fitzgerald, and how they overcame prejudice.
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“Before Marilyn: The Blue Book Modeling Years” by Astrid Franse and Michelle Morgan
Image Credit: Thomas Dunne Books. The Before Marilyn: The Blue Book Modeling Years book is all about her modeling career that shot her into superstardom and how the head of her agency Miss Emmeline Snively kept track of her throughout her career.
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“Joe and Marilyn: Legends in Love” by C. David Heymann
Image Credit: Atria/Emily Bestler Books. This shocking and detailed biography of Joe and Marilyn gives an even deeper glimpse into their relationship (and a bunch of startling photos with it!)
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“My Sister Marilyn: A Memoir of Marilyn Monroe” by Bernieve Baker Miracle and Mona Rae Miracle
Image Credit: iUniverse. Berniece Miracle finally talks about her half-sister Marilyn Monroe in this in-depth novel that most people never hear the side of.
“My Sister Marilyn: A Memoir of Marilyn Monroe” by Bernieve Baker Miracle and Mona Rae Miracle$17.95 $17.95on Amazon.com
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