Read That? Read This! Marilyn Monroe

There’s been so many biographies, memoirs and historical fiction novels about Marilyn Monroe. Sometimes however, there are books that go outside what they normally associate with Marilyn Monroe “the sex symbol” “her tragic life” & “the blond bombshell”. In this list I’m going to recommend the books that talk about Marilyn outside of the Hollywood image they created for her years ago.

Marilyn and Her Books: The Literary Life Of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn and Her Books: The Literary Life Of Marilyn Monroe by Gail Crowther, discusses Marilyn’s love of reading. Marilyn loved books and was an eclectic reader. I love how this book discussed how her love of reading, influenced her acting career, the writers Marilyn enjoyed and disliked and even some of the writers she did meet. Gail’s writing made you feel as though you were with Marilyn as she browsed famous bookshops in California and picturing what the shelf looked like. Marilyn and Her Books will be available on May 26^th, 2026!

Can’t We Be Friends A Novel Of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

Can’t We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce & Eliza Knight details the close friendship between Jazz Queen Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe. While the book is historical fiction, their friendship was very real. The two women had more in common than you think, their need to gain professional and personal independence, their talent & the husbands, hanger on’s and managers that underestimated them. I read this back in 2024. I love how well both Denny & Eliza worked together researching and writing the book.

Which one to read first?

If you weren’t lucky enough to read an early copy of Marilyn And Her Books like I have, while you wait for that book to be released in May, I suggest reading Can’t We Be Friends, first. If you can wait until the release of Marilyn And Her Books & let’s say you are going through withdrawals after reading it, pick up a copy of Can’t We Be Friends.