I have read several books about Marilyn Monroe and much in this one wasn`t a surprise, however, the author did stress that Monroe yearned to be seen as a serious actress. Granted this is old news but for those who see her films, it's interesting to wonder what might of been if she had succeeded in being seen in a different light.
This book also focuses on her battles with studio execs to have equal status (i.e. respect, pay) as other stars she was working with.
An enjoyable book about a complex woman who tragically left us far too soon and seemed to never find true happiness.
Thank you Netgalley for an Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions are my own.

The book is a unique take on Marilyn Monroe. I've read pretty much every book about Marilyn, but I think I have learned the most about the woman from this particular book. For instance, I didn't understand until now that Marilyn was not just a sexy, complicated beauty who was a huge star in show business. Actually, she was a strong, smart, brilliant actress and business woman who was decades ahead of other people in attitudes and ideas. She was a very private, intensely driven artist, the kind we would SO much more appreciate and understand today. What a shame.
This isn't a fluff-job of a book, you will notice that immediately. The author gets right to business and tells us up-front that she plans to show that Marilyn was a remarkable, exceptional woman--the kind that the world at the time wasn't interested in seeing or appreciating. I came away believing, too, that it is time to give the woman far more respect than she was ever given in life, except by a rare few.
My criticisms of the book are only about issues of editing. The book was given to me in return for my honest review and perhaps it is simply a draft of the book. I don't know. I think the author tried to tell more about the times than was needed. I noticed a few minor typos. But mostly I thought that some text could have been omitted. I grew tired of reading about the history of our times, for instance. BUT, had I not lived through those decades and if I wanted a really wanted a more complete understanding of the times when Marilyn lived, I might have been happier to read all the details the author provided. I believe folks who love reading about Marilyn will want to read this book and will appreciate the work this author has gone to in telling us about The Girl.

Having read countless Marilyn Monroe books, I must say I enjoyed every moment of this book. The storytelling was impeccable!

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Morgan and Perseus Books & Running Press for allowing me to read and review The Girl. Knowing almost nothing about Marilyn, I had few preconceived notions going into reading this book. I thought that it was a decent book. 3/5

I was really interested in reading this book since I, like the author, believe that Marilyn Monroe was more than just a pretty face and she was no dumb blonde. The book did not flow as easily as I hoped it would. So many references to comments that were put out in regards to Marilyn that instilled the dumbness of her that it bogged the book down. A good read about her fighting for her rights in 1950's Hollywood.