Carly Maris' copy The Short Reign of Pippin IV by John Steinbeck was April's book selection. Marilyn Monroe's copy of the book was a first edition, published in 1957, which was sold at auction in 1999 as part of a lot for $2990.00. The satirical novel tells the story of a Frenchman named Pippin, living … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe’s Bookshelf Review: The Short Reign of Pippin IV
Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Music
What was Marilyn Monroe's favorite music? We know she loved jazz. Her own music was highly inspired by jazz of the era, and she was a huge fan of Ella Fitzgerald, which we know from this famous story of Marilyn boosting Ella Fitzgerald's career. But besides jazz, what did she listen to? Several weeks ago, … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Music
Marilyn Monroe and John Steinbeck
Today, I wanted to share three first edition books written by Steinbeck that Marilyn Monroe owned. What was it about this author that she liked? And what drew her to these particular novels? These are questions I will be thinking about as I do my reading for this month.
Marilyn Monroe’s Library Review: This Demi-Paradise, a Westchester Diary
This month, The Vintage Book Club voted to read This Demi-Paradise, a Westchester Diary written by Margaret Halsey. The book is written in the form of daily diary entries of a middle-class suburban woman named Helen Fitzgibbons. Helen's wry sense of humor highlights many of the hypocrisies of white, middle-class suburbia, in topics ranging from … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe’s Library Review: This Demi-Paradise, a Westchester Diary
5 First Edition Books that Marilyn Monroe owned
Marilyn Monroe owned over 400 books in her lifetime, and a large number of them were first editions. I have been able to add several to my recreation of her collection (including Hawaii and Invisible Man noted below). As I work my way through the books she owned to make the spreadsheet of all of … Continue reading 5 First Edition Books that Marilyn Monroe owned
Working on a Book
Something I have wanted to do for a long time is write a book about Marilyn Monroe's book collection, as there is so much to be said that really goes beyond what I can include in blog posts. Books shape minds and Marilyn Monroe's vast collection reveals how she saw the world. In reading and … Continue reading Working on a Book
Marilyn Monroe’s Bookshelf Review: Stoned Like a Statue
Firstly, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I know I am behind in my book reviews— I had to take off most of the month of December due to increased hours in my day job and a mandatory quarantine at the beginning of the month. I am back now, however, and so … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe’s Bookshelf Review: Stoned Like a Statue
Marilyn Monroe’s Winter Wardrobe
With the holiday season upon us (and temperatures in Southern California starting to drop just a little!) I thought it would be fun to take a break from book reviews and look at Marilyn Monroe’s winter wardrobe, as found in the Christie’s auction of Marilyn Monroe’s items in 1999. I also have found some similar … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe’s Winter Wardrobe
November’s Marilyn Monroe Movie Night!
Last month was the first Marilyn Monroe Movie Night with Pinup Book Club, and this month I am excited to announce that the movie this month will be Monkey Business, starring Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and Marilyn Monroe. We will start the movie at 6pm PST tonight, and have live discussion on Instagram. Go to … Continue reading November’s Marilyn Monroe Movie Night!
Marilyn Monroe’s Books: Mischief
October's book from Marilyn Monroe's bookshelf was Mischief, a psychological thriller by Charlotte Armstrong. The novel was adapted into the film Don't Bother to Knock, starring Marilyn Monroe. This month in addition to reading the book, the book club also had a viewing party of the film. Marilyn Monroe owned a number of books that … Continue reading Marilyn Monroe’s Books: Mischief
The Vintage Book Club 