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 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
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
What’s with the Pinup Models and Live Turkeys?
I continue to make my way through November’s book (review planned for next week!), and so in the meantime I thought I would look write a post on a question someone asked me on TikTok: What’s with the pinup photos with turkeys? This is a small selection of what does appear to be a large … Continue reading What’s with the Pinup Models and Live Turkeys?
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
Was this Marilyn Monroe’s book from childhood?
Among Marilyn Monroe’s collection of books is the children’s book The Little Engine That Could. Auction # 522 from Christie’s 1999 auction The book was published in 1930–Marilyn would have been about 4 years old when it came out. At that time, Marilyn was living with her foster parents, Albert and Ida Bolender. According to … Continue reading Was this Marilyn Monroe’s book from childhood?
The Woman Who Illustrated Marilyn Monroe’s Pet Turtles Book
Book club members voted for Pet Turtles to be this month's book from Marilyn Monroe's reading list. Though the auction at Christie's called this a book, it really is more of a booklet or pamphlet--25 pages all about how to keep pet turtles (and no, I still have not found any evidence that Marilyn Monroe … Continue reading The Woman Who Illustrated Marilyn Monroe’s Pet Turtles Book
5 Disabled Authors on Marilyn Monroe’s Bookshelf
Did you know that July is disability pride month? Being a disabled writer myself, I know only too well how often disability awareness gets overlooked, so this week I wanted to make sure that my reading list included disabled authors. I finished Fledgling by Octavia Butler, and also purchased a copy of Disability Visibility, which … Continue reading 5 Disabled Authors on Marilyn Monroe’s Bookshelf
This Day in History: Marilyn Monroe checks out of the hospital
On July 11th, 1961 Marilyn Monroe left the hospital, after having a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). It had been a difficult year for Marilyn, who had been in and out of the hospital over a period of 10 months, and divorced Arthur Miller in January. 500 people came to watch the event, which Marilyn Monroe later … Continue reading This Day in History: Marilyn Monroe checks out of the hospital
Eartha Kitt’s 1976 Autobiography (including link to check it out for free online!)
In Alone with Me: A New Autobiography Eartha Kitt recounts memories of her childhood, her rise to fame, and the people who impacted her life. Eartha Kitt wrote several autobiographies in addition to Alone with Me (Thursday’s Child [1956], I’m Still Here: Confessions of a Sex Kitten [1989], as well as a health book with … Continue reading Eartha Kitt’s 1976 Autobiography (including link to check it out for free online!)
The Vintage Book Club 