For teens interested in exploring the complex journey of identity and self-discovery behind a public persona, this verse novel delves into the life of Marilyn Monroe.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is grappling with the pressure to create a public persona and is questioning their own identity. This powerful verse novel chronicles the life of Marilyn Monroe, from her traumatic childhood as Norma Jeane to her creation of a global icon. It unflinchingly explores themes of loneliness, the search for belonging, mental health struggles, and the exploitation of women. For mature teens (14+), this book is an excellent catalyst for conversations about the difference between public image and private self, the cost of fame, and the resilience it takes to survive trauma.
Includes multiple marriages, affairs, and discussions of sexuality and exploitation.
Character DeathIntense
The book culminates in the protagonist's untimely death, implied to be an overdose.
ViolenceMild
References to sexual assault and emotional abuse are present but not graphically detailed.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and unflinchingly with sensitive topics from a secular viewpoint. These include childhood trauma (a mother's institutionalization, neglect in foster care, sexual abuse), mental illness (anxiety, depression), sexism, and substance use. The approach is realistic and empathetic. The resolution is tragic, reflecting her untimely death, but the overall tone honors her strength and complexity rather than offering a simple, hopeful narrative.
Ideal Reader
A mature teen, 15-18, who appreciates lyrical language and is interested in classic Hollywood, feminism, or psychology. A good fit for a thoughtful reader ready to explore complex, somber themes about fame, identity, and exploitation. It will also resonate with a teen who feels pressure to perform or present a curated image of themselves to the world.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview and be prepared to discuss mature themes including sexual assault (page 26, "He didn't mean to, / his hands strayed"), mental illness, prescription drug abuse, and suicide. The free verse format makes it easy to dip in, but a conversation about the power dynamics of Old Hollywood and the history of mental health treatment would provide valuable context. It can be read cold, but discussion will deepen the experience. A parent hears their teen express anxiety about their social media presence, saying something like, "Everyone else's life looks so perfect online, I feel like I have to pretend," or, "I feel like nobody knows the real me."
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) might focus more on the narrative of her rise to fame and the inherent sadness of her story. An older teen (16-18) is more likely to grasp the nuanced critique of the studio system, the themes of misogyny and the commodification of women's bodies, and the profound psychological struggle between her private self and public persona.
What Makes It Special
The verse novel format is its most unique quality. It provides an intimate, lyrical, and emotionally immediate perspective that a standard prose biography cannot. By centering Marilyn's imagined inner voice, it makes her complex history accessible and deeply felt, focusing on her emotional reality rather than just a catalog of events.
Read plot summary
This verse novel traces the life of Norma Jeane Mortenson from her traumatic childhood in foster care and an orphanage, through her early marriages, to her transformation into Hollywood superstar Marilyn Monroe. The poems chronicle her career highs, high-profile relationships, and her constant, private struggles with mental health, exploitation by the studio system, and a deep-seated loneliness.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book is written in verse from Marilyn's perspective. How did this style affect your understanding of her as a person, compared to how you might have seen her in a movie or a traditional biography?
2
On page 83, the poem 'Public Property' says, 'My body belongs to the studio, / my soul to the public.' What do you think she meant by this? How does this idea apply to celebrities or influencers today?
3
Norma Jeane created the persona of 'Marilyn Monroe' to succeed. Do you think Marilyn was her true self, a character she played, or something in between? Discuss a moment in the book that supports your view.
4
The 'beauty mark' is a central symbol in the book. What did it represent for Marilyn at different points in her life, from something to hide to something to feature?
5
Carole Boston Weatherford chose to end the book with the poem 'Candle in the Wind'. Why do you think she chose this ending, and what feeling did it leave you with?
