Marilyn, Joe & Me: June Dimaggio Tell It Like It Was

I found Marilyn, Joe and Me to be a delightful read. I don't understand what all the bashing is about! The book is about family, love, friendship and courage. June DiMaggio is a woman to be admired. She talks about joining the USO during WWII at the age of seventeen. I had no idea that the 'Suicide Squad' existed, and talking to more and more women of June's era, I am finding out what a tremendous amount of courage those women had, something we don't hear enough about! June talks about her heartbreaking romances,losing the people she loved and perservering in spite of everything. June takes us through the trials and tribulations of her career, sharing personal artifacts and keepsakes. She talks about a special friendship, giving us the pleasure of knowing Marilyn Monroe as the warm human being that she was. The photos are wonderful and the recipes at the end of the book are a very generous gesture given by a generous heart. We live in a society where it is easier to believe the 'dirt' about someone, rather than the good. It makes it a lot harder to accept the truth when it's put out there. I recommend that you read the book before passing judgement!

In Marilyn, Joe & Me, what struck me most was the portrayal of Marilyn, through Ms. DiMaggio's memories of time spent with her, as a human being. It's refreshing to know more about the person around whom a mythology with a life of its own, apparently, has been created over the years. June isn't writing as a researcher or an expert, but as a friend, sharing moments of pure fun and showing the touching, childlike quality of the woman who seemed to have led such a star-crossed life. New photos from The Misfits and the actual recipes from DiMaggio's Restaurant are a bonus. I can't imagine that any true Marilyn fan wouldn't want this book as part of his or her library.

If you have a Marilyn Monroe fan on your Christmas list, you've got to get this book. If you are a fan, this book should be on your Christmas wish list. It's full of behind the scenes info and some great photos. Fun and easy to read. I put my money where my mouth is - I already picked up four extra copies to give as gifts this year. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2007 to you all!

This book is well written, a joy to read and shows Marilyn and Joe in a human and family light, not the show-biz personna that has permeated most other books over the decades. This is told by a family member who had first hand knowledge of both people and what they were really like. It has wonderful photos that have never before been seen or published of these two famous people showing them with family and at work. Also included are many other very interesting stories about 50's and 60's Hollywood stars that June DiMaggio knew and worked with during that era. A recommended read for all.

Now I know what to get those on my holiday list. This is one of those rare books that everyone can enjoy -- stories on film stars, sports idols, a loving family, mystery & intrigue, ESP, and even wartime heroics that made me cry. Yes, really. Many thanks for sharing your memories. This is good stuff.