Overview from Barnes and Noble
One of America’s most acclaimed novelists boldly re-imagines one of America’s most enduring icons in Blonde—the National Book Award-nominated bestseller by Joyce Carol Oates. The legend of Marilyn Monroe—aka Norma Jeane Baker—comes provocatively alive in this powerful tale of Hollywood myth and heartbreaking reality. Marilyn Monroe lives—reborn to tell her untold history; her story of a star created to shine brightest in the Hollywood firmament before her fall to earth. Blonde is a dazzling fictional portrait of the intricate inner life of the idolized and desired movie star as only the inimitable Joyce Carol Oates could paint it.
I did not read this book. I listened to the audio version. (does that count towards books read?) After I finished the story, I found out that this audio version is an abridged edition. That means it is shortened. Dang!! I don't know that I will get out the book and read it. I, now, know a lot of the story. And the book is over 900 pages. I just don't think I can do another huge book right now! Maybe later.
Anyway, this is fiction based on truth. Joyce Carol Oates wrote a fascinating story based on what we all knew about Marilyn Monroe. The story is sad. Norma Jean had so much to live for, yet, she chose to live loosely and dangerously. I think she was taken advantage of by many people. Because she was beautiful.
The book (and this audio version) tracks her life from childhood until death. She is portrayed in a good light and in a bad light. In the end we get to decide. All Norma Jean (or Marilyn Monroe) really wanted was to be loved by someone. She tried to get the love from her mentally ill mother, from a father she never knew, and from all 3 of her husbands. She wanted the public to love her, the studio to love her, everyone to love her. And she died trying to get love from someone!! Anyone!!
I give this audio book *** three stars. It was a good story. But it just wasn't that great!! Will I read the book? Maybe!
Anyway, this is fiction based on truth. Joyce Carol Oates wrote a fascinating story based on what we all knew about Marilyn Monroe. The story is sad. Norma Jean had so much to live for, yet, she chose to live loosely and dangerously. I think she was taken advantage of by many people. Because she was beautiful.
The book (and this audio version) tracks her life from childhood until death. She is portrayed in a good light and in a bad light. In the end we get to decide. All Norma Jean (or Marilyn Monroe) really wanted was to be loved by someone. She tried to get the love from her mentally ill mother, from a father she never knew, and from all 3 of her husbands. She wanted the public to love her, the studio to love her, everyone to love her. And she died trying to get love from someone!! Anyone!!
I give this audio book *** three stars. It was a good story. But it just wasn't that great!! Will I read the book? Maybe!
I think it's kind of the same thing. You're still experiencing the story. So what if you didn't read every word yourself? You would have probably skipped and skimmed a bit anyway. I'd say it counts as a book read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz! And I agree!!
DeleteI totally think audio books count as books read! You read it with your ears! I love to listen to audio books while driving around in the car...
ReplyDeleteLinda in VA
I like that....'read it with my ears'.
DeleteI think an abridged book still covers reading the book and same true with an audio version of it. You probably got the main highlights of it. Sounds like an interesting book, but not sure I could read a 900 page book these days.
ReplyDeletebetty
Totally agree about 900 pages! That is a lot of book!!
DeleteI have never listened to an audio book, I'm trying to start now, but my Audible on my Kindle isn't working, so I have to call them. Which I don't want to have to do. I believe though that hearing a book will give different dimensions to the story, it may be better or not. But you have definitely read the book either way.
ReplyDeleteI think I like reading the book better. But it is a good alternative if you are in the car or doing something like housework and still want to 'read'!
DeleteI'm in with counting it as a book under your belt. I like to read, but often don't have the time, so I somtimes listen to audio books while I do chores or knit. It's good company and a good alternative to the radio sometimes. Not up to another long book yet, eh? GWTW the reason? Can't say that ai blame you. That was a marathon!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, GWTW was an epic book! I like them to be around 300-400 pages. Much more manageable don't you think?
DeleteAudio books definitely count! Literacy skills come in a wide variety.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kwiz! I'm counting it!
DeleteI should've - but never thought to associate "Blonde" w/ Ms. Monroe! ...But seriously, 900 pages?
ReplyDeleteIn part, because I identify w/ the lady on so many levels, I very much enjoyed (blog friend) Jon's take on Marilyn. Perhaps some of this was included in the book (or not), but I thought you might enjoy the read?
http://lonewolfconcerto.blogspot.com/search?q=Marilyn
Thank you Myra. I will head over and see the post.
DeleteI believe audio books "count", but I do not credit abridged versions of any book - paper or audio, because there is too much left out. Maybe you would think it was "great" if you had the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy abridged books, though, to get a taste of the book and an authors style. I read a "Readers Digest Condensed" version of The Notebook and YUCK hated it. Hated the story and the drivel and all the schmultz. Never picked up another Nicholas Sparks book.
If there was a lot left out then I guess I won't get it. Because I don't know if I can read a 900 page book about Marilyn Monroe, if you know what I mean!! Nicholas Sparks has some really good books but many of them are filled with "drivel". I like "drivel" sometimes!!
DeleteMarilyn Monroe was so tragic. I'm sure that I would find her story interesting but not sure I woudl find it 900 pages interesting.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what I thought, Wendy!
Delete