Review by golfsurfin -- MY FRIEND Marilyn
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golfsurfin
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- Latest Review: MY FRIEND Marilyn by Christopher Lentz
Review by golfsurfin -- MY FRIEND Marilyn
[Following is a volunteer review of "MY FRIEND Marilyn" by Christopher Lentz.]
3 out of 4 stars
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My Friend Marilyn is a fictional tale written by Christopher Lentz; part of a chain of novels called The Great American Destination Series.
The story describes how a close friendship developed between the infamous Marilyn Monroe and Penny Parker, a dime store cashier who just so happened to win a contest to act as movie set gofer for Marilyn.
The setting takes place in San Diego at the Hotel Del Coronado in 1958, during the filming of “Some Like It Hot”. I graduated from San Diego State University in the mid 80”s and have a personal affinity and connection to the iconic “Hotel Del”.
Penny, a heavy set woman in her 20’s with low self esteem when came to her physical appearance, had a big personality and unique style to match. And a huge movie buff to boot! Marilyn took an immediate liking to Penny. Their new-found friendship would forever change them both.
The talented author takes the reader through a myriad of interesting and endearing characters and themes. In addition to Marilyn Monroe and Penny, other predominant characters include Frankie, Penny’s boyfriend and Trudy her best friend, employer and roommate. Both Penny and Frankie bond over the fact that both came from dysfunctional families and have their own personal quirks as a result. Trudy a throw back to old Hollywood glamour, views Penny as the daughter she never had.
Without giving too much away, a main theme in the book drives home the fact that appearances are deceptive and people are not always who or what they portray. Other themes delved into include bullying, secrets and the “grass isn’t always greener” type of thinking.
I liked the novel because it was an easy read, well-written and interesting story. The author used engaging character descriptions and language popular in the 50’s. Mr. Lentz took the reader back to a time when women saved S&H green stamps, ice cream bars cost 8 cents and little girls played with their Barbies. I also enjoyed the book’s format. Chapters were short and began with a setting, date, place and time and equally appreciated the author’s choice of ending each chapter with a fade out creating a sort of mystery prompting the reader to want more. Both techniques created an easy, effortless story flow.
Although My Friend Marilyn is fiction some of the story lines were a little too “out there” for my taste. The fact that Penny and Marilyn bonded so quickly and Marilyn took such a deep interest in Penny’s personal life seemed a bit far fetched. However, even though I’m not an avid fiction reader, overall I enjoyed My Friend Marilyn and would give it a 3 out of 4 stars. The characters and were well written and chapters easily flowed and author’s writing style held my attention. Although I only gave it 3 stars due to some of the story lines being a little too unrealistic for my taste, I would recommend My Friend Marilyn to fiction and discriminating non-fiction buffs alike for it’s quality writing style and story development.
The book feels professionally edited. Found only minor typos.
******
MY FRIEND Marilyn
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
3 out of 4 stars
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My Friend Marilyn is a fictional tale written by Christopher Lentz; part of a chain of novels called The Great American Destination Series.
The story describes how a close friendship developed between the infamous Marilyn Monroe and Penny Parker, a dime store cashier who just so happened to win a contest to act as movie set gofer for Marilyn.
The setting takes place in San Diego at the Hotel Del Coronado in 1958, during the filming of “Some Like It Hot”. I graduated from San Diego State University in the mid 80”s and have a personal affinity and connection to the iconic “Hotel Del”.
Penny, a heavy set woman in her 20’s with low self esteem when came to her physical appearance, had a big personality and unique style to match. And a huge movie buff to boot! Marilyn took an immediate liking to Penny. Their new-found friendship would forever change them both.
The talented author takes the reader through a myriad of interesting and endearing characters and themes. In addition to Marilyn Monroe and Penny, other predominant characters include Frankie, Penny’s boyfriend and Trudy her best friend, employer and roommate. Both Penny and Frankie bond over the fact that both came from dysfunctional families and have their own personal quirks as a result. Trudy a throw back to old Hollywood glamour, views Penny as the daughter she never had.
Without giving too much away, a main theme in the book drives home the fact that appearances are deceptive and people are not always who or what they portray. Other themes delved into include bullying, secrets and the “grass isn’t always greener” type of thinking.
I liked the novel because it was an easy read, well-written and interesting story. The author used engaging character descriptions and language popular in the 50’s. Mr. Lentz took the reader back to a time when women saved S&H green stamps, ice cream bars cost 8 cents and little girls played with their Barbies. I also enjoyed the book’s format. Chapters were short and began with a setting, date, place and time and equally appreciated the author’s choice of ending each chapter with a fade out creating a sort of mystery prompting the reader to want more. Both techniques created an easy, effortless story flow.
Although My Friend Marilyn is fiction some of the story lines were a little too “out there” for my taste. The fact that Penny and Marilyn bonded so quickly and Marilyn took such a deep interest in Penny’s personal life seemed a bit far fetched. However, even though I’m not an avid fiction reader, overall I enjoyed My Friend Marilyn and would give it a 3 out of 4 stars. The characters and were well written and chapters easily flowed and author’s writing style held my attention. Although I only gave it 3 stars due to some of the story lines being a little too unrealistic for my taste, I would recommend My Friend Marilyn to fiction and discriminating non-fiction buffs alike for it’s quality writing style and story development.
The book feels professionally edited. Found only minor typos.
******
MY FRIEND Marilyn
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: MY FRIEND Marilyn by Christopher Lentz
