In Marilyn for Beginners, Marilyn speaks for herself—to her psychologist, to a reporter, and ultimately to the reader of this book. Marilyn's story begins with her childhood, made easy and insecure by her unstable mother. She then traces her rise to stardom, progressing through the murky realities of the Hollywood Dream Factory and the heavy price she paid for fame and fortune. Marilyn also discusses her life achievements and her struggle to reclaim her personality and to be her own person.