Cursum Perficio: Marilyn MonroeÂ’s Brentwood Hacienda : The Story of Her Final Months

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Summary: Last Dwelling Of The Goddess.
Review: This is an interesting book for Marilyn fans. If you're looking for an elaborate, glossy coffee table type book of M.M.'s last residence, this is not it. It has the look of a "small budget" endeavor, some of the reprints of reprints of the inside of the house, etc...are poor quality. And I could have done without certain illustrations, such as an entire page devoted to the pencil drawing of a star shaped light fixture, numbers of which I see daily in export shops, and what also seems to be a drawing of her refrigerator. But the over all tone of the book is ambitious and very respectful of our beloved Marilyn, and probably gives the best all-around look into the home where she died, and which, for many, is almost shrine-like, though the author stresses that it is a private residence. It also has nice anecdotes about Marilyns spirituality, simplicity, kindness, and her day-to-day life. The title, as Marilyn afficionados know, is taken from the eerily prophetic ceramic tile which was there at the front door of the house when M.M. purchased it, and remains there still. Translated, it says: "My journey has ended." Though her earthly journey ended here, her spirit lives on, growing and constant. This book is a nice addition for anyone who still "holds a good thought" for our golden girl, and doesn't just tell about a house, but, collectively, gives a good sense of her then promise, and what she was about. She was a GOOD person. May she rest in peace.

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Summary: A MUST- HAVE FOR ANY MARILYN ENTHUSIAST!!
Review: When I first received my copy of Cursum Perficio: Marilyn's Brentwood Hacienda, I wasn't sure what to expect. Much to my surprise, I was enthralled and fascinated by the details of Marilyn's final months, so eloquently chronicled by Gary Vitacco-Robles. Void of any media hype and speculation about the cause of her death, Vitacco-Robles explores how Marilyn searched and found the perfect place to call home...a respite from the choatic life she led in the media spotlight.
You will journey with her as she went on shopping sprees for furnishings and ornaments in a quest to make the only home she ever owned a reflection of herself.
The book contains a vast collection of actual photographs, as well as impressive photo-recreations of the home's interior as it looked in 1962 and now.
I applaud Vitacco-Robles for a superb testamant to the woman so many longed to know. This book reveals a whole other side of Marilyn that has never been revealed.
A MUST HAVE for any Marilyn enthusiast!