Castro's intimate portrait of the young Monroe is bolstered by vivid details of the colorful figures who populated her early life. . . Fans will be rapt.

Publishers Weekly

In The Girl Who Would Be Marilyn Monroe, the spotlight turns away from the legend and back to the girl who came first. With empathy, intelligence, and such deep respect for the historical record, Tony Castro explores the fragile early life of Norma Jeane long before the world knew her as Marilyn Monroe. What emerges is a moving portrait of a young woman shaped by instability, longing, and an enduring search for love and safety. By focusing on the formative years that so often get lost in the glare of fame, Tony reminds us that Marilyn Monroe didn't just simply appear. She was slowly and quietly formed by the life that came before Hollywood ever noticed her. This is a thoughtful and deeply human look at the origins of one of the twentieth century's most enduring figures. I loved every word.

J. Randy Taraborrelli, New York Times-bestselling author, "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe"

Tony Castro has penned a beautifully written, fascinating portrait of how Norma Jeane morphed into the goddess Marilyn Monroe. After being shuttled from home to home, she married at age 16 to escape going to an orphanage. After her husband went into the service, she worked in a defense plant, where photographers were struck by her beauty. At age 17 she appeared in magazines and soon was in the movies. It's a tale straight out of Hollywood.

Peter Golenbock, author, "American Prince" with Tony Curtis