31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Even for someone who believes in reincarnation, this is a bit of a stretch...., July 28, 2006
This review is from: Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul (Hardcover)
This is an interesting read, but I'm certainly not convinced....I do happen to believe in past lives and reincarnation, and have had that interest for many years, having read many astounding books on the subject. Add to that the fact I'm also a fairly knowledgeable fan of MM's (if having a collection of over 55 books which I've read, some several times, about Miss Monroe, her films and life, and a collection of MM items, some owned or worn by MM, which is pretty wide-range, qualifies). OK; so I'm an avid fan. She was a beautiful, fascinating woman and I've long been interested in her personality, thoughts and trying to figure out why she was and is so fascinating. In this book, some of the statements made and supposably 'confirmed' in the past life regression transcripts just don't quite ring true to my inquisitive mind. Little details, but telling. There's nothing in here that a biography of Miss Monroe's cannot provide as fodder for the regressions, and the main outside source, claimed by the author as confirming that Sherrie and Marilyn are one and the same (Ted Jordan) is hardly one of the most highly-regarded Marilyn Monroe confidants.
I do feel that perhaps the regressionist actually believes the subject's statements and perhaps she (the subject, Sherrie) believes them, as well. Problem is that it's just way too easy to simulate and imitate MM's interests and, to cite one example, the oft-repeated inferance that popping pills and champagne together is a 'hit' as to accuracy of MM's reincarnation....well, I am not convinced.
This book is an interesting read, but definitely take it with a grain of salt, as they say. If Sherrie is 'channelling' Marilyn (which is denied in the book), well, there are still some problems with the information as presented under the transcripts of the regressions. Like giving the wrong name of the character Marilyn Monroe played in Millionaire; wrong age at making of River of No Return, etc. This book reads more like a mean possession than a reincarnation. Also there is noticably a lot of 'leading the witness' in the transcripts. Additionally, it is troubling that the writer attempts to justify not being able to regress Sherrie's daughter, who they claim is a reincarnation of Gladys Baker (Norma Jean's mother) because she was 'crazy.'
Photographs show some similarities between Sherrie (the subject) and Marilyn's features, but frankly a lot of women over the years have worked to emulate Marilyn's look. It's pretty easy to tell the difference between Marilyn's photos and those of Sherrie's which sometimes look staged to emulate her. The similarities were interesting but not all that remarkable and hardly conclusive. If you look at photographs of actress Poppy Montgomery--well, there you will see a definite resemblance. And, a lot of type is spent in this book claiming that biometrics allow for one to reincarnate looking quite similar to a past life. Hmmmm. With some of us, it takes a little help from Miss Clairol, as well.
I gave this book a rating of 3 stars for 'average.' Perhaps I was too kind in some respects. I got the distinct feeling that the reincarnate Sherrie did not care much for Marilyn. There was a lot of focus on MM versus the individual, Norma Jean, as well, which I wondered at. At times there is a tone of hysteria which is probably supposed to emulate MM's mindset. It gets a little overblown at times.
Of course, this reincarnation claim also then contradicts statements by such well-known psychics as Sylvia Browne, who has stated in one of her books that she made contact with Marilyn's spirit at her (MM's) home in Brentwood...must be a little hard to speak to a spirit in one place if she's already reincarnated in Scotland (no less!), in order to move to Canada....
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Boring and a bit creepy, January 11, 2007
This review is from: Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul (Hardcover)
I have read many books on reincarnation. In fact, I find reincarnation a valid theory and am always eager to read new books on this fascinating subject. I am also interested in Hollywood. So this seemed like the perfect synergy. However, it's a major disappointment. Much of the book consists of transcripts of hypnotic regression sessions and emails. Many of these go over the same information and are tedious, boring, and even embarrassing. My take on Sherrie is that she is at worst someone who is desperate to further her entertainment career. She comes across as needy, a bit shallow, and saddled with a histrionic personality disorder. The biggest problem I have, however, is with Dr. Finkelstein. He seems much more calculating, controlling, and perhaps involved in an inappropriate relationship with his patient. Numerous times he writes about how attractive and sexual he finds Sherrie. In addition, he includes many transcripts and emails with Sherrie telling him how wonderful he is. Furthermore, the doctor tells her he was a healer for her in a previous life. He's also amazingly unscientific when he tries to prove his points. For example, he attempts to regress Sherrie's daughter to prove that she's the reincarnation of Marilyn's mother Gladys. The regression doesn't work, and the doctor actually states "This was a form of proof in itself that she was really Marilyn Monroe's tormented mother in her last life." WHAT?! Seriously, does that make any sense? I could go on and on, but the gist is that the book offers an intriguing concept but is deeply flawed. The only good that will come from it is that more people will be exposed to reincarnation and want to learn more about it. God forbid, however, this be anyone's first book on reincarnation.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Adrian and Marilyn, September 5, 2010
This review is from: Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul (Hardcover)
I liked the book, but not a lot. The writer is a psychiatrist of foreign extraction.
He probably had editorial help, but needed more.
The case for Sherrie Lea Laird being the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe seems solid to me from several view points including astrological [...], but much of the book was supposed to be Sherrie Lea getting over being Marilyn. A big contradiction, it seemed.
Dr. Finkelstein was/is quite attached to his patient and got tangled up being a friend, fan, father figure, therapist, healer, and researcher.
It would be interesting to find out 5-10-15 years down the line what Sherrie Lea thinks of her experience with Dr. F.
Fnkelstein also seemed to be in a hurry to get a book out, rather than taking the time to do an effective study or truly engaging story.
Keeping trying, Adrian.
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