Customer Reviews

Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul

5 star:		(11)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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....

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.

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.

Whoever gave this book 5 stars is insane! How could you applaud someone for objectifying a human in this way? Especially if you're a Marilyn fan. I'm so very dissapointed that 45 years after her death idiots are still trying to cash in on her name. She was a person, not a product!

However, if you are reading this soley for the purpose of getting some information on reincarnation then more power to you. I just wish it could have been approched in a much less offensive manner.

The basic scenario is that Canadian singer Sherrie Lea is having nightmares and memories of being Marilyn Monroe, as well her negative behaviours seems to be a repeat of self-destructiveness she feels she has already experienced in another life. She gets in touch with past life therapist Dr Finkelstein.

This book gives background on the doctor and keeps track of communications and hypnotherapy sessions between doctor and patient. There is another angle also when Dr Finkelstein and Sherrie Lea both remember they knew eachother in yet another life, where Sherrie Lea was a yet another famous figure, a French courtesan (Louise de Valliere) and he a physician.

I had an odd feeling of dissatisfaction caused by the possibility that too much was edited out, but why? 90 pages, it is said in the text, of information while the subject was under hypnosis was edited down to around twenty or so pages (supposedly what was deleted was toilet breaks and repetition), yet still within the pages left there were unnecessary things like paragraphs just counting numbers backwards, relaxing etc., which makes for a boring read - why couldn't that have been left out and more details of the hypnosis sessions be left in? as that supported the story better than any other "evidence".

Ultimately light and easy to read, but I did not wind up making the same conclusion as the doctor by the end of the book. Having read it, I am still "on the fence" in regards to believing this story.

The statement at the very beginning of the book that Marilyn Monroe should now be known as Sherrie Lea is really unrealistic even if this story is all true, which makes me question some of the judgements and conclusions contained within.

This book is one of those books that once you start to read it, you just can't put it down. You can't get enough. Even when you don't have the time, and trust me, i have 2 toddlers at home (if you know what i mean) i truly made the time. You get so sucked in to it when the doctor starts the hypnosis and asks sherrie questions about jfk and the suicide, and her reaction under the hypnosis. it's just remarkable to know that this doctor can reach so deep in your soul and bring out your fears to the surface and with that, be able to get rid of your demons that have been taunting you through-out your life. This book is definately worth 10 stars+. Will definately be looking forward to Dr. Finkelstein's next book.

LIBRARY JOURNAL, June 15, 2006
Finkelstein, Adrian, M.D
Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul.
Hampton Roads. Jun. 2006. c.288p. ISBN 1-57174-484-3. $22.95. PARAPSYCH

A psychiatrist who has specialized in past-life therapy for 30 years, Finkelstein has been working with Sherrie Lea Laird, a Canadian pop singer who believes that she is the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe. Born less than a year after Monroe's death, Laird reports that she found herself having disturbing, intrusive flashbacks of Monroe's life. A large part of the book consists of transcripts from Finkelstein's sessions with Laird under hypnosis. Also included are side-by-side photos of Laird and Monroe that are supposed to show their physical similarities and a comparison of personality traits and voice patterns. Cumulatively, this information proves to Finkelstein that Laird was once the legendary star. Readers who believe in reincarnation and are obsessed with Marilyn Monroe will want to read this book, particularly for the transcripts of the hypnosis sessions during which Laird supposedly reveals memories of Monroe's life and death. Other readers
wishing to understand the techniques used to establish the possible validity of past-life experiences will also be intrigued. Recommended for large public libraries and university libraries with specialized collections on reincarnation and/or Marilyn Monroe.-Mary E. Jones, Los Angeles P.L.

When I bought and read this book, I will admit, I was open to the idea of reincarnation, but did not totally believe in the doctrine of it. Having been brought up against the belief of reincarnation, it was a struggle. I started reading the book, and was amazed at the science that went into proving this reincarnation of the soul of Marilyn Monroe.
A lot of books have been written about Marilyn, mostly to do with her affairs and lifestyle. This book is about healing.

Marilyn Monroe was such a tortured soul, that a lot of these issues bled over into the life of Sherrie Lea Laird. When she truly sought healing, she found it through regression therapy, by the pioneer in his field, Dr. Adrian Finkelstein.
There is no sensationalism in this book. It shows the science behind reincarnation, how it heals the soul, and how to find the purpose for this life.

Truly amazing, well written book. Once I was finished with the book, I became a believer, in the endless journey of the soul.

about the book Marilyn Monroe has Returned:

I am a 19 year old first year med student, I have yet to chose my field of medicine for my long term career. I actually know OF the psyche doctor who has written the book. I personaly enjoyed his book. I could tell that no one is lying in the book and have to ask why would a doctor of his 30 year medical career span fake such a story. It's contrary to alot of the books flying about regarding murder and coverups. I think it makes more sense as a suicide. My father has about 20-30 books on Marilyn Monore and Nostalgic Hollywood actors and actresses. I'm not an expert on her by any means but I do see this as being possible. I have a near by neighbour who is clearly from the Civil War days even the way he walks, talks and dresses plus his entire wreck room is covered in items from that Era.
I think I would like to hear a live interview if possible from the doctor and his patient, Sherri Lea. I'm sure with a claim like that the personafied Marilyn Monroe would be seen on the outside just as it is with my neighbour and others I've felt who must have been reincarnated from a different time era. I feel that I have somehow been involved in taking care of the sick and wounded from the Vietnam War. I'm seriously considering becoming a surgeon that is, if all goes as planned.
I give the book 5 stars because I can relate to the doctor-patient code and because it makes sense to me to further research topics such as reincarnation and the spirit's life after death. I have admiration for doctors who have included those kinds of pursuits and to consider it, when they don't need to necessarily. I guess you could say I expect a lot of questions from patients and their families so I hope that I will have answers for them. I'm kind of looking forward to hearing or reading more about Marilyn Monroe's new life and seeing if this is a provable endeavor on psychologist Finkelstins's part. When I was little I used to have really vivid dreams about sewing together limbs on amputees, what's strange is it didn't even seem frightening at the time but my friends were freaked out. I don't know if that was something that is to come still or something I did in a previous life maybe. But yea, I'm interested in hearing more.
Great Day,
Hope this helps your reading pleasure. Dana

I found this book so interesting and different than most books regarding past lives. At first I wondered because of the famous figure yet I was still interested because of the credentials of the author, an impressive "resume" as a psychiatrist with many years of past live regression under his belt. What I found the most convincing is that in all his years (including the publishing of other books), he has never encountered a famous patient of this caliber. This obviously captivated Dr. Finkelstein because of the ability to validate for maybe the the first time so many factors of the regression because of the recent time frame. I would highly recommend the experience of Marilyn Monroe Returns by Dr. Adrian Finkelstein, M.D.