Joe & Marilyn: A Memory of Love

The recording of Kahn's 1986 biography arrives at a fitting crossroads. As the public wades deeper into the waters of reality television, 24/7 media coverage and celebrity overexposure, the star-crossed—and frenetic press coverage—of DiMaggio and Monroe's pairing more than 50 years ago is surprisingly relevant. Dick Hill puts his slightly nasal delivery and urban-tinged accent to remarkably good use, and his portrayal of young Marilyn's Dickensian journey through a series of foster homes and orphanages remains especially haunting. Evocative and never affected, Hill's narration is compelling even for those listeners already familiar with the biographical revelations. An Avon paperback. (Feb.)