Next semester in English 110 we read an anthology of fiction and poetry titled Mondo Marilyn. It’s Mondo – this means the collection will be striking, and/or remarkable.  If it is about Marilyn,  I think my students will agree.  We’ll read about both Marilyn Monroe’s  life and her death, with notable authors like J.G. Ballard, Sharon Olds, and John Rechy.   We’ll write about her sexuality, beauty and tragedy.  An ode to Marilyn from Charles Bukowski appears on the very first page.  We’ll dig below the surface of his poetry and prose.  It’s my hope Marilyn, Buk, and the other writers included in this collection will inspire to elevate our own writing.   Below I get the ball rolling: