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MJ Book Club - Michael Jackson Book Discussion (Old Books and New)

Ok I completed the Randall Sullivan book. It is basically a compilation of every tabloid article on Michael along with some facts thrown in. This guy seems to have had multiple inside sources (Marc Schaffel, Dieter, Tohme, Katherine Jackson's lawyers) and still somehow manages to present a uniform tabloidish version of facts, many of which are easily disprovable if he'd done some research or been fair (eg: Michael being booed at 2006 WMAs). The only new things that I learned from the book (with a bucket of salt) were to do with the happenings in Hayvenhurst and Michael's children post his passing. The author squeezes in the entire 80s in 2 chapters. Rest of the book is about the allegations, trial, Michael's insane spending habits and a good % of the book is devoted to happenings after 2009.

The Jackson family comes across badly (I'd forgotten how venal they were), including Katherine - who is enabler in chief. Made me real sad to read about what PPB have had to go through. More than anything, I'm deeply, deeply sad that the people enjoying the fruits of Michael's lifelong hard work are Branca and McClain and assorted law firms and lawyers. Both seem to be making a killing. How sad that Michael never got to enjoy a retirement, watch his kids grow up, spend his hard earned money how he wanted, doing things he wanted. Sigh.

The author does a good job painting Tohme very differently and in way better light than I think of him. The power of the written word means that I feel like re-evaluating my opinion on Tohme even while being fully conscious of the manipulation and my low opinion of the author. Imagine reading nothing but the worst filth about yourself for 3 decades and still being able to be one of the most loved people on the planet! Michael's talent, charisma and staying power is truly legendary. No one else could've withstood even 10% of it. Though, let me not say this cos who knows where LN, LN2 and other bullshit will take us. If you can't yet tell, yeah, the book got me down.
 
I have the same thoughts about the Sullivan book. I'm still reading it and it makes me feel depressed. As you said the author squeezes Michael's years of glory as if he wants the readers to foget he was/is the greatest superstar and his life was only about scandals.
I admit that I bought the book because Mesereau was involved but even his quotes make me feel really really sad, like the one how by the end of the trial Michael lost desire to live. I had to stop reading the book for a few days after that.
And one more thing. Do you remember how Frank Cascio was offended in his book because Michael said that Frank refused to testify in 2005? According to Sullivan Meserau says that none of the Cascios wanted to testify for Michael.
 
“The Story of HIStory” is now available in French on pre-order.

For the first time, Sixteen11 Media Group Ltd has released a book in a different language and the French fans are the first to get it!

The book is a tell-all about Michael Jackson’s HIStory Album, from the creation of the album cover to the last short film! A must to have for all the fans!

http://sixteen11.com/product/lhistoire-dhistory/
 
virginia_woolf;4299094 said:
I have the same thoughts about the Sullivan book. I'm still reading it and it makes me feel depressed. As you said the author squeezes Michael's years of glory as if he wants the readers to foget he was/is the greatest superstar and his life was only about scandals.
I admit that I bought the book because Mesereau was involved but even his quotes make me feel really really sad, like the one how by the end of the trial Michael lost desire to live. I had to stop reading the book for a few days after that.
And one more thing. Do you remember how Frank Cascio was offended in his book because Michael said that Frank refused to testify in 2005? According to Sullivan Meserau says that none of the Cascios wanted to testify for Michael.
Click to expand...

The Cascio thing - I did skip a lot of the allegations material in the book (except the trial) but I thought he said they refused to let the younger ones testify and some other reason was given for Frank because he was charged as a co-conspirator. I must say I liked reading about the trial in the book. Maybe because Mez is the source, it is mostly factual. Esp the part where Debbie makes an entry. I think the trial would make a fantastic movie - underdog winning against all odds - in real life it did destroy him.

ScreenOrigami;4299098 said:
Pick up a good book and burn the trash. ;)
Click to expand...

You know it's not because the book is trashy you get depressed. It is Michael's life itself in his last years. Going from hotel to hotel with not enough cash in hand. It's all utterly ridiculous and heartbreaking. Especially when the executors pay themselves 10 mil each the next year. It takes a few days to get over.
 
mjfan05 said:
Ok I completed the Randall Sullivan book. It is basically a compilation of every tabloid article on Michael along with some facts thrown in. This guy seems to have had multiple inside sources (Marc Schaffel, Dieter, Tohme, Katherine Jackson's lawyers) and still somehow manages to present a uniform tabloidish version of facts, many of which are easily disprovable if he'd done some research or been fair (eg: Michael being booed at 2006 WMAs). The only new things that I learned from the book (with a bucket of salt) were to do with the happenings in Hayvenhurst and Michael's children post his passing. The author squeezes in the entire 80s in 2 chapters. Rest of the book is about the allegations, trial, Michael's insane spending habits and a good % of the book is devoted to happenings after 2009.

The Jackson family comes across badly (I'd forgotten how venal they were), including Katherine - who is enabler in chief. Made me real sad to read about what PPB have had to go through. More than anything, I'm deeply, deeply sad that the people enjoying the fruits of Michael's lifelong hard work are Branca and McClain and assorted law firms and lawyers. Both seem to be making a killing. How sad that Michael never got to enjoy a retirement, watch his kids grow up, spend his hard earned money how he wanted, doing things he wanted. Sigh.

The author does a good job painting Tohme very differently and in way better light than I think of him. The power of the written word means that I feel like re-evaluating my opinion on Tohme even while being fully conscious of the manipulation and my low opinion of the author. Imagine reading nothing but the worst filth about yourself for 3 decades and still being able to be one of the most loved people on the planet! Michael's talent, charisma and staying power is truly legendary. No one else could've withstood even 10% of it. Though, let me not say this cos who knows where LN, LN2 and other bullshit will take us. If you can't yet tell, yeah, the book got me down.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for your review of this book. I never intended to buy it or read it, however your opinion of it has served to reinforce my decision further.
 
ScreenOrigami;4295836 said:
“Voice Upon a Time” by Isabelle Petitjean

I think this has been published in French before, but now it’s also available in English. Has anyone here read it yet? :)

michael-jackson-voice-upon-a-time.jpg


http://www.editions-delatour.com/en/biography-interview/4449-michael-jackson-voice-upon-a-time-9782752104069.html
Click to expand...

I wasn't aware of this book being on the market, but it certainly looks as though it might be interesting, because it's about Michael's VOICE, yes?

If anyone has read it, please let us know what you think! :)
 
mjfan05;4299119 said:
You know it's not because the book is trashy you get depressed. It is Michael's life itself in his last years.
Click to expand...

That’s very true. The part I struggle with is, why trust the version of events in a book that’s in large parts built on tabloid stories?

Mikky Dee;4299129 said:
I wasn't aware of this book being on the market, but it certainly looks as though it might be interesting, because it's about Michael's VOICE, yes?
Click to expand...

That’s how I understand it, and I hope that’s what it is. A topic that (surprisingly) hasn’t been fully explored yet. :)
 
ScreenOrigami;4299137 said:
That’s very true. The part I struggle with is, why trust the version of events in a book that’s in large parts built on tabloid stories?
Click to expand...

Because I've read the bodyguards book and certain things get corroborated.


Mikky Dee;4299128 said:
Thank you so much for your review of this book. I never intended to buy it or read it, however your opinion of it has served to reinforce my decision further.
Click to expand...

Definitely do not buy it, but read if you want to know about post 2009 events.
 
I just ordered Isabelle Petitjean’s book. I’ll let you know what it’s like when it’s here. :)
 
mjfan05;4299119 said:
The Cascio thing - I did skip a lot of the allegations material in the book (except the trial) but I thought he said they refused to let the younger ones testify and some other reason was given for Frank because he was charged as a co-conspirator. I must say I liked reading about the trial in the book. Maybe because Mez is the source, it is mostly factual. Esp the part where Debbie makes an entry. I think the trial would make a fantastic movie - underdog winning against all odds - in real life it did destroy him.
Click to expand...
I skip a lot of it too, can't stand some parts and I'm not reading the original but translated to my native language. So maybe the Cascio thing is somehow changed in the translation, I would have to compare it to the original text but I don't care that much.

And you're right that even when we know that Sullivan book is combination of every tabloid story we also know that Michael's life after 2005 wasn't a fairy tale. Therefore even when you take "pro-Michael" book it's hard to read if you care about him, Defending a King made me feel this way.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello to all MJ Fam, I highly recommend you to purchase and read this book if you want to succeed in any debate on defending MJ or you want to to truly educate everyone on his genius <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjfam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjfam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/michaeljackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#michaeljackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tajjackson3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tajjackson3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMJCast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMJCast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/princemjjjaxon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@princemjjjaxon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ParisJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParisJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@michaeljackson</a> <a href="https://t.co/MmkgSdJ4SH">pic.twitter.com/MmkgSdJ4SH</a></p>&mdash; MJ Innocence &amp; Magic (@innocence_mj) <a href="https://twitter.com/innocence_mj/status/1287349432413876225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The first previews of my new book &#39;The Story of HIStory.&#39; What a journey making this book has been. &#55357;&#56846; <a href="https://t.co/yNHnYsKIJ4">pic.twitter.com/yNHnYsKIJ4</a></p>&mdash; Pez Jax (@Pezjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pezjax/status/1288173458929721344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This HIStory themed bookmark will be included with all the outstanding orders of my new book. The back says &quot;Mission control, what&#39;s my destination for today?&quot; Because I see returning to a book like an adventure with a new destination each time and thought it was fitting &#55357;&#56846; <a href="https://t.co/2RpZEiA1dt">pic.twitter.com/2RpZEiA1dt</a></p>&mdash; Pez Jax (@Pezjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pezjax/status/1290671235983171584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have only 10 more bookmarks to give away! The next 10 orders of &quot;The Story of HIStory&quot; will get one!<br><br>Order here: <a href="https://t.co/dSIpJYnty8">https://t.co/dSIpJYnty8</a><br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HIStory25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HIStory25</a> <a href="https://t.co/bfPsmuNvWh">pic.twitter.com/bfPsmuNvWh</a></p>&mdash; Sixteen11 (@Sixteen11Media) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sixteen11Media/status/1292892976625127424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello MJ Fam, another great book to have in your library on Michael&#8217;s genuis. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/squareonemj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#squareonemj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/squareone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#squareone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/michaeljacksonvindicated?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#michaeljacksonvindicated</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/michaeljacksoninnocent?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#michaeljacksoninnocent</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJFam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mjfans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mjfans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/art?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#art</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mjbookclub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mjbookclub</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMJCast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMJCast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KarinM4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KarinM4</a> <a href="https://t.co/L1WjcBQhzO">pic.twitter.com/L1WjcBQhzO</a></p>&mdash; MJ Innocence &amp; Magic (@innocence_mj) <a href="https://twitter.com/innocence_mj/status/1293423653963563008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
The British publisher Sixteen11 Media Group Ltd just announced that for the first time, they have cataloged their first book on Amazon due to “popular demand”.

“The Story of HIStory” by Pez Jax was so far only available on their platform Sixteen11.com.

Now fans in the UK and Europe can purchase the book “The Story of HIStory” on Amazon.

Speaking to one of Sixteen11 directors, he told us that being a self-published company, and publishing very niche publications for fans is more difficult to compete with big distribution chains such as amazon. He said “but we listened to the fans and their needs and we understood that many fans use Amazon as a platform to find books and collectors about Michael Jackson. Therefore we have decided to have a go at it. We would love to see this book having the success that it deserves and hoping that new people will pick up this book and find amazing stories about Michael.”

While the price difference is due to the privilege to have the book on Amazon, we hope fans will support this amazing book detailing how the most personal Michael Jackson album was created. A great way to celebrate #HIStory25

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Story-HISt...ents=p_27:Pez+Jax&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Pez+Jax

Order on AMAZON for £19.99 (+shipping)
Order on Sixteen11 for £14.99 (+shipping)

The book is also on pre-order in French “L’histoire d’HIStory” but only at Sixteen11.com so far!
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Story of HIStory has been dispatched to 24 countries around the world. What an honour! Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy and is sharing their thoughts with me. &#55357;&#56846; <a href="https://t.co/NN21ZVVhAz">pic.twitter.com/NN21ZVVhAz</a></p>&mdash; Pez Jax (@Pezjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pezjax/status/1294592932192952323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
The Long Journey to Glory My Side of the Jacksons' Story seeks to finally set the record straight as to who discovered Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. The book describes the truth about the real beginning of the Jackson singing group and Michael and their climb to fame. It will include the story of the Jacksons, from the family's very meager beginning in Gary, Indiana, like it has never before been told. We learn more about Joe, the father, and also the neighborhood he chose to live in. There are details surrounding the neighborhood, the little community's Little League baseball teams, the long days of practicing their music in the basement of a neighbor's home, the deceptive maneuvers used by Tito Jackson to develop his guitar-playing skills, and finally, the events surrounding the talent show at Gary's Roosevelt High School that introduced the Jacksons. The story is told by the original unknown member and leader of the group.

The Jacksons continue to perform to this day. Although refined by experience and technology, the act has not essentially changed from its inception. In the early days, no one except their families knew about their rehearsals. They couldn't practice together at Joe's house, but they did practice at Reynaud's house. Since they were using his basement and he was the oldest, he automatically made himself the leader. They decided they would surprise Joe with their progress. Before then, the Jackson family wasn't charismatic to the neighbors. The neighborhood was booming with children, and the majority of them laughed teasingly at the Jacksons. There were nine Jackson children at the time living in a two-bedroom basement less house with their parents.

http://www.pagepublishing.com/books/?book=the-long-journey-to-glory
 
Craig James Baxter posted a couple of tweets today about how he felt during the writing process of his body language book on Michael, and it reminded me to remind you all you absolutely have to have this book.

He wrote:

---

&#8220;I'm sat with Stranger in Moscow on repeat, reflecting on the work I've done for this man. I undertook research on his body language not knowing what I might find & I promised myself whatever I did find, I'd document. I found a man who was innocent in every sense of the word.&#8221;

&#8221;I've never shared this publicly before. The research made me so emotional & there were times when I had to step away. The pain I saw in his eyes was so distressing & was effecting my observations. I promised I'd write fairly & without bias... but my goodness it was hard.&#8221;

&#8220;I found myself watching footage of Michael & being unable to write, the pain (especially via his micro-expressions) was so intense. I cried. This became more than a book, it's one of the proudest moments of my life, showing you how he sincere & innocent he was. For you MJ.&#8221;

@bodylanguageuk

---

Craig discusses a selection of 5 interviews in his book, and he goes into great detail, so that you&#8217;ll be able to apply your new knowledge to other interviews or video footage as well.

I know this book has been discussed before, but I feel it&#8217;s still kind of under the radar of the community and it deserves better.

https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Mask-Michael-Jacksons-Language/dp/1480289205/


Bonus-tip: when you shop at Amazon, type &#8220;smile&#8221; before the regular web address, for example:

smile.amazon.com
smile.amazon.co.uk
smile.amazon.de
etc.

That way, a small percentage of your purchase goes to a charity of your choice. It doesn&#8217;t cost you anything extra, as Amazon makes the donation. You simply choose a charity and whenever you use the &#8220;smile&#8221; address to buy something, a donation will be made.
 
Last edited:
ScreenOrigami;4302559 said:
Craig James Baxter posted a couple of tweets today about how he felt during the writing process of his body language book on Michael, and it reminded me to remind you all you absolutely have to have this book.

He wrote:

---

&#8220;I'm sat with Stranger in Moscow on repeat, reflecting on the work I've done for this man. I undertook research on his body language not knowing what I might find & I promised myself whatever I did find, I'd document. I found a man who was innocent in every sense of the word.&#8221;

&#8221;I've never shared this publicly before. The research made me so emotional & there were times when I had to step away. The pain I saw in his eyes was so distressing & was effecting my observations. I promised I'd write fairly & without bias... but my goodness it was hard.&#8221;

&#8220;I found myself watching footage of Michael & being unable to write, the pain (especially via his micro-expressions) was so intense. I cried. This became more than a book, it's one of the proudest moments of my life, showing you how he sincere & innocent he was. For you MJ.&#8221;

@bodylanguageuk

---

Craig discusses a selection of 5 interviews in his book, and he goes into great detail, so that you&#8217;ll be able to apply your new knowledge to other interviews or video footage as well.

I know this book has been discussed before, but I feel it&#8217;s still kind of under the radar of the community and it deserves better.

https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Mask-Michael-Jacksons-Language/dp/1480289205/


Bonus-tip: when you shop at Amazon, type &#8220;smile&#8221; before the regular web address, for example:

smile.amazon.com
smile.amazon.co.uk
smile.amazon.de
etc.

That way, a small percentage of your purchase goes to a charity of your choice. It doesn&#8217;t cost you anything extra, as Amazon makes the donation. You simply choose a charity and whenever you use the &#8220;smile&#8221; address to buy something, a donation will be made.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for this update and reminder!! This book is definitely under the radar and I think I will invest in it, based on your advice! I haven't bought an MJ book in quite a few years, because I have started to distrust most of the authors.
 
While I'm here, I'd like to promote a relatively new book, written by an Australian acquaintance of mine, who runs the Michael Jackson Australia FB page. I'm not sure why he chose the same cover photo as the bodyguards' book, "Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days", but here it is.

Humanitarian - The Real Michael Jackson
by Paul Dwyer

51IO6ReDBAL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg



So much has been written about Michael Jackson. The majority of it manufactured, twisted & just down-right untrue. Until NOW... "Humanitarian" delves into Michael Jackson's charity involvement over the course of his career. It details a diary of Michael Jackson's visits to orphanages & children's hospitals around the world, charity appearances and documents his body of work that has never been celebrated or publicized by the media & is just as massive, if not more-so, than his musical career.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Humanitarian-Michael-Jackson-Paul-Dwyer/dp/1794622144

It has a 4.8 star rating and has been very well received. I don't have it yet, but I do plan on buying it soon, as I am very passionate about Michael's humanitarianism.
 
Gota Nishidera is a musician and producer in Japan and he is a huge Michael Jackson Fan.

In the last few years, Gota has been busy releasing cover versions of the King of Pop, podcasting and written few books about Michael.

His latest book “Discover Michael THE BOOK” is a successful 368 pages long story about the King of Pop including a CD with 4 covers:

1. Medley: I Want You Back / ABC / The Love You Save NONA REEVES
2. I Can’t Help It Asako Toki with NONA REEVES
3. Human Nature NONA REEVES with Asako Toki
4. Smooth Criminal NONA REEVES with Asako Toki

The book is full of illustrations of Michael Jackson made by Gota Nishidera and in November 13 to 25, an exhibition will take place in the book & Cafe Bar “BAG ONE” in Shibuya, Japan showcasing those Illustrations.

https://bagone.jp/event/gota-nishidera

http://www.nonareeves.com/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4905158...do_btf_c_W8KMFbWWJVE32?_x_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://small-light.shop/?category_id=5d4a3a734c806467e1df429f
 
NatureCriminal7896;4308458 said:
Gota Nishidera is a musician and producer in Japan and he is a huge Michael Jackson Fan.

In the last few years, Gota has been busy releasing cover versions of the King of Pop, podcasting and written few books about Michael.

His latest book &#8220;Discover Michael THE BOOK&#8221; is a successful 368 pages long story about the King of Pop including a CD with 4 covers:

1. Medley: I Want You Back / ABC / The Love You Save NONA REEVES
2. I Can&#8217;t Help It Asako Toki with NONA REEVES
3. Human Nature NONA REEVES with Asako Toki
4. Smooth Criminal NONA REEVES with Asako Toki

The book is full of illustrations of Michael Jackson made by Gota Nishidera and in November 13 to 25, an exhibition will take place in the book & Cafe Bar &#8220;BAG ONE&#8221; in Shibuya, Japan showcasing those Illustrations.

https://bagone.jp/event/gota-nishidera

http://www.nonareeves.com/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4905158...do_btf_c_W8KMFbWWJVE32?_x_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://small-light.shop/?category_id=5d4a3a734c806467e1df429f
Click to expand...

This looks interesting! Great to have another positive book about MJ out there!!
 
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