As much as I loved reading MJs words in Schmuly's first book, I was disgusted with the Rabbi for all the reasons stated on this thread. But after seeing some surprisingly positive posts, I read some reviews at Amazon. Most are like this one:
I read the Rabbi's first book, "The Michael Jackson Tapes" and was very upset by the sanctimonius commentary and self-promoting that Rabbi Boteach displayed, and I wrote and told him so. I did love, however, reading Michael's thoughts and feelings about so many various topics. I only wish Boteach would release edited tapes so that we could hear Michael's own voice. Vocal inflections are critically important to understanding the meaning behind the words.
I'm sure Michael would have wanted to be part of the editorial process before the first book was published, and that some things that that Boteach included, would have removed from the final product. I don't think Michael would have one complaint about what is in, "Honoring the Child Spirit". It is simply wonderful.
I do know that his good friend, Frank Cascio and Michael's children, were present during the interviews; therefore, the dialogue between them were not private, one-on-one conversations between Michael and his spiritual advisor, as many have said.
To all of the fans who had problems with the first book, I have VERY GOOD NEWS! This book is strictly questions and answers between Boteach and Michael. No commentary whatsoever, and Boteach makes it clear that he believes in Michael's innocence of the horrible charges that were levied against him.
And this one:
I felt I just had to speak out. It is a shame that some of Michael's fans will try to encourage people not to read this book, just because of Rabbi Shmuley. They are carelessly throwing away Michael's beautiful thoughts and words because of a hating spirit- something which Michael tried to avoid at all costs.
This book has the potential to do so much for the vindication of Michael's legacy. It is just a shame, as they are merely cheating themselves of the opportunity to understand Michael through his own words, and trying to get others to do the same.
So I ordered the book.