Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story

Initially, I was unsure if this book shows Michael in a positive light, or a negative light. The title, "The Magic, the Madness" led me to believe that it is just another book that focuses on tabloid rumours, plastic surgery and scandal, painting Michael as the "wacko" everybody believes him to be. However, reviews from fans were praising, so I decided to give it a shot. While reading, I still wasn't sure if the book is pro-Michael or anti-Michael. The book begins by describing a scene in which Michael seems a little bizarre. The scene was well-written, and had my interest - immediately Michael seemed fascinating to me, and I wanted to keep reading. The whole book is very well-written, and absolutely gripping. There is not a dull moment. But... how does it make Michael look? It does not paint Michael out to be a saint, or an angel, by any means. Character flaws are laid out on the table, and, if this book is anything to go by, then Michael was a flawed person indeed. However, at the same time, I got a feeling that the author was very fond of Michael; the author describes many times when he sat down with Michael or spoke to him on the phone, over many decades. Simply, this is an honest look at Michael, the man. At times, I was surprised at Michael's actions. I was even, I admit, ever so slightly disappointed a few times. I think there is often an image of Michael among fans that is almost angelic, and this book shows that Michael was not even close to being angelic. That image is dangerous and sets Michael up for a fall, and will have some fans disappointed. This book shows that Michael was not saintlike, and not godlike. It shows you Michael Jackson - the human being. Extremely thorough, the author goes into great detail about Michael's life, from his humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to his untimely death. It's a great look at Michael's psyche - if you're interested in Michael Jackson's psychology, this is definitely the book to read. I found myself trying to understand why Michael was the way he was. There are some fascinating stories in here, stories that will either offer you a possible cause for some of his eccentricities, or leave you even more confused about who he was. So. At the end of the day, does this book prove that Michael was straight, or gay? Well, that's up to you. Much of this book is written in a way that has you wondering, parts seemingly contradicting other parts. There are stories that will leave readers questioning Michael's sexuality, wondering if maybe Michael was secretly gay, but suppressed it due to shame, or guilt because of his religious beliefs. But then, the book continues, and has you convinced that he was heterosexual. His relationship with Lisa Marie was depicted here as 100% genuine. This book will have you playing psychologist the whole way through. What about his innocence? Again, parts of it are entirely up to you. The case of Jordie Chandler is an uncomfortable read. The author freely admits that he doesn't know if Michael was innocent of any wrongdoing in this case, because, from his honest perspective, it's a big question mark - one moment you think he's guilty, the next, a victim of extortion. I got the impression that the author also swung from one conclusion to the next, trapped in the mystery, unable to solve the puzzle. However, in the case of Gavin Arvizo, the author is absolutely convinced that Michael was innocent, set up by a family that was out for money, or perhaps revenge. The author truly seems to be on Michael's side throughout this book, sincerely fond of Michael as a person, hopeful for his innocence, and deeply sad about his passing. If you are looking for one book that will delve deep into the life of Michael Jackson, this is the one. Full of fascinating information, stories you'll have never heard before, this book is a real must-read for any Michael fan, or anyone who's just interested in his life, his career, or his state of mind. "What I like about my character (in The Wiz) is his confusion. He knows that he has problems, I guess you could call them. But he doesn't know why he has them or how he got that way. And he understands that he sees things differently from the way everyone else does, but he can't put his finger on why. He's not like other people. No one understands him. So he goes through his whole life with this, uh... confusion. Everybody thinks he's very special, but, really, he's very sad. He's so, so sad. Do you understand? Do you understand his sadness?" - Michael Jackson

I first read this book in around 2004 and I bought it again recently as the Amazon description promised it was “now completely updated to include the events leading to the untimely death of the star”, this certainly wasn’t true of the Kindle edition which ends rather abruptly in 2004 just as the Gavin Arvizo trial was about to begin. This was originally released in 1991 and everything up until this point is impeccably researched and written. The revisions are added on at the end of the main book, which remains in its original form. The first covers the Jordie Chandler in detail and is absolutely fascinating, as are the chapters on his marriages and children but the last revisions are rushed, the tone totally changes, albums post “Bad” are barely given a few sentences and the chapters covering the Gavin Arvizo trial are pointless. Why write a new edition to include a trial that hasn’t even started yet? For everything Jackson related up until 1993 this is outstanding but I’m still on the hunt for something that covers his later life and death and Leaving Neverland.

A great life story on the greatest king of pop, Michael Jackson in chapters w/pics!

It took a long time to convince myself to purchase this book as I was sceptical about reading an account of Michael jackson's life from the viewpoint of a journalist. I was expecting the usual emphasis on the weird and strange, the salacious accounts of the 'excentric oddities.' In truth I was surprised and really enjoyed this account as it was well structured, researched and balanced, unlike the Karen Moriarty book. Taraborrelli really does explain the 'Magic' and the 'Madness ' that was part of Jackson's life, the roller coaster ride of success and the descent into the mad and vicious world of celebrity that was orchestrated ultimately by a press that was determined to destroy him. In truth, Jackson was also partly to blame for the interest in his personal life which was to eclipse his genius as a true artist. He initially fed the stories to the press and found it amusing that they (and the public) believed that he could be so excentric, and when he tried to put on the brakes, he found that he had no control. When the allegations of child abuse were thrown at him, a gullible public fed on stories from the tabloid press were only too eager to devour what was left of his career, his private life and his humanity. I found this book thoroughly engaging and thought provoking.

Although a very detailed account, this always remained very readable - I suppose it depends on just how deep you want to go. Clearly the author was best placed to write this, having known Michael Jackson as a teenager and then right through to this edition's end in Feb 2004. There is a gallant attempt to get right into the psyche of a man who lived in a rather strange and often unreal world. However, the account never seems judgmental. These are the events and facts - draw your own conclusions. It is a very sad tale of poor judgment and bad decisions parallel to artistic brilliance and supreme celebrity. It's a lot of book to get through, but well worth the read.

Good book about a hugely complex character. However, very disappointing in that the description of the kindle version on Amazon stated that it was revised to include events up to his death. In fact the book ends before this when he was still being accused of child molestation. Disappointing.

Very well written book, very insightful. Its great that it includes details about the Jackson 5, Joseph and details about their life in Gary before success came. As for Michael himself, there is plenty about his bizarre life, plenty about the plastic surgeries and skin bleaching, Bubbles and the rest. After reading this, im not sure whether i believe he was innocent or really guilty of the allegations about him, maybe no one will ever no the complete truth. Guilty or not, his career nosedived completely after the 1993 allegations came to light, and he became dependent on drugs. After surviving all of that, in 2003 the aftershocks of the arrest eventually finished him off, despite eventually being cleared of all charges. A shame because in this period he created two very good albums, especially HIStory and the underrated Invincible. I don't want to criticize it, but my only gripe about this book is he doesn't talk enough about the music, and focuses too much on his MJ's private life. For instance, the writer doesn't even talk about the whole Dangerous album which i found frustrating. But great value, i bought the Kingle edition for only £4.99.

As a life long MJ fan I dreaded reading this book in case it was anti Michael. Before i read this book i read 8 others leaving this one till last. The author does not hold back. If you want the truth here it is. Sometimes painful to read other times not. Some authors have painted Michael has an Angel. He was not. Like any of us he had his flaws; he made mistakes he hurt people. I felt particularly sorry for Lisa Marie. What I suspected was confirmed; you either did what Michael said or you were out. He could be ruthless at times. There is no doubt in mind that Michael adores children and was completely innocent of any wrongdoing. I believe he was a great father and a true humanitarian. Michael was so generous and so kind. MJ was a musical genius and the greatest entertainer. I still love him ,but I now see him as he was; not an angel or saint but As a human being who had his faults. I will continue to miss him every day and still adore him. Rest in peace Michael. Xx

Très fouillé sur le plan psychologique ! Édifiant ! Un portrait sans concession sur l'immense star avec ses forces et ses failles !

Such an amazing biography

I read this book, like, a million times when I was a teenager. I loved it. Back then, I didn't know a lot about MJ and I found the book in our library by accident. Very well-written and interesting, it's also a very inspiring story. The book made me curious about Michael Jackson and it made me start getting into his music. I bought this book second hand off Amazon because I felt like having it in my collection. No regrets haha, its condition is fine and I still like the book. The cover is pretty, too, it's purple and yellow.

Best book on mj,starts from his childhood to his untimely demise.takes the reader through highs and low of his career.must read.

It took me a month to read it. It’s goes in details and it’s a good book if you want to know about Micheal without all the nasty media involvement and lies.