Jermaine Writing Book On Life With MJ *Book To Be Released Sept 13*

[ivy]

I wonder who was that person who was talking about Michael on the phone, and why Jermaine did not give the name if he knows for sure? He named different people in his book.

Probably Malnik.

I think it's Malnik too. It's a friend that Michael stayed at his house who have been advising Michael and Michael cut communications when found out about his talk with Mottola.

and yes Jermaine is contracting himself all over.

because in the next chapter (I'm currently reading it) Jermaine says Michael's sleep problems was only limited to when touring. Yet here you can see that at Malniks house he's having a sleepless night.

 

[Ramona122003]

I think it's Malnik too. It's a friend that Michael stayed at his house who have been advising Michael and Michael cut communications when found out about his talk with Mottola.

and yes Jermaine is contracting himself all over.

because in the next chapter (I'm currently reading it) Jermaine says Michael's sleep problems was only limited to when touring. Yet here you can see that at Malniks house he's having a sleepless night.

Ivy, I have been wondering. If Jermaine's book was written by a Ghost writer, would that person/persons advised Jermaine about the contradictions. Some of the stuff you just summarizes shows that he's all over the place. Namely, he claimed Michael was cut off from the family by 'others' and they didn't see each other that much, but Jermaine still act like he personally knew all this information. Not to mention how he try to say what Michael's motives were to everything, yet he said himself he didn't see him that often.

Also, does Jermaine actually explains why he did a 180 in this book compare to every other interview he gave even as late as earlier this year?

 

[Bridgett_361]

Thank you IVY ???, just reading the summery i feel for you to have to put up in reading this rubbish of a book, jermaine is not very bright in his thinking, no intelligent person say the thing JJ says,

And his knock for not taking responsiblity is all over the book with him making all maner of excuse why they are kept away from MJ, Eg: we are to believed he did see or talk to MJ in years because he did not have a phone? When we the fans hear MJ having many conversation with friend over the years. ( I guess MJ was at a pay phone on the conner so he can't really give out that number)
So JJ write a book of hearsay, Way to go JJ shanking head.

 

[Autumn II]

Thanks, Ivy! One thing of interest is not so much what was said, but what was NOT said? He said nothing about Randy's role during the trial. Not going into that too much here, except to say that Randy got Power of Attorney, was managing Michael's finances, and that eventually caused a major rift between Randy and Michael, and the entire family and Michael. There was also a rift between Michael and Karen Faye, caused when she attacked him in public (online statements) of "failing to live up to his promises" regarding MJJSource (that's an entire can-of-worms, too, which Jerm didn't mention). Michael cut Karen Faye OFF. I think he had not seen/spoken to her, until she was hired for TII? Don't know if that relationship was ever repaired, though. Jerm seems to rely on her heavily for info, but I doubt she really KNEW anything, and wasn't close to Michael at the end. At least, not in terms of friendship, that anyone has mentioned?

There are too many contradictions for much to be credible, at all. But one thing I see happening here is the "family party line" about Michael's condition in the last weeks, and days, of his life. There seems to be a conflict of purpose between the Murray trial and the AEG lawsuit. For the Murray trial, the case would be stronger if Michael was in fine shape (as the Autopsy Report seems to indicate -- or at least, in "ok shape?" There were some health issues, but not as extreme as Jerm says he observed.). The civil suit is against AEG, so enter the "they worked him to death" scenario. To push for THAT scenario seems to weaken the case against Murray (or the opposite would have been true). The Murray trial is for justice, and the AEG lawsuit is mostly for MONEY. I think we can see which one Jerm has chosen? Regardless, he seems to have NO inside information, either way? He also had no knowledge about Michael's "sleep issues" at the end. He and Michael had had an uneasy relationship, for almost twenty years, and mostly Michael avoided him. Except for anecdotes about their childhood, I doubt Jerm knew more than the average fan? Probably, LESS?

 

[BE.86]

Again, thanks ivy for taking the time out to summarize the book.

And it just confirms that jermaine does not know what the heck he is talking about. I thought this book was going to be special. There are only a few tibits that were nice but the rest was over analyzed and most likey fabricated.

 

[LastTear]

I'm looking forward to Ivy's overall opinion of the book. I'm not defending Jermaine in any way (some things there are no excuses for) but I have observed that we seem to jump on any little negative, of course that might well be deserved but I would like to know if this book has anything going for it at all. *runs to hide*

 

[irma]

I remember that. At least fans talking about it. Fans knew where Michael was and he(Jermaine) was asking. {goldiee comment reply}

 

[Ramona122003]

Thanks, Ivy! One thing of interest is not so much what was said, but what was NOT said? He said nothing about Randy's role during the trial. Not going into that too much here, except to say that Randy got Power of Attorney, was managing Michael's finances, and that eventually caused a major rift between Randy and Michael, and the entire family and Michael. There was also a rift between Michael and Karen Faye, caused when she attacked him in public (online statements) of "failing to live up to his promises" regarding MJJSource (that's an entire can-of-worms, too, which Jerm didn't mention). Michael cut Karen Faye OFF. I think he had not seen/spoken to her, until she was hired for TII? Don't know if that relationship was ever repaired, though. Jerm seems to rely on her heavily for info, but I doubt she really KNEW anything, and wasn't close to Michael at the end. At least, not in terms of friendship, that anyone has mentioned?

There are too many contradictions for much to be credible, at all. But one thing I see happening here is the "family party line" about Michael's condition in the last weeks, and days, of his life. There seems to be a conflict of purpose between the Murray trial and the AEG lawsuit. For the Murray trial, the case would be stronger if Michael was in fine shape (as the Autopsy Report seems to indicate -- or at least, in "ok shape?" There were some health issues, but not as extreme as Jerm says he observed.). The civil suit is against AEG, so enter the "they worked him to death" scenario. To push for THAT scenario seems to weaken the case against Murray (or the opposite would have been true). The Murray trial is for justice, and the AEG lawsuit is mostly for MONEY. I think we can see which one Jerm has chosen? Regardless, he seems to have NO inside information, either way? He also had no knowledge about Michael's "sleep issues" at the end. He and Michael had had an uneasy relationship, for almost twenty years, and mostly Michael avoided him. Except for anecdotes about their childhood, I doubt Jerm knew more than the average fan? Probably, LESS?

I think the separation goes at least to the point where Jermaine stood at Motown. From what I've read of Ivy's summary, everything I read is nearly exactly the same as Randy T.'s book and another book on Jetix called Man in the Mirror. Heck, I think he ripped some information from his second wife's book.

I also find it funny and a little strange that he marked Stacy Brown as the person cutting Michael off. This is funny because who then cut them off after Michael flew out of the country? Also, Jermaine come across as some obsessive ex-lover when he talked about sending Michael all these letters, phone calls, ect. He also couldn't be completely cut off since his mother and Janet had no problems talking to him.

In all honesty, Jermaine's book come across as more confusing then Toya's. Because at least Toya mostly stuck to the same story unlike Jermaine.

 

[Autumn II]

I think the separation goes at least to the point where Jermaine stood at Motown. From what I've read of Ivy's summary, everything I read is nearly exactly the same as Randy T.'s book and another book on Jetix called Man in the Mirror. Heck, I think he ripped some information from his second wife's book.

I also find it funny and a little strange that he marked Stacy Brown as the person cutting Michael off. This is funny because who then cut them off after Michael flew out of the country? Also, Jermaine come across as some obsessive ex-lover when he talked about sending Michael all these letters, phone calls, ect. He also couldn't be completely cut off since his mother and Janet had no problems talking to him.

In all honesty, Jermaine's book come across as more confusing then Toya's. Because at least Toya mostly stuck to the same story unlike Jermaine.

The Piers Morgan interview was even more confusing! It was like Jerm couldn't hold a train-of-thought, and gave several different versions of "the truth." IMHO, he wandered, and he rambled. He also claimed a lot of knowledge he couldn't really have had. He said, often, that he had little contact with Michael, but then told details of his life, including those final weeks. That info must come mostly from Karen Faye, and her tweets were all-over-the-place, and even more contradictory than Jerms! K.F. alternately said Michael was incredibly thin, AND, he was in fine shape. She, too, couldn't hold a thought? I actually see little difference between his book, and Taraborelli's writing about Michael (and he hadn't seen/spoken to Michael since the SEVENTIES, IMO.)

Funny how it's always "someone else" preventing him from seeing Michael, but yet, it was MICHAEL who gave the orders of who to admit to his inner circle, and who to leave standing outside a locked gate?

I find the discussion about Tohme. . . strange. I think there is a lot more going on there that Jerm didn't speak about? Thome cut off Jerm, TOO? Once he was "used" as an avenue to get to Michael? Then why did Tohme speak FIRST at the hospital, and then introduce Jerm, as if they were BFFs? I'd like to know more about Colony Capital's involvement with TII, which Jerm only mentioned in passing? They are mostly a real-estate company, aren't they?

In his own feeble way, I think Jerm was pushing an agenda with the book (in addition to wanting $$$ from book-sales). I think he was trying to bolster the lawsuit against AEG, at the EXPENSE of the Murray trial -- and ultimate justice for Michael. The AEG suit could bring MONEY (doubtful if that will happen, though), and the criminal trial? NO money. They could sue Murray in civil court after the criminal trial, but Murray has no money, apparently, and they most likely would get nothing, or very little. As I said above, if Michael was "emaciated" and sick at the end, more ammunition for the civil trial? But, if he was "in fine shape," it's better for the Murray trial (guess Jerm didn't actually read the autopsy report?)

All this, too, shall pass. . . .

 

[ivy]

So Tohme kept Jermaine away...why was he at the hospital when MJ passed?

Jermaine says Michael was supposed to meet Tohme on June 24 to put the down payment on the Vegas house. Tohme had the money. Jermaine says the rehearsals run long and doesn't know if Michael met Tohme on 24th or not. And assumes that Tohme might be around on the 25th - and came to the hospital - as he was trying to meet Michael about the house.

It's mentioned in the last chapter.

Ivy, I have been wondering. If Jermaine's book was written by a Ghost writer

there's a ghost writer

, would that person/persons advised Jermaine about the contradictions. Some of the stuff you just summarizes shows that he's all over the place. Namely, he claimed Michael was cut off from the family by 'others' and they didn't see each other that much, but Jermaine still act like he personally knew all this information. Not to mention how he try to say what Michael's motives were to everything, yet he said himself he didn't see him that often.

Most of the time it's obvious that his sources are 3rd hand. Also a lot of times he says he doesn't know the details and assumes stuff.

Also, does Jermaine actually explains why he did a 180 in this book compare to every other interview he gave even as late as earlier this year?

I haven't follow his interviews so I'm not knowledgeable about any 180. but his book actually to me seems like he's playing to both sides. Such as he was healthy and ready one day and then lost weight on the another. he's not an addict but had dependency issues during times. he used propofol but not always etc.

 

[ivy]

and to answer your questions

I still have to finish the last chapter - I'm at work now will do it later tonight.

My personal view is that Jermanine or any Jacksons hadn't been close with Michael after Victory tour. There's a lot of blame going on for it (blame Dileo, Bob Jones, NOI, Tohme etc) but I personally think it was Michael's personal choice.

So a lot of information becomes 3rd party hearsay and even times Jermaine clearly says he doesn't know much.

@Lasttear - there's some good in the book as well and I'm gonna mention it.

 

[BE.86]

So jermaine introduced that thome guy to mike? I knew it was said before but jermaine denied it before. I don't trust that thome guy at all, Jermaine seem to be irresponsible when looking out for his brother's interest. Just because his " friends" were his friends it does not mean they were mike's also, they got greedy and wanted to take advantage of him.

 

[BE.86]

I agree and they are my thoughts exactly

and to answer your questions I still have to finish the last chapter - I'm at work now will do it later tonight.My personal view is that Jermanine or any Jacksons hadn't been close with Michael after Victory tour. There's a lot of blame going on for it (blame Dileo, Bob Jones, NOI, Tohme etc) but I personally think it was Michael's personal choice. So a lot of information becomes 3rd party hearsay and even times Jermaine clearly says he doesn't know much.@Lasttear - there's some good in the book as well and I'm gonna mention it.

 

[Autumn II]

So jermaine introduced that thome guy to mike? I knew it was said before but jermaine denied it before. I don't trust that thome guy at all, Jermaine seem to be irresponsible when looking out for his brother's interest. Just because his " friends" were his friends it does not mean they were mike's also, they got greedy and wanted to take advantage of him.

I remember that, that Jerm denied it. But now? He confirms? And now? In Ivy's preview, Jerm writes that Tohme was going to MEET with Michael, on June 24 or 25th? But, Tohme was FIRED, quite awhile before! (and I guess Frank DiLeo replaced him?) Michael, presumably fired him over the auction fiasco, that Jerm also writes about -- that Michael thought only things in storage would be sold, and not the highly personal contents of the house! Then, there was the unpleasantness of the ("alleged") threats made to reps of Julien's Auction House? And, after that, didn't Michael kick Tohme to the curb? And then Frank came in?

There was also the money (substantial) that Tohme came forward with (weeks later) that he had at his HOUSE? In CASH? And presumably, that was for a down-payment for a house Michael was going to buy? So, Tohme was going to "meet with Michael" at Michael's HOUSE? (doubtful Michael would go anywhere to meet him, given his busy schedule). So, DID Tohme go to the house? All this remains very indistinct, still. . . . So, I'm wondering if Tohme was still in close contact with Michael, despite being fired? And if so, surely he would know something about Michael's condition toward the end? And given all that, is he on the witness list for the Murray trial, or what?

 

[ivy]

And actually let me tell you something interesting

Jermaine describes Tohme as someone definitely not graduated from charm school. He says that he wasn't a "bad" person per se but his behavior is rude, to your face, says it as he sees it etc. He actually thinks that this would be good for Michael as when he's looking to financials he will tell Michael as it is and would not try to act nice etc. And by everything we know about Tohme fits to this description.

Later when Jermaine goes to Michael's house and Tohme doesn't let him saying "he doesn't want to see you, why are you coming back and embarrass yourself", Jermaine doesn't believe Tohme. and I wonder why not? That seems to be the honest, blunt, to your face behavior Tohme is known for.

 

[ivy]

I remember that, that Jerm denied it. But now? He confirms? And now?

Yes. It's like this.
2007 Michael and Jermaine talks about "Crystal city" but have no money to fund it.
in a business meeting Jermaine asks around and a friend tells him about Tohme.
Jermaine meets with Tohme to find $6 billion funding for Crystal city
Neverland foreclosure story runs, Jermaine rushes to Tohme for help. and eventually introduces him to Michael.

On Jermaine's mind this was critical because Michael would have to sell the catalog for neverland and Tohme and Barrak is a hero for saving Neverland.

But on the other hand Michael could have done nothing - not sell the catalog - and simply lose Neverland.

Don't forget Jermaine also says Michael saw Las Vegas house in 2007 and decided to buy it in 2008 to build his new Neverland. So he might have not cared about Neverland anymore. Also don't forget according to Jermaine Michael didn't stay in the main house after the 2003 raid.

In Ivy's preview, Jerm writes that Tohme was going to MEET with Michael, on June 24 or 25th? But, Tohme was FIRED, quite awhile before! (and I guess Frank DiLeo replaced him?) Michael, presumably fired him over the auction fiasco, that Jerm also writes about -- that Michael thought only things in storage would be sold, and not the highly personal contents of the house! Then, there was the unpleasantness of the ("alleged") threats made to reps of Julien's Auction House? And, after that, didn't Michael kick Tohme to the curb? And then Frank came in?

In probate filings Estate said that Michael was in the process of changing managers. So I think even though Tohme was fired, he was still around to transfer stuff to Dileo.

There was also the money (substantial) that Tohme came forward with (weeks later) that he had at his HOUSE? In CASH? And presumably, that was for a down-payment for a house Michael was going to buy? So, Tohme was going to "meet with Michael" at Michael's HOUSE? (doubtful Michael would go anywhere to meet him, given his busy schedule). So, DID Tohme go to the house? All this remains very indistinct, still. . . . So, I'm wondering if Tohme was still in close contact with Michael, despite being fired? And if so, surely he would know something about Michael's condition toward the end? And given all that, is he on the witness list for the Murray trial, or what?

jermaine says the money was in a bank account. and I think he said in the last chapter Michael was to go to his office? but I have to check, I don't have my kindle with me sorry.

 

[Autumn II]

And actually let me tell you something interesting

Jermaine describes Tohme as someone definitely not graduated from charm school. He says that he wasn't a "bad" person per se but his behavior is rude, to your face, says it as he sees it etc. He actually thinks that this would be good for Michael as when he's looking to financials he will tell Michael as it is and would not try to act nice etc. And by everything we know about Tohme fits to this description.

Later when Jermaine goes to Michael's house and Tohme doesn't let him saying "he doesn't want to see you, why are you coming back and embarrass yourself", Jermaine doesn't believe Tohme. and I wonder why not? That seems to be the honest, blunt, to your face behavior Tohme is known for.

Fascinating. But yet, we DO know that Thome had some sort of continuing relationship with Jerm. Tohme spoke FIRST at the hospital press-conference, which seemed strange, given that he had been FIRED? He spoke first, then introduced Jermaine. It looked very much like they were there, together. Thome was/is a partner in Colony Capital. And then, VERY soon after Michael died, there was Jermaine at Neverland, pushing HARD for Michael to be buried there, i.e. making N/L into some sort of Graceland-type of attraction. And as we know, Colony Capital owns at least fifty percent of N/L. I think there is a LOT Jerm is not saying. . .

My thinking now is, with the Murray trial coming up, and Jerm seeming to suggest that Tohme was still in Michael's life, and "may have met with him," or tried to, on JUNE 24th! that Tohme may know a lot about Michael's physical condition, i.e. not "emaciated," as Jerm said. And could be a WITNESS to that? (Frank can't be a witness. He's. . . .. . . dead.)

(edit) There were people who saw Michael on that final day of his life. Those who were at the TII rehearsal. A driver and body-guards. The Follower Fans who gave Michael letters. And, of course, Murray. That morning there would have been Kai Chase, and Michael's children (and Murray still there). So the question is, DID or DID NOT Tohme succeed in meeting Michael that day (or night)? (Michael often had night meetings, because of his strange sleep-schedule). And if he did, IS he on the witness list? Awaiting the next chapter, with interest, and thanks, Ivy!

 

[Resa]

Ivy, I would also like to know your overall opinion of the book as a whole, the positives as well as the negatives. Also how do you think that Jermaine's book compare to other MJ books on the market. There are so few positive books about Michael out there. Overall, would you say that Jermaine's book is positive, negative or makes no difference to Michael's legacy? Would you recommend it? Thank you for taking the time to do the summaries of each chapter.

 

[Bonnie Blue]

I just find all these contradictory accounts of MJ's last month so confusing and filled with agendas from all parties which means there is little we can trust to be objective opinion. Am annoyed at jermaine coming out with his 2nd/3rd speculations in his book of the events leading to 25 june 09 when he knew the book would come out just as the trial of murray was beginning - its irresponsible.

I hope the press don't make a big deal about Michael forgetting Blanket at his mom's house. Just saying.

Just spin it that MJ was re-enacting that scene in 'home alone'.

 

[enlightenu]

I'm looking forward to Ivy's overall opinion of the book. I'm not defending Jermaine in any way (some things there are no excuses for) but I have observed that we seem to jump on any little negative, of course that might well be deserved but I would like to know if this book has anything going for it at all. *runs to hide*

I would suggest that you read it for yourself. Just ignore the typical negative "anything Jackson-made should be rejected" mentality. If you automatically have opposition against the book and it's author based solely on the opinions of others and the majority viewpoint, you won't find out FOR YOURSELF, whether or not the book will be to your liking.

 

[TheChosenOne]

Karen Faye herself said that the various versions are all about "proximity and agenda".

And I have noticed that my usual news sources have not featured anything from Jermaine since the whole escape plan fiasco. I did not notice him trending on Twitter either.

 

[ivy]

I would suggest that you read it for yourself. Just ignore the typical negative "anything Jackson-made should be rejected" mentality. If you automatically have opposition against the book and it's author based solely on the opinions of others and the majority viewpoint, you won't find out FOR YOURSELF, whether or not the book will be to your liking.

fyi - I don't have a typical rejecting anything coming from Jackson's mentality.

 

[Big Apple2]

And I have noticed that my usual news sources have not featured anything from Jermaine since the whole escape plan fiasco. I did not notice him trending on Twitter either.

In my opinion, "most" folks just don't take Jermaine Jackson seriously.

Had he not WASTED all of those years waiting for Michael to join the brothers on stage again and went ahead and carved out something for himself, independent of his brother Michael, things MIGHT have been different for him today.

All of a sudden, Michael passed away, and EVERYBODY in the family has a project and/or product to sell. LOL! Where was all of this energy and ambition 10-20 years ago?

 

[MsCassieMollie]

Joe Vogel talking about Jermaine's book:

JoeVogel1 Joe Vogel
@Reetaxxx I enjoyed it. It's his perspective, so obviously I don't see everything the same, but it's a great read IMO
22 hours ago

He also recommend it....

 

[missred07]

Thome Thome is the most weird person. I still don't understand the whole Thome issue and I think Jermaine didn't reveal the whole truth about Thome. It's a shame that Thome got cold feet to go to Larry King 2 years ago. So weird that Thome got fired and still hole those money. What a mess. On the other hand, still don't understand Jermaine said about MJ only agreed to do 10 shows. Does this mean MJ didn't read the contract again??? because obviously the contract stated more than 10 shows. It's weird that MJ would just signed the contract without reading it since he has been in this business for more than 40 years.

Jermaine's book almost contain nothing new. It's not really bad base on the summary but quite boring.

 

[Bonnie Blue]

^^Re the 10 shows, that comment supposedly by mj that he only signed up to 10 shows and woke up to find he was doing 50 shows, really irks me. I think the only source of it was a follower fan, not sure if the others present backed her up on her claim. It's silly, because it's clearly a usual strategy of a concert promotor to hype up sales of a concert tour and mj being out the game for so long with his only profile in the last 5 yrs being a child m*lestation trial it wouldn't be immediately apparent how popular a london residency would be. If they said immediately it would be 40/50 dates there wouldn't be the excitiement and mad scramble for tickets and they would be leaving themselves open to disappointment if tickets remained unsold. Remember that we're dealing with a top concert promotor here not Global live! I just can't believe mj thought he was just doing 10, i think he might have expected 35/40 dates. The 50 dates was just because demand was phenomenal.

 

[missred07]

^^Re the 10 shows, that comment supposedly by mj that he only signed up to 10 shows and woke up to find he was doing 50 shows, really irks me. I think the only source of it was a follower fan, not sure if the others present backed her up on her claim. It's silly, because it's clearly a usual strategy of a concert promotor to hype up sales of a concert tour and mj being out the game for so long with his only profile in the last 5 yrs being a child m*lestation trial it wouldn't be immediately apparent how popular a london residency would be. If they said immediately it would be 40/50 dates there wouldn't be the excitiement and mad scramble for tickets and they would be leaving themselves open to disappointment if tickets remained unsold. Remember that we're dealing with a top concert promotor here not Global live! I just can't believe mj thought he was just doing 10, i think he might have expected 35/40 dates. The 50 dates was just because demand was phenomenal.

YES, same here. I don't know how Jermaine wrote in his book. Ivy's summary seemed to be MJ complained to him that he only agreed to do 10. But it just don't make any sense at all since the contract said it's more than 10. Either MJ didn't read the contract (which I highly doubt how could this be possible) or Jermaine just made up the story base on some other people said so.

 

[Bonnie Blue]

^^ Yes, i hate having these myths gain ground which makes mj not look the seasoned operator in the music business that he was.

 

[Autumn II]

YES, same here. I don't know how Jermaine wrote in his book. Ivy's summary seemed to be MJ complained to him that he only agreed to do 10. But it just don't make any sense at all since the contract said it's more than 10. Either MJ didn't read the contract (which I highly doubt how could this be possible) or Jermaine just made up the story base on some other people said so.

More and more it seems that the material for the book was ONLY gleaned from tabloid articles, and from Karen Faye? I don't think Michael ever SAID anything about it, to Jermaine.

I still don't know WHY Michael said that about "the ten shows," because clearly that was to test the water, as to the potentials for many more. And, the contract read more than ten. That he DID say it, is absolutely true. I don't intend to go around about this yet again, except to say that THERE WAS A VIDEO OF MICHAEL SAYING EXACTLY THAT. I SAW it. I would certainly NOT say that I'd seen it -- if I hadn't. But, I did. Several people on this board saw it (including Mechi, and some others). It quickly vanished, though. It looked to be taped on someone's cell phone. He said it to a cluster of fans. He seemed sincere at the time? I still am not sure WHY he said it, or what was on his mind at that moment, but I have NO DOUBT that he did say it. Where Jerm got that info, I have no idea. From tabloids? Most of his material seems to be from second, or third-hand sources, anyway.

 

[ivy]

In jermaine's book 10 concerts was to test the waters and the plan was never for 10 concerts and TII only. He says it was a 3 tours, 3 movies, 5 year deal for $300M.

Jermaine says 10 to 50 increase happened without asking Michael for pre-approval - which explains Michael saying "I woke up to 50". In the last chapter I'm reading Jermaine also says Michael wanted to do 10 and renegotiate for the other 40. But he wasn't opposed to doing 50 or even more concerts. It seems like his only issue was how they were added.

And look to the costs and advances. Michael was given I think $10M advance, his expenses was being paid, the production costs were close to $30M and according to Jermaine $15M Vegas house was also a part of the deal. that's $55M. That's not a 10 concert deal IMO.