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

[joanna48]

I just finished reading"Supervising Neverland" and I now regret buying it. It is a very short book and not a must read. The author was forced to testify at Michael's trial and was humiliated by Thomas Mesereau. He claims to be a friend but says he can't defend Michael. He seems to have more respect for Joe Jackson than Michael. Please don't waste your money on this book.

 

[myosotis]

I just finished reading"Supervising Neverland" and I now regret buying it. It is a very short book and not a must read. The author was forced to testify at Michael's trial and was humiliated by Thomas Mesereau. He claims to be a friend but says he can't defend Michael. He seems to have more respect for Joe Jackson than Michael. Please don't waste your money on this book.

I just had a look on a site which includes page excerpts.

In this section he says: 'I had a call telling me...that at this point my job was a secret.... I would have to wear (a suit) every day to work. I found a suit store on Hollywood Boulevard. I recall telling the salesman to make me look presidential because I would soon be running Neverland'. :doh:

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id...Q#v=onepage&q='supervising neverland'&f=false

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

I just finished reading"Supervising Neverland" and I now regret buying it. It is a very short book and not a must read. The author was forced to testify at Michael's trial and was humiliated by Thomas Mesereau. He claims to be a friend but says he can't defend Michael. He seems to have more respect for Joe Jackson than Michael. Please don't waste your money on this book.

Thanks for your review. i'll make sure to stay away from that one.

 

[Dan]

I Just Finished 'Moonwalk'!

Hi everyone,

It dawned on me about a week or so ago that I had never read 'Moonwalk' (Michael's autobiography). The fact that I had never sat down and read this book, despite owning it, baffled me. I have listened to all the albums, front to back, over and over for as long as can remember, watched all the concerts, rehearsals (including This Is It) over and over too, but never actually read 'Moonwalk'. I remember hearing about it from the Oprah interview when I watched that, but always thought it was hard to get hold of for some reason. I bought it about 6 months ago, along with 'Dancing the Dream' and finally picked it up about a week ago.

If you haven't read it, you absolutely should. It was possibly the most enjoyable book I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have an overwhelming excitement to see what happened next but every single page of that book (literally) was enjoyable. I loved reading every word. Michael's writing was excellent and the tone of book is so calm and easy to read.

What did you guys think about it?

~Dan~

 

[ScreenOrigami]

If you haven't read it, you absolutely should. It was possibly the most enjoyable book I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have an overwhelming excitement to see what happened next but every single page of that book (literally) was enjoyable. I loved reading every word. Michael's writing was excellent and the tone of book is so calm and easy to read.

I feel the same about the book, it’s an absolute page-turner, even if you know what’s next. I wrote my thoughts down last year in the Book Club thread.

https://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/threads/143618-MJ-Book-Club-Michael-Jackson-Book-Discussion-(Old-Books-and-New)?p=4273533&viewfull=1#post4273533

 

[Dan]

I feel the same about the book, it’s an absolute page-turner, even if you know what’s next. I wrote my thoughts down last year in the Book Club thread.

https://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/...oks-and-New)?p=4273533&viewfull=1#post4273533

Thanks, I'll give it a read!

 

[joanna48]

Re: I Just Finished 'Moonwalk'!

Dan, have you read Michael's "Dancing the Dream" yet? I thought it was just as interesting as "Moonwalker" and told us so much about Michael's character.

 

[ozemouze]

Thanks, everyone, for the recommendations!

From the 2009 afterword by one of the editors, I learned that Michael didn’t actually sit down with ink and quill at an oaken desk in his study – as romantic as the idea would be – but basically talked to his editors about his life and recorded the conversations on tape. Then a professional writer formed it into a narrative, and then Michael had the book read to him on his days off on tour and made some edits.

The afterword sounds a bit apologetic, as if the editor thought it wasn’t the “right” way to make a book. But isn’t that just how Michael worked anyway? Put his thoughts and ideas into a tape recorder and then collaborate with other professionals to make it the best product possible?

Not to mention that's quite a standard procedure and a lot of biographies are done like this. Being a good musician/actor/scientist etc. doesn't necessarily make anyone a good biographer as well. Plus I don't think MJ could find time to write a biography at that period, he was more then busy with everything else.

Unlike many other autobiographies, there’s no trash talk about other people.

I remember it was criticized for not being scandalous and gossipy enough... how ironic and how typical. That's exactly what we appreciate now, and learning a bit about his creative process is much more interesting then any story about his private life could be (at least for me).

Michael (Hardcover book from Rolling Stone, just to throw a more negative review in there.)-What an uneven book this is. It was fair enough up until the point of Rob Sheffield's reviews of the music. Simply put, the man is an idiot. After getting through that, the rest of it has a good sized chunk of distorted garbage and lies. This book will not fool any fan. There is some good information in the beginning, but about midway through you can hardly call the book a "tribute."

Basically what can be expected from Rolling Stone. :tongue: Great reviews BTW, thanks a lot!

Not sure. i just want a book of pictures. No words, no opinion of others . just glossy beautiful imagery of him. from all eras right till the end.

Although it doesn't include every era, Before He Was King by Todd Gray is a great photo album IMO.

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

I never got finished reading moonwalk. when i have the time i will reread it again. dancing the dream is something i haven't read yet. so whenever i get a chance i will try to read both of them.

i know dancing the dream gonna take me longer because it a very long book. moonwalk isn't very long but i got distract. :laughing:

moonwalk is a great book so far even through i haven't got done with it. i'm glad he made it easy to read. through some fans are saying he didn't write all of it. and that he told the person who write for him with some of his own words.

but good book so far, whatever he got a ghost writer to write some it i still believe this book so well and gonna always use it for some facts about him. there two version of this book. the first and second induction after Michael passed.

i would get the first one the reviews of the second induction is great too but i heard they did something to it.

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

Sixteen11 Media Group Ltd just announced a re-edition of “The Ultimate Collector Book: HIStory, Volume V” which came out first in 2015 and produced by Fabrice Ancellet (aka, Hector Barjot) and Sebastian Mille.

This new edition – The 25th Anniversary Edition” will have over 200 more categorised items from the HIStory era, a brand new cover and a new preface from Rob Hoffman, one of the Studio Engineer who worked on the famous album… 25 years ago!

The new edition will be on pre-sale starting June 16, 2020 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Michael Jackson’s HIStory.

More information coming soon.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HIStory Ultimate Collectors Book will be available June 16th 2020 - check <a href="https://twitter.com/Mjvibe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mjvibe</a> for details <a href="https://t.co/7LGoeV9Iwd">https://t.co/7LGoeV9Iwd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/History25?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#History25</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/1Billion4MJ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#1Billion4MJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/za3DIEESWC">pic.twitter.com/za3DIEESWC</a></p>— MJJJusticeProject #1Billion4MJ (@MJJJusticePrjct) <a href="https://twitter.com/MJJJusticePrjct/status/1262474286817673216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 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">Really pleased to announce my new book, 'The Story of HIStory' will be released on 16th June 2020 in paperback. More details coming this week. &#65533;&#65533;&#65533;&#65533;&#65533;&#65533; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/History25?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#History25</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dg3GuK3ct3">pic.twitter.com/Dg3GuK3ct3</a></p>— Pez Jax (@Pezjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pezjax/status/1260520672461234176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 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">It covers the creation of the album: cover, naming, marketing, track by track recording sessions & creation, historical context, short film creation, onset, single releases, charts, cultural impact, legacy. I've had some great support from former MJ collaborators in all areas &#65533;&#65533;</p>— Pez Jax (@Pezjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pezjax/status/1260587356408643584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A brand new English book about Michael Jackson titled "The Story of HIStory" is announced for June 16 via Sixteen11, the company that also publishes the books " The Ultimate Collector Book ".

This book by Pez Jax, the director of Sixteen11, is a continuation of that of 2016 on Off The Wall . This time he looks at the making of the HIStory album, looking at how each song came to be, but also the short films, marketing and of course, this incredible statue of HIStory.

http://sixteen11.com/product/the-story-of-history/

http://sixteen11.com/product/the-ultimate-collector-book-history-25th-anniversary-edition/

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

A brand new book from a member of our own team is about to hit the shelves of every single &#8220;HIStory&#8221; lovers!

Sixteen11 Media Group Ltd will be releasing on June 16, Pez Jax&#8217;s 2nd book &#8220;The Story of HIStory&#8221; and as the title is self explanatory, yes, this is all about HIStory album, in the making to hitting the music stores.

More than ever, this album is so important to our culture and society. Jax will guide you through the making of this incredible album, song by song and explain how relevant this album is today.

Oh and this book will be available in French (ou la la) in July&#8230;

This is the 2nd book from Jax. The first was about &#8220;Off The Wall&#8221; and Sixteen11 is also releasing a 25th Anniversary of the Ultimate Collector Book: HIStory.

From Sixteen11:
An album so important, it&#8217;s still relevant today

June 2020, London UK &#8211; Sixteen11 Media Group Ltd is pleased to announce a new book exploring Michael Jackson&#8217;s fifth solo album &#8216;HIStory: Past, Present and Future &#8211; Book I.

The Story of HIStory tells the fascinating story of how Michael Jackson created the most important album of his career, addressing racial prejudice, social injustice, accusations, media intrusion, environmental issues and mental health.

As the second book about Jackson by writer Pez Jax, The Story of HIStory delves into the inspiration, and creative process behind each of the 15 songs that appeared on &#8216;HIStory Continues&#8217;, the success of single releases, the creation of the short films, global marketing efforts, naming the album and the development of the cover. Supported by first-hand accounts and untold stories, this insightful new work comes as the album marks its 25th Anniversary and reflects on its relevance and impact over the past quarter-century.

&#8220;If there is a writer with the bandwidth to bring ultimate light to &#8216;the Story of HIStory&#8217;, it&#8217;s Pez Jax&#8221; &#8211; Dan Beck

Responsible for HIStory&#8217;s marketing strategy and &#8216;HIStorical thinking&#8217;, Former VP of Sales and Marketing Dan Beck provides the foreword and original HIStory Statue creator Diana Walczak provided her expertise to the cover of the book.

The Story of HIStory will be available to order in English from 16th June 2020 and in French from 20th July 2020 at www.sixteen11.com

Pez Jax is a writer, author and Michael Jackson fan, based in London. Jax released his first book &#8216;Off The Wall: From The Beginning &#8211; Brick by Brick&#8217; in 2016 which charted Michael Jackson&#8217;s rise from the lead singer of the Jackson 5, up to the release and success of &#8216;Off The Wall&#8217;.

Jax has written several articles about Jackson, enjoying wide-spread coverage for his work. In addition to receiving requests for comment from BBC, LBC, Good Morning Britain, NME as well as international press; Jax appeared on Sky News&#8217; Sunrise Show to talk about Jackson&#8217;s music.

mjvibe

http://sixteen11.com/

 

[ScreenOrigami]

Aphrodite Jones discusses her book &#8220;Conspiracy&#8221; today on Facebook.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Join us live at 12 noon EDT 06.13.20 with <a href="https://twitter.com/Aphrodite_Jones?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aphrodite_Jones</a> for a Vindication Day Special discussing her book &#39;Michael Jackson Conspiracy&#39; <a href="https://t.co/TPcjfuyYHy">https://t.co/TPcjfuyYHy</a> <a href="https://t.co/7yHYuBOaxO">pic.twitter.com/7yHYuBOaxO</a></p>&mdash; The Michael Jackson Book Club (@booksaboutMJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/booksaboutMJ/status/1267603255368060929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I think she also has a special sale going on today, in case you don&#8217;t have the book yet.

 

[Tapio]

Hi, I am new here and have just three books on Michael Jackson: The 2009 edition by Taraborrelli, 2012 by Randall Sullivan and Elizabeth (Taylor) and Michael by Donald Bogle. Would like to read more, but am hesitating which would be most reliable. I am from Finland and only Emily Herbert's book is translated into Finnish. Maybe I should read that?

Thanks. I have been thinking about that Remember The Time by his bodyguards. Do you think, it's worth more than the one by Jermaine Jackson?

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

Entitled Book On The Dance Floor (Let's Make HIStory In The Mix), this book sounds like an inevitable sequel to the superb book Let's Make HIStory released in 2016 and become essential.

More info soon…

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The New book about Michael Jackson&#39;s HIStory by Pez Jax is now on pre-sale! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HIStory25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HIStory25</a><a href="https://t.co/dSIpJYnty8">https://t.co/dSIpJYnty8</a> <a href="https://t.co/qMYqeIsrYT">pic.twitter.com/qMYqeIsrYT</a></p>&mdash; Sixteen11 (@Sixteen11Media) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sixteen11Media/status/1275340771969961984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[ScreenOrigami]

&#8220;Voice Upon a Time&#8221; by Isabelle Petitjean

I think this has been published in French before, but now it&#8217;s also available in English. Has anyone here read it yet?

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

 

[ScreenOrigami]

What&#8217;s the best Jackson 5 / Jacksons book in your opinion? Which one do you recommend?

I have &#8220;All The Songs&#8221;, so it doesn&#8217;t have to have all the details about the songs.

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

Entitled Book On The Dance Floor (Let's Make HIStory In The Mix), this book sounds like an inevitable sequel to the superb book Let's Make HIStory released in 2016 and become essential.

More info soon…

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Book On The Dance Floor&quot; is coming...<br>Cover Picture by Steven Paul Whitsitt<br>Design by <a href="https://twitter.com/Actarusprod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Actarusprod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewBook?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewBook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BookOnTheDanceFloor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BookOnTheDanceFloor</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BloodOnTheDanceFloor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BloodOnTheDanceFloor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Morphine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Morphine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperflySister?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperflySister</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ghosts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ghosts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IsItScary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IsItScary</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ScreamLouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ScreamLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HIStory25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HIStory25</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJFam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Moonwalkers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Moonwalkers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsMakeHIStory?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsMakeHIStory</a> <a href="https://t.co/k49zuhWNQ2">pic.twitter.com/k49zuhWNQ2</a></p>&mdash; Brice NAJAR (@BriceNajar) <a href="https://twitter.com/BriceNajar/status/1277280659489390593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_Book_0...472;&#12515;&#12463;&#12477;&#12531;_11021562

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEW photo exhibition &#8216;MJ &#8212; Michael Jackson on Stage&#8217;, which will be held at FUJIFILM SQUARE from July 10 &#8212; 30, 2020 in Japan, organized by FUJIFILM Corporation!!!<br><br>Here is the official web: <a href="https://t.co/JwlHjIRZB6">https://t.co/JwlHjIRZB6</a> <a href="https://t.co/pABs1WNgWb">pic.twitter.com/pABs1WNgWb</a></p>&mdash; Brandon Penny (@MJJsourceEU) <a href="https://twitter.com/MJJsourceEU/status/1277612610876301312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

Can you give us some context about this book? My Japanese is a bit rusty.

https://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/...bition-in-Tokyo-Japan-from-July-10-to-July-30

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are celebrating Michael Jackson&#39;s HIStory 25th Anniversary with 2 amazing books:<br>1. &quot;The Ultimate Collector Book HIStory 25th Anniversary Edition&quot;<a href="https://t.co/vRMmBltHpQ">https://t.co/vRMmBltHpQ</a><br><br>2. &quot;The Story of HIStory&quot; by Pez Jax<a href="https://t.co/dSIpJYnty8">https://t.co/dSIpJYnty8</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HIStory25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HIStory25</a> <a href="https://t.co/idJUpFKozu">pic.twitter.com/idJUpFKozu</a></p>&mdash; Sixteen11 (@Sixteen11Media) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sixteen11Media/status/1278209117199446017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mikky Dee]

Re: I Just Finished 'Moonwalk'!

Hi everyone,

It dawned on me about a week or so ago that I had never read 'Moonwalk' (Michael's autobiography). The fact that I had never sat down and read this book, despite owning it, baffled me. I have listened to all the albums, front to back, over and over for as long as can remember, watched all the concerts, rehearsals (including This Is It) over and over too, but never actually read 'Moonwalk'. I remember hearing about it from the Oprah interview when I watched that, but always thought it was hard to get hold of for some reason. I bought it about 6 months ago, along with 'Dancing the Dream' and finally picked it up about a week ago.

If you haven't read it, you absolutely should. It was possibly the most enjoyable book I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have an overwhelming excitement to see what happened next but every single page of that book (literally) was enjoyable. I loved reading every word. Michael's writing was excellent and the tone of book is so calm and easy to read.

What did you guys think about it?

~Dan~

I love it, too. I'm thinking I really should read it again some day.
I truly wish that MJ had written another book about the second half of his life.
To hear the rest of his story from his own lips would be sensational.

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

&#8220;Voice Upon a Time&#8221; by Isabelle Petitjean

I think this has been published in French before, but now it&#8217;s also available in English. Has anyone here read it yet?

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

This book is now release and can be brought.

http://www.editions-delatour.com/fr...-jackson-voice-upon-a-time-9782752104069.html

 

[ScreenOrigami]

This book is now release and can be brought.

http://www.editions-delatour.com/fr...-jackson-voice-upon-a-time-9782752104069.html

It was released when I posted it. Which is why I posted it.

 

[NatureCriminal7896]

It was released when I posted it. Which is why I posted it.

Oh. i didn't know. i'm kind of late with the news. sorry. thanks.

 

[ScreenOrigami]

Does anyone here maintain or know of a list of every single MJ book ever published (good, bad, ugly &#8211; everything)?

Not planning to buy them all, of course, I just want to know what&#8217;s out there. Thank you.

 

[mjfan05]

I just started reading Randall Sullivan's book. i generally don't read tabloidish bullshit on Michael, but this one has mixed reviews, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm at page 50 and I've had to stop at almost every couple of pages - either to stem my annoyance with the writer or because of some of Michael's actions. I have a hard time believing fully, any of what these people write because I can see the inherent racism in their dehumanizing of Michael in every way possible. They always play down Michael's influence, reach and talent and his viability as an artist in any way they can. They don't stop there - in every situation, somehow the antagonist is right and deserves all the sympathy, while Michael is, of course, the weird washed up superstar with no connection to reality. In the 50 pages so far, Marc Schaffel clearly acted as enabler to Michael's terrible spending habits hoping to someday reap the effects of Michael's gravy train. He sues Michael at one of the worst times in his life and then the author goes on about how Michael was "cold" to Marc at the deposition. Like wtf! You're suing him in the middle of him facing trial - you want him to give you a warm hug? From anyone else, this would've been an understandable reaction.

In general, any successes of Michael or anything positive about Michael is mentioned in passing while anything negative gets dwelled on. Anything positive - try your hardest to portray it as negative. I'm so tired of all this already. Isn't it about time this bullshit changed? Ugh. This is a tough read for me. I know reading about Michael's last years is basically an exercise in masochism, but still ugh.

 

[ScreenOrigami]

I just started reading Randall Sullivan's book. i generally don't read tabloidish bullshit on Michael, but this one has mixed reviews, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Did you buy a used copy? These people don&#8217;t deserve your hard earned money, tbh. Buying it means increasing the demand.

 

[mjfan05]

No, No - ebook borrowed from library

 

[ScreenOrigami]

No, No - ebook borrowed from library

Perfect.