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You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother's Eyes
This is an intimate, loving portrait of Michael Jackson, illuminating the private man like never before; now fully revised and updated to include the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray.Let the boy sing if he wants to sing! said Mama Martha. You want to sing, MichaelMichaels five-year-old face lit up. In the front room, Joseph begrudgingly turned on the music. Jackie, Tito and I stood to one side to let him have his moment.What he produced stunned everyone.This was Michael, shy but confident, knowing exactly what to do. He played the mic, he worked the floor; he sang beautifully. I didnt know where that voice came from.Heaven, said Mother.
512 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2011
142 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
Jermaine Jackson
17 books25 followersJermaine La Jaune Jackson (also known as Muhammed Abdul Aziz) is an American singer, bassist, composer, a member of The Jackson 5, older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and occasional film director. He also produced and recorded duets with American singer Whitney Houston in her early years as a recording artist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 27, 2020
“‘There's nothing they can say that can harm him now,’ Mother added (p448).”
The Jackson Family are constantly vilified by the media for years and years; majorly to discredit them whenever they spoke in defense for Michael Jackson. Although, they have their own flaws (who doesn't really) and they've done their share of things but with time I've come to comprehend the extreme unfairness bestowed upon them; I actually kind of admire their “self-restraint” to not lash out facing all that pressure because God knows it gets too much to this day.
Jermaine Jackson's account is loud and clear throughout this memoir; he tells his side of history regarding what he knows and experienced as Michael Jackson's older sibling. I have to say that when I re-read this book several years after my first read, I appreciated it much more the second time around. 11 Years after the murder of Jackson (and with the current situation) had me reading between the lines of what Jermaine had to say about the wonderful life of a great human being who dedicated his life and career to overcome the impossible but his firm principle of not bending costed him quite a lot, and what he had in possession made him a target.
This memoir is honest like it doesn't seek to prove anything, Jermaine is simply laying out the obvious truth about Jackson's life and the unjust treatment by the system as a whole. He also refutes the claims about Jackson being a junkie or not being the biological father of his own children. He presents the story as he experienced it growing up in the Jackson family, and beyond.
Jermaine doesn't address his nor his family's personal lives that much except a bit here and there that would contribute to the subject's life — he didn't bring up La Toya's false claims in early 90s (she was instructed by her then abusive manager/husband) nor did he mention his ex Margaret Maldanado.*
You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother's Eyes is an inspiring story despite being heart-wrenching at the second and last halves of the book. Jermaine wrote it in a simple, direct language that would deliver the message for all readers from all backgrounds. He clears common misconceptions with a candid sense and the available facts.
There are some parts where Jermaine left vague anecdote/comment that you could pass by unnoticed but when you dig deeper, you find that it is not there for nothing; it is purposeful and it gives indirect remark. I had many AHA! moments upon my second read.
All in all, it's a better biography than most of the tabloidish popular ones; it's forthright, inspirational, humorous, frustrating and heartbreaking in many instances. I fell in love with Michael Jackson all the way through — he deserved so much better, and like some banner held high at the 2005 trial said: “Michael, on behalf of mankind, we're sorry.”
Check out Michael Jackson's own autobiography Moonwalk.
*Starting Over and Jackson Family Values: Memories of Madness
January 24, 2021
Considering that I initially resisted buying Jermaine's book because of my feelings towards some of Michael's siblings and some things done and said since his tragic passing, I can't recommend You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother's Eyes highly enough to other MJ fans.
This is a loving tribute to an often misunderstood (by the media especially) genius, a modern Renaissance man who longed to be Peter Pan, and who, through his art and resultant global fame, really did fly to the highest of heights, but also experienced the lowest of lows.
As well as chronicling their childhood and adolescence at home and on the road as members of the Jackson 5, Jermaine provides a sensitive and compassionate portrait of his brother's less happy times, and in particular a behind the scenes account of the anguish Michael and the whole Jackson family suffered during the 2005 court case.
In this book, erroneous myths about MJ are exposed and the simple truth revealed to be just as Michael tried to tell the media himself, usually unsuccessfully - because the myths and lies were considered far more newsworthy and generated higher ratings. Jermaine emphatically sets the record straight once again on his brother's behalf. Whether the tabloids take notice, or believe it, remains to be seen. (They haven't in the past.)
You won't find any grist for the gossip mill here - just a lot of love for a cherished lost brother, a special soul too sensitive for the world in which he lived, and one whose legacy will continue to grow so long as his music is aired, his groundbreaking videos viewed, and people are inspired to donate or volunteer for humanitarian and environmental organisations because of Michael Jackson.
This is a loving tribute to an often misunderstood (by the media especially) genius, a modern Renaissance man who longed to be Peter Pan, and who, through his art and resultant global fame, really did fly to the highest of heights, but also experienced the lowest of lows.
As well as chronicling their childhood and adolescence at home and on the road as members of the Jackson 5, Jermaine provides a sensitive and compassionate portrait of his brother's less happy times, and in particular a behind the scenes account of the anguish Michael and the whole Jackson family suffered during the 2005 court case.
In this book, erroneous myths about MJ are exposed and the simple truth revealed to be just as Michael tried to tell the media himself, usually unsuccessfully - because the myths and lies were considered far more newsworthy and generated higher ratings. Jermaine emphatically sets the record straight once again on his brother's behalf. Whether the tabloids take notice, or believe it, remains to be seen. (They haven't in the past.)
You won't find any grist for the gossip mill here - just a lot of love for a cherished lost brother, a special soul too sensitive for the world in which he lived, and one whose legacy will continue to grow so long as his music is aired, his groundbreaking videos viewed, and people are inspired to donate or volunteer for humanitarian and environmental organisations because of Michael Jackson.
February 11, 2013
This book gives the inside look at Michael's life through the eyes of his brother, Jermaine. The book gives the reader and honest look at Michael's life, his struggles, his triumphs, his tragedies, his love for his family, his musical genius, his surprisingly strong business savvy, and so on. Jermaine Jackson sets the record straight regarding the salacious allegations of the sexual abuse of children, getting to the heart of the matter by sharing information the general public did not get because it wouldn't have sold as many magazines as the sensational...albeit entirely misleading...headlines did. Of everything shared in the book, I was most grateful for Jermaine Jackson's unflinching efforts toward sharing what was really going on with the allegations made against his brother. I don't want to offer any spoilers, but I will say that I wish as big a deal was being made about the truth as was made about the lies. Sadly, Michael left this world with his reputation forever damaged in the eyes of many people, and the truth matters little to them. I was glad to see that Jermaine offered information that not only vindicates his little brother, but exposes his brother's accusers for what they are. I will leave it to you to read the book to find out the rest.
The book is well written and engaging,and allows the reader to see Michael in a light that the world denied him. Michael was portrayed as a freak and a weirdo in the tabloid mags, never said to be the gentle and loving human being that he was who had struggles that perhaps he didn't always handle so well. So much of what the general public remembers about MJ is the extensive plastic surgeries that lead to a look that ultimately taught him a painful lesson (read the book), or he is remembered as a man accused of molesting children who, although found "not guilty" by a jury of his peers, was never able to live down the accusations made against him. Ultimately, his life was cut short by shady characters with ulterior motives. My heart broke as I read of his final days, realizing his death was something that could have been avoided if someone has just listened to his pleas for help as he began to understand that something was terribly wrong in his body but he didn't know what. Read the book for the details.
Anyone who ever appreciated Michael Jackson and his work will enjoy this book. Anyone who ever wanted to peel back the curtain of personae and see what was really going on with Michael and his family will enjoy the book. Anyone who enjoys a good story...albeit with a tragic ending...will enjoy the book. Ultimately, the story is one of great struggle, triumph, and redemption. While the story ends with tragedy, it also provides hope. We can all make a difference in the world. Michael Jackson's legacy of inspiration, generosity, love, and unyielding faith in the midst of adversity is one that will continue to impact and inspire people for generations. The book ends with a story in which Michael's music and his name are known to children even in the remote regions of Africa. I think that's inspiring. I think if we all used to talent we're given and used it to the best of our ability, we can change the world, even to the furthest regions of the most remote places on the planet. I think that's what Michael would have wanted his legacy to be...one of inspiration to be our very best selves, and in doing so, "heal the world, make it a better place."
The book is well written and engaging,and allows the reader to see Michael in a light that the world denied him. Michael was portrayed as a freak and a weirdo in the tabloid mags, never said to be the gentle and loving human being that he was who had struggles that perhaps he didn't always handle so well. So much of what the general public remembers about MJ is the extensive plastic surgeries that lead to a look that ultimately taught him a painful lesson (read the book), or he is remembered as a man accused of molesting children who, although found "not guilty" by a jury of his peers, was never able to live down the accusations made against him. Ultimately, his life was cut short by shady characters with ulterior motives. My heart broke as I read of his final days, realizing his death was something that could have been avoided if someone has just listened to his pleas for help as he began to understand that something was terribly wrong in his body but he didn't know what. Read the book for the details.
Anyone who ever appreciated Michael Jackson and his work will enjoy this book. Anyone who ever wanted to peel back the curtain of personae and see what was really going on with Michael and his family will enjoy the book. Anyone who enjoys a good story...albeit with a tragic ending...will enjoy the book. Ultimately, the story is one of great struggle, triumph, and redemption. While the story ends with tragedy, it also provides hope. We can all make a difference in the world. Michael Jackson's legacy of inspiration, generosity, love, and unyielding faith in the midst of adversity is one that will continue to impact and inspire people for generations. The book ends with a story in which Michael's music and his name are known to children even in the remote regions of Africa. I think that's inspiring. I think if we all used to talent we're given and used it to the best of our ability, we can change the world, even to the furthest regions of the most remote places on the planet. I think that's what Michael would have wanted his legacy to be...one of inspiration to be our very best selves, and in doing so, "heal the world, make it a better place."
January 4, 2015
I received the new UK paperback edition of Jermaine's book "You Are Not Alone" from Amazon UK today and had to read the new final chapter... then had to stop because I didn't want to burst into tears in the office (believe me, it's happened!)
This new edition, with the beautiful cover image of Michael age 31, captured by Annie Lebovitz, and the extra chapter "September 2011", merely emphasises the risks Michael ran in trusting (with his life, in this instance) people he liked and wanted to remain loyal to in terms of his friendship and patronage.
As in some other instances involving his personal life, his career, his integrity and reputation, and, of course, his money, he was mistaken. Fatally mistaken in Murray's case. Even given Michael's determined insistance on such extreme, unconventional means of curing his chronic insomnia, as Jermaine expresses it: the consequences on 25th June 2009 were so easily preventable, if only he had been in the hands of a competent doctor. He certainly thought he was. He was wrong.
In the new final chapter, Jermaine mentions an expert witness who was never called by the DDA (Walgren) but who could have helped, with his testimony, dispel the erroneous accusations of "addiction" which the press were so quickly to spread around the world, and repeat to this day. Dr Chavez' opinions make essential reading for anyone still having doubts - whether about Demerol or Propofol as administered to Michael.
Jermaine now concludes "You Are Not Alone" with the Jackson's Unity tour, and explains how it feels for them to be performing some of Michael's music without him. His last imagined impression of Michael, as a little boy sitting in the clouds wearing a sequin glove and tapping his foot to the beat is a sweet, brotherly image, though completely at odds with the one I have of the King of Pop, Rock and Soul.
As one of his big brothers, it's certainly understandable that Jermaine and other members of Michael's family like to image him/depict him as the little boy that headed the family singing group... and was largely responsible for their international success, and certainly the current renewed interest in the Jacksons as a musical group and success of the Unity tour being enjoyed by Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon.
My own image of Michael is of the beautiful mature man I fell in love with (like millions of other fans) as seen in stunning music videos and gorgeous photos of him in his 30s, 40s and at 50, enduring all that life, greed and the media threw at him, until at last, his own drive for perfection in his craft caused him to put his life in the hands of an incompetent physician in order to put all that creative energy on hold long enough for him to get a good night's sleep.
Since we can't turn back the clock, we can at least take some melancholy satisfaction from the fact that Michael's ultimate sacrifice for his art has ensured his immortality in the minds of millions the world over, for generations to come.
As fans we have an important role to play in making sure that continues in a way that would make Michael happy. Many individuals and organised groups of fans have done that already - with charitable acts, donations and other activities undertaken in honor of Michael's humanitarian legacy.
It just goes to show, as Michael said, in the end, it really is "up to us".
Kerry HenniganJuly 10, 2012.
This new edition, with the beautiful cover image of Michael age 31, captured by Annie Lebovitz, and the extra chapter "September 2011", merely emphasises the risks Michael ran in trusting (with his life, in this instance) people he liked and wanted to remain loyal to in terms of his friendship and patronage.
As in some other instances involving his personal life, his career, his integrity and reputation, and, of course, his money, he was mistaken. Fatally mistaken in Murray's case. Even given Michael's determined insistance on such extreme, unconventional means of curing his chronic insomnia, as Jermaine expresses it: the consequences on 25th June 2009 were so easily preventable, if only he had been in the hands of a competent doctor. He certainly thought he was. He was wrong.
In the new final chapter, Jermaine mentions an expert witness who was never called by the DDA (Walgren) but who could have helped, with his testimony, dispel the erroneous accusations of "addiction" which the press were so quickly to spread around the world, and repeat to this day. Dr Chavez' opinions make essential reading for anyone still having doubts - whether about Demerol or Propofol as administered to Michael.
Jermaine now concludes "You Are Not Alone" with the Jackson's Unity tour, and explains how it feels for them to be performing some of Michael's music without him. His last imagined impression of Michael, as a little boy sitting in the clouds wearing a sequin glove and tapping his foot to the beat is a sweet, brotherly image, though completely at odds with the one I have of the King of Pop, Rock and Soul.
As one of his big brothers, it's certainly understandable that Jermaine and other members of Michael's family like to image him/depict him as the little boy that headed the family singing group... and was largely responsible for their international success, and certainly the current renewed interest in the Jacksons as a musical group and success of the Unity tour being enjoyed by Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon.
My own image of Michael is of the beautiful mature man I fell in love with (like millions of other fans) as seen in stunning music videos and gorgeous photos of him in his 30s, 40s and at 50, enduring all that life, greed and the media threw at him, until at last, his own drive for perfection in his craft caused him to put his life in the hands of an incompetent physician in order to put all that creative energy on hold long enough for him to get a good night's sleep.
Since we can't turn back the clock, we can at least take some melancholy satisfaction from the fact that Michael's ultimate sacrifice for his art has ensured his immortality in the minds of millions the world over, for generations to come.
As fans we have an important role to play in making sure that continues in a way that would make Michael happy. Many individuals and organised groups of fans have done that already - with charitable acts, donations and other activities undertaken in honor of Michael's humanitarian legacy.
It just goes to show, as Michael said, in the end, it really is "up to us".
Kerry HenniganJuly 10, 2012.
September 3, 2015
You will learn a whole lot about who Michael Jackson was. This book will fill in the same blanks the media filled, only with the truth. I have become extremely heartbroken with the way the media industry made Michael Jacksons life. To know and study who he really was is to fall in love, L-O-V-E, with a man who gave so much of himself to the world, through insane rumors and headlines, he kept his chin up and fought back by not changing and keeping the love first in his heart. He's the top-dog under-dog and though he's gone, his music, love, message and influence live on. We should all learn to be more like Michael Jackson.
Jermaine goes into many if not most of all the headlines and rumors and gives you the real story and the reactions. We see MJ through his brothers eyes. Filled with love but not excluding the bad side. The side of MJ that could cause hurt, like distancing himself from his brothers or his impulses that would lead to others including Jermaine having to pick up the pieces. With such distance between them you get the whole story of the closeness before and then during their parting of ways to pursuit their own artistic careers and then the solo years. No one is a total saint, not even Michael but he was not the man in the headlines.
I recommend doing research while reading this book because there was one point where I was thrown. Totally irrelevant but I have one question: did Dean Martin really own a pet bear?
4 out of 5 stars just because some points get repetitive to the point of useless. That's about it!
Jermaine goes into many if not most of all the headlines and rumors and gives you the real story and the reactions. We see MJ through his brothers eyes. Filled with love but not excluding the bad side. The side of MJ that could cause hurt, like distancing himself from his brothers or his impulses that would lead to others including Jermaine having to pick up the pieces. With such distance between them you get the whole story of the closeness before and then during their parting of ways to pursuit their own artistic careers and then the solo years. No one is a total saint, not even Michael but he was not the man in the headlines.
I recommend doing research while reading this book because there was one point where I was thrown. Totally irrelevant but I have one question: did Dean Martin really own a pet bear?
4 out of 5 stars just because some points get repetitive to the point of useless. That's about it!
January 2, 2013
Let me begin by saying I never was a Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson fan. I liked a few of their songs but they never "floated my boat". That said, I came into reading this book thinking it would be a totally biased "puff piece." It was not. Jermaine Jackson was biased but in a way that a brother would naturally be defending his brother. But, he also writes about the domineering Papa Joseph Jackson and his total stranglehold on the family during the early years. Also, he writes about many of the inter family squabbles. I do think the book is ultimately worth reading and it gave me a greater appreciation of Michael Jackson's art, his work ethic and his charity.
June 28, 2012
A really moving and insightful look into the Jackson family's history. The book is marketed as something that is focused on Jermaine's view of his brother Michael's life, which it is, but it also details a lot about Jermaine and the rest of the family's lives. One thing that I wasn't expecting, was my feeling of empathy with their at times, abusive father Joe. Once Jermaine painted the picture of how tough the area they grew up in, in Gary Indiana, you can understand why Joe pushed them so hard for a better life. Of course, this does not justify or make their Father's brutality acceptable. I got the impression that Joe, through his own tough life, did the best that he was capable of.
Michael was described as a much more rounded and believable character than junk the tabloids have reported over the years. However, Jermaine doesn't make Michael out to be a perfect character. Instead he describes him in a way that only a family member can, honestly. Flaws and all, Jermaine's description of Michael still communicates that he was one of most endearing and amazing human-beings to have ever walked the planet. Caring to a fault, maybe slightly naive at times, private, good humoured, intelligent, observant, a prankster, and of course amazingly talented.
I can't encourage people to read this book enough. It's not just an attempt to make money off the back of Michael's death. The genuine love that Jermaine felt for his brother pours from its pages. It's a story about a family making good, the American dream. It's about a wonderful and inhumanly talented man, who was largely misunderstood right up until his death. A man whom was effectively linch-mobbed for others selfish gains.
Michael was described as a much more rounded and believable character than junk the tabloids have reported over the years. However, Jermaine doesn't make Michael out to be a perfect character. Instead he describes him in a way that only a family member can, honestly. Flaws and all, Jermaine's description of Michael still communicates that he was one of most endearing and amazing human-beings to have ever walked the planet. Caring to a fault, maybe slightly naive at times, private, good humoured, intelligent, observant, a prankster, and of course amazingly talented.
I can't encourage people to read this book enough. It's not just an attempt to make money off the back of Michael's death. The genuine love that Jermaine felt for his brother pours from its pages. It's a story about a family making good, the American dream. It's about a wonderful and inhumanly talented man, who was largely misunderstood right up until his death. A man whom was effectively linch-mobbed for others selfish gains.
June 15, 2025
In this book Jermaine Jackson tried to save as much as he can of his brother's image to the outside world. This book will appeal mostly to the hardcore fans of MJ, and I am not sure how accurate it all is. There are so many conflicting versions of the stories, both by people close to MJ and further away. We will probably never know the truth of MJ's intensions. The writing is entertaining (thanks ghost writer!) and while it was a very long book, it held me to the end.
September 23, 2013
This book was pretty much an overview about Micheal Jackson from the point of his view from of his brother, Jermaine Jackson. Jermaine was telling his readers all that his family has been through with the now late Micheal. He went into detail about how talented and creative Micheal was when he was by himself and Jackson 5. They saw that they all had a tremendous talent regarding singing and dancing. They exploited those talents and decided to share it with the world hence Jackson 5. It took them allot to get to their highest point since during those times everyone wanted to be famous and be known.
My favorite part of the whole book was when they had lived next door to Diana Ross. It must have been amazing to have lived next to such a prodigy. Jermaine even stated how wonderful of an experience it was. He talked about how they would all go to her house and hang with her and what not. I could imagine from Jermaine"s description singing with her would have been a breath taking.
I would recommend this book to someone who loved Micheal Jackson ( more in the older crowd). The reason being is because if an older person was reading this they could reminisce about how wonderful Jackson 5 and Micheal alone was. They would have allot of laughs and cries knowing how insanely up and down the Jackson family was. A newer aged person wouldn't really understand because times are different and the younger age only liked him because of his music and not his hardships or what he accomplished.
My favorite part of the whole book was when they had lived next door to Diana Ross. It must have been amazing to have lived next to such a prodigy. Jermaine even stated how wonderful of an experience it was. He talked about how they would all go to her house and hang with her and what not. I could imagine from Jermaine"s description singing with her would have been a breath taking.
I would recommend this book to someone who loved Micheal Jackson ( more in the older crowd). The reason being is because if an older person was reading this they could reminisce about how wonderful Jackson 5 and Micheal alone was. They would have allot of laughs and cries knowing how insanely up and down the Jackson family was. A newer aged person wouldn't really understand because times are different and the younger age only liked him because of his music and not his hardships or what he accomplished.
June 13, 2017
This is undoubtably the best "biography" on Michael that I have ever read. Michael's most dear brother, Jermaine, has given us the most endearing, honest and eye-opening account on the shelves to date (and I suspect that this will be the most widely read and lasting). Yes it's that good. From the moment four year old Michael appears on the page, wide-eyed and dreamily looking out his window while quietly singing a forbidden Christmas carol, you can't help but fall in love with him. If you are a Michael Jackson fan, this book is a gift; a labor of love straight from the heart of one who knew him best. If you are not quite a fan, well, this book is enough to make a believer out of any naysayer. Either way, you are in for a huge treat and you will undoubtably discover new things about the man (believe it or not I now wholeheartedly understand the whole "dangling Blanket over the balcony" incident). I honestly feel blessed to have been given such an intimate and open look into the life of the greatest pop icon to ever live, and perhaps more importantly, into the beautiful man behind the icon.
May 30, 2024
Discovering this book was literally a coincidence, this is the biggest proof that the media works day and night to bury the truth.
I felt his book was lil sus knowing the drama that happened between the two brothers all throughout Michael's life, but all my worries vanished as I read more and more from this book.
This book did not shy away from the bad sides and corrected every misconception that was once the hot news that everyone basically ate up without thinking twice.
I'm glad I read this and hope the truth will run marathons because Michael was a truly good human being who deserved better.
Knowing that there is an MJ biopic in the making made me excited and what made me more excited is that Jaafar (Jermain's son) is going to star in this biopic as Michael! This news genuinely gave me hope that this time the truth would be bright and clear, and everyone would leave this man to rest at last.
4 and a half stars for rating.
I felt his book was lil sus knowing the drama that happened between the two brothers all throughout Michael's life, but all my worries vanished as I read more and more from this book.
This book did not shy away from the bad sides and corrected every misconception that was once the hot news that everyone basically ate up without thinking twice.
I'm glad I read this and hope the truth will run marathons because Michael was a truly good human being who deserved better.
Knowing that there is an MJ biopic in the making made me excited and what made me more excited is that Jaafar (Jermain's son) is going to star in this biopic as Michael! This news genuinely gave me hope that this time the truth would be bright and clear, and everyone would leave this man to rest at last.
4 and a half stars for rating.
January 12, 2015
As I read on another review, it's clear that Jermaine had barely any contact after Michael moved out of Hayvenhurst. I found a lot of the stories in here a little too good to be true coming from Jermaine, but it's hard not to question everything Jermaine says given his interviews and comments over the last 15 years.
I was disappointed with what wasn't included in this book. His first album with the brothers in 8 years in 1984 is almost skipped over for example. Nothing about the recording process of Victory.
It was enjoyable up to the Victory tour, in that we can assume most of what was written was the most factual as Michael was still in the fold with the brothers. However, I felt that I came away from this book with nothing new, as pretty much all of the stories had been told before.
I was disappointed with what wasn't included in this book. His first album with the brothers in 8 years in 1984 is almost skipped over for example. Nothing about the recording process of Victory.
It was enjoyable up to the Victory tour, in that we can assume most of what was written was the most factual as Michael was still in the fold with the brothers. However, I felt that I came away from this book with nothing new, as pretty much all of the stories had been told before.
October 4, 2016
I loved the book! I know Jermaine and La Toya made mistakes in their pasts with Michael, but in their books they explained why these things occurred and it makes you understand their side better. I don't like the fact people/fans still hate Michael's siblings for it and continue to make more accusations since Michael's death. If you have family, you know your love for them never fades and Michael, although he was making himself secluded from his family- he still loves them no matter what. Blood is thicker than water as the saying goes. I think yes, Jermaine loves the spotlight but he grew up in it as well so you can't judge. I enjoyed his book and couldn't put it down! I recommend it to any Jackson fan who can keep an open mind and heart.
January 13, 2013
Jermaine Jackson's book is a well-written exploration of the phenomena of Michael Jackson. Although Jermaine faced challenges in the Jackson family, including leaving the Jackson Five when he disagreed with them leaving Motown Records, the book seemed objective and truthful. Jermaine also had the benefit of being an older member of the Jackson siblings, so he could recount memories that the others might not have as clearly.
January 7, 2025
And to think it took me nearly 5 minutes to decide to buy this book. I have been a fan of Michael Jackson for the past 2 years or so now and this book only fueled my appreciation and respect for him and his work. Highly recommended!
May 8, 2019
this book broke my heart to pieces but i loved it.
January 14, 2025
I’m going to cry. That’s all I have to say.
January 11, 2023
JERMAZING!!!
June 13, 2013
I cannot tell you enough about how this book is truly excellent and it opened my eyes to the life of Michael Jackson.
I would never admit to being a big, big super- fan of his although I always found him truly talented. This biography on him by his brother shines a light of a rare talent that awoke in Michael Jackson’s junior years, surviving haphazardly and after many difficulties until his light extinguished in 2009.
Jermaine Jackson writes with little ego about the Jackson family and dispels many myths of abuse as perpetuated by their father Joseph Jackson. Instead, Jermaine portrays his father as unrelenting when developing the family talent, painting him as strict yet ambitious and supportive. He writes with much love when he turns to the spotlight of Michael about halfway through the book and explains every possible difficulty that was associated to ‘being Michael’ giving every reader a realistic account of what his life was really like as a megastar and living in a celebrity-obsessed climate. In every way, Michael’s life was almost impossible to truly live and was ever questioned.
Jermaine Jackson really comes into his own, I feel, when elaborating on the eventual demise of his brother and through his ghost-writer (who he admits to employing in the credits) communicates with a frank honesty about some of Michael’s problems in being too transparent, naïve and gullible in how he revealed aspects of his life to the world. He talks, for example, about the Bashir documentary that featured Michael talking about his love of children in a more than ‘sensitive’ climate.
For anyone who is not a Jackson or Michael fan and equally for anyone who believed him guilty of offences towards children then this probably will not be a book to pick up as it will prick too many nerves. For anyone with a more open mind however then this book will provide more than a glimpse into an extraordinary yet ultimately tragic life.
The book is beautifully written and is narrated in a three-part formula (Jackson's early life - the beginning, the middle, and the sad end) and is very detailed on Michael Jackson’s music, personality, hopes and fears. I loved reading every page of my near-on two week at intervals read of it and out of the many hundreds of books that I have ever read then this one will always stand out. It’s a keeper for the bookshelf is this gem and I have a newfound respect for the brotherly and very tender love that Jermaine showed Michael in the writing of it.
Most highly recommended.
I would never admit to being a big, big super- fan of his although I always found him truly talented. This biography on him by his brother shines a light of a rare talent that awoke in Michael Jackson’s junior years, surviving haphazardly and after many difficulties until his light extinguished in 2009.
Jermaine Jackson writes with little ego about the Jackson family and dispels many myths of abuse as perpetuated by their father Joseph Jackson. Instead, Jermaine portrays his father as unrelenting when developing the family talent, painting him as strict yet ambitious and supportive. He writes with much love when he turns to the spotlight of Michael about halfway through the book and explains every possible difficulty that was associated to ‘being Michael’ giving every reader a realistic account of what his life was really like as a megastar and living in a celebrity-obsessed climate. In every way, Michael’s life was almost impossible to truly live and was ever questioned.
Jermaine Jackson really comes into his own, I feel, when elaborating on the eventual demise of his brother and through his ghost-writer (who he admits to employing in the credits) communicates with a frank honesty about some of Michael’s problems in being too transparent, naïve and gullible in how he revealed aspects of his life to the world. He talks, for example, about the Bashir documentary that featured Michael talking about his love of children in a more than ‘sensitive’ climate.
For anyone who is not a Jackson or Michael fan and equally for anyone who believed him guilty of offences towards children then this probably will not be a book to pick up as it will prick too many nerves. For anyone with a more open mind however then this book will provide more than a glimpse into an extraordinary yet ultimately tragic life.
The book is beautifully written and is narrated in a three-part formula (Jackson's early life - the beginning, the middle, and the sad end) and is very detailed on Michael Jackson’s music, personality, hopes and fears. I loved reading every page of my near-on two week at intervals read of it and out of the many hundreds of books that I have ever read then this one will always stand out. It’s a keeper for the bookshelf is this gem and I have a newfound respect for the brotherly and very tender love that Jermaine showed Michael in the writing of it.
Most highly recommended.
November 13, 2017
Unlike some people who picked up this book to read - I didn't go into it thinking it would be all about Michael. The book is written by his brother, Jermaine, and I definitely expected at least 30% to be about Jermaine. The part that does bother me is that I expected the book to explore more of Jermaine and Michael's actual relationship. The first several chapters gave great insight into their relationship as children. Yet, we didn't get the same information about their relationship as adults. (The title is very misleading as it makes it seem like Michael and Jermaine had this close knit bond throughout Michael's life which is not true). It is odd because if you read the book - it is pretty clear Michael DID feel very much alone. I do realize Jermaine and Michael were not as close in the last few years before Michael's death. Yet, we don't get a proper understanding of why it was the way it was other than Jermaine blaming Michael's handlers for keeping him away from his family. I think there is a way bigger story there that will probably never be revealed by any of the Jackson family.
January 31, 2025
Nice with a book written by Jermaine seeing how the press has portrayed his relationship to MJ (just like they’ve twisted and turned everything else in Michael’s life).
Pros: Great explanations of MJ as a person, filled with wholesome stories from both their younger years and later. Jermaine really humanises MJ and gives very good backstories and explanations for some of Michael’s more “peculiar” behaviours such as why he surrounded himself with so many kids. He also gives a lot of context to the 1993 and 2005 allegations and it’s honestly sad how wildly the media twisted these situations, leaving out so many facts that, had the world heard them at the time, it would’ve never crucified Michael as it did (and still does). Most people probably do not know that random people were offered 6 figure sums to go on record saying MJ had molested them.
The book also gives more insight into the last few months of Michael’s life and it’s all incredibly sketchy. I was absolutely shocked by some of the things Jermaine tells about what went on around the TII rehearsals. It was honestly disturbing to read. Queue conspiracy theories about Sony and AEG but it’s clear that even Jermaine is speculating based on talking to people who were there at the time.
Cons: The book has some factual mistakes, for example saying that Gone Too Soon was written for Ryan White. It was also a bit too self biographical at times - sometimes Jermaine went on too much about his own life and career. There are also some stories and facts that hardcore fans will already know but to the unknown reader it’s probably good context of explaining MJ as a person.
All in all I strongly recommend it to any fan or person curious to learn and understand more about arguably the biggest superstar of all time.
Pros: Great explanations of MJ as a person, filled with wholesome stories from both their younger years and later. Jermaine really humanises MJ and gives very good backstories and explanations for some of Michael’s more “peculiar” behaviours such as why he surrounded himself with so many kids. He also gives a lot of context to the 1993 and 2005 allegations and it’s honestly sad how wildly the media twisted these situations, leaving out so many facts that, had the world heard them at the time, it would’ve never crucified Michael as it did (and still does). Most people probably do not know that random people were offered 6 figure sums to go on record saying MJ had molested them.
The book also gives more insight into the last few months of Michael’s life and it’s all incredibly sketchy. I was absolutely shocked by some of the things Jermaine tells about what went on around the TII rehearsals. It was honestly disturbing to read. Queue conspiracy theories about Sony and AEG but it’s clear that even Jermaine is speculating based on talking to people who were there at the time.
Cons: The book has some factual mistakes, for example saying that Gone Too Soon was written for Ryan White. It was also a bit too self biographical at times - sometimes Jermaine went on too much about his own life and career. There are also some stories and facts that hardcore fans will already know but to the unknown reader it’s probably good context of explaining MJ as a person.
All in all I strongly recommend it to any fan or person curious to learn and understand more about arguably the biggest superstar of all time.
January 5, 2025
Trvalo mi zhruba 10 rokov dostať sa k tejto knihe, až som na ňu náhodou narazila na jednom webe, kde bol posledný kus. Tu platí to otrepané - na dobré sa oplatí čakať. Jermaine zmapoval celý Michaelov život. Od éry Jackson 5, cez éru Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, súkromie rodiny, vzťah bratov, pozadie Neverlandu, pozadie súdnych procesov, zdravotného stavu brata až po jeho posledné dni na svete, a pritom si zachoval tú jeho typickú diplomaciu a galantnosť. Nikde, naozaj nikde toho nie je tak veľa a tak do hĺbky o Michaelovi, ako je v tejto knihe. Myslím, že keby si prečítali čo i len časť z tejto knihy médiá, nebolo by tu dnes tak veľa bludov, o ktorých majú všetci načítané z novín. Biografiu Willa Smitha to síce z prvého miesta nezosadilo, ale dala by som to do top 5-ky kníh tohto žánru.
June 24, 2023
Excuse me while I have an emotional breakdown.
Why'd they have to kill him?????
Why'd they have to kill him?????
April 15, 2023
Honest, moving, sweet, tragic. Jermaine Jackson really bared it all in this beautiful memoir. I certainly did not tolerate the last few chapters well because I just remember crying endlessly through the ending, and after. Some sections on not-so-relevant technicalities are probably the only thing that hindered my overall reading experience a bit. But, that does not take away from how hauntingly beautiful and riveting this work is. A just and heartfelt tribute from one brother to another. It humanizes a very, very misunderstood man. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2014
This 558 paged book written by Jermaine Jackson about his brother Michael Jackson was such an inspiration. It taught me many things about poverty and how hard life was for the Jackson family. This book truly showed me how Michael Jackson was able to pursue his dream of becoming not just a musician, but an artist. It talks about the memories Jermaine had with Michael when they were young and how a lot of things they did as kids were related to music. Who knew that starting a little group in the Jackson house living room could produce a group like the Jackson 5 and a legend like Michael Jackson. This book does a great job at showing how everything happened through Jermaine's eyes and how Michael just started as an addition to the group of his brothers and then became a legend. It shows you how amazing Michael Jackson is, and how he was pretty much born with talent, he started off as just a little boy with an old soul and then he became one of the most appreciated artists in the world. Sadly, the book also talks about the tragic death of Michael Jackson and how it affected his family, friends and fans.
This book has affected me in many ways. I was always a huge Michael Jackson fan, I always appreciated his talents and respected what he has gone through to get to where he was. But I never really knew how hard it was for him to become the artists he became. This book really has made me realise that maybe all dreams can come true, but you just have to work really hard for them. I learned things about Michael that I never knew before, like how he wasn't even supposed to be part of the Jackson 5 until he interfered in one of their performances for their family and his dad was just amazed by his talent that he had to put him in the group. So, this book really makes me think about how different everything would be if Michael's father decided not to add Michael to the group. This book has also made me realise that Michael Jackson really is not with us anymore, and that really does make me sad because he can no longer create new music or dance on stage. Michael Jackson was and still is my idol and this book has really helped me say goodbye to him and his talents. Even though Jermaine Jackson isn't a writer, this biography was still written beautifully and I can tell it was written from his heart and from all his memories with his brother.
For all you Michael Jackson fans out there, this book is definitely for you. And even if you never were really a fan but you would be interested in seeing the journey of Michael's career through one of his closest brother's eyes, then I would truly recommend this book to you. Overall, this book was a great read and I am so happy I read it because I know that it's not just a biography, but it represents Jermaine Jackson's feelings about his brother, his brother's talent and his brother's death. And I would really like to thank him for writing this book because I feel like it's the only connection I could ever have with Michael Jackson.
This book has affected me in many ways. I was always a huge Michael Jackson fan, I always appreciated his talents and respected what he has gone through to get to where he was. But I never really knew how hard it was for him to become the artists he became. This book really has made me realise that maybe all dreams can come true, but you just have to work really hard for them. I learned things about Michael that I never knew before, like how he wasn't even supposed to be part of the Jackson 5 until he interfered in one of their performances for their family and his dad was just amazed by his talent that he had to put him in the group. So, this book really makes me think about how different everything would be if Michael's father decided not to add Michael to the group. This book has also made me realise that Michael Jackson really is not with us anymore, and that really does make me sad because he can no longer create new music or dance on stage. Michael Jackson was and still is my idol and this book has really helped me say goodbye to him and his talents. Even though Jermaine Jackson isn't a writer, this biography was still written beautifully and I can tell it was written from his heart and from all his memories with his brother.
For all you Michael Jackson fans out there, this book is definitely for you. And even if you never were really a fan but you would be interested in seeing the journey of Michael's career through one of his closest brother's eyes, then I would truly recommend this book to you. Overall, this book was a great read and I am so happy I read it because I know that it's not just a biography, but it represents Jermaine Jackson's feelings about his brother, his brother's talent and his brother's death. And I would really like to thank him for writing this book because I feel like it's the only connection I could ever have with Michael Jackson.
February 20, 2015
Ich bin sicherlich nicht die einzige, die in ihrer Jugend ( oh man, das klingt gerade, als wäre ich 60 und scheintot. xD) - ein Michael Jackson - Fan war und auch heute noch gerne seine Musik hört.
Ich bin mit dieser Musik einfach aufgewachsen und umso mehr hat mich sein Tod ebenso sehr geschockt, wie andere Fans auch.
Jermaine Jackson ist der Hauptakteuer dieses Buch. Es ist aus seiner Sicht geschrieben und beschreibt nicht nur sein eigenes Leben, sondern auch dass seiner Familie. Die gbemeinsame Kindheit, der Aufstieg der Jackson 5, Michael Jacksons Leben bis hin zu seinem Comeback und dem plötzlichen Tod.
Der Schreibstil innerhalb dieses Buches hat mir sofort gefallen. Bereits in dem Part des Buches, die die Kindheit der Brüder beschreibt, hat man die tiefe Verbundenheit gespürt, die die Familie und besonders Michael und Jermaine verbindet.
Mit Herz und Gefühl, aber auch einige Dinge einfach nur nüchternd betrachtend, beschreibt Jermaine den Lebensweg eines Mannes, welcher am Ende einfach nur ein gebrochener Mensch war, obwohl er nichts mehr wollte, als glücklich zu sein und andere glücklich zu machen.
Oftmals nimmt Jermaine einfach kein Blatt vor den Mund, beschreibt Michael so, wie er ihn erlebt hat und verheimlicht auch die Dinge nicht, die das Leben MJ's so sehr geprägt haben.
Medikamentenabhängigkeit und den Entzug, der daraufhin erfolgt, Schönheitsoperationen, Michaels Ehen und sein liebevolles Verhältnis zu seinen und fremden Kindern.
Gerade das brachte ihm zusätzliche Probleme, wenn man an den Missbrauchsprozess denkt, welchem Michael ausgesetzt war.
Auch hier beschönigt Jermaine nichts, beschreibt seine Gefühle und auch die Gefühle, die sein Bruder nach aussen dringen lassen hat. Er selbst beschreibt, wie er seinen Bruder wahrgenommen hat, über ihr gesamts gemeinsames Leben hinweg.
Gerade die Szenen, die Michael letzte Stunden, seinen Tod und vor allem die Trauerfeier beschreiben, bei welcher Jermaine seinem Bruder ein letztes Mal seine Ehre erwiesen hat, in dem er "Smile" für ihn sang, haben bei mir extreme hohe Gänsehautmomente ausgelöst.
Wenn man sich zusätzlich noch dazu genau diesen Monent der Trauerfeier auf Youtube anhört, hat das eine zusätzliche Wirkung.
Meiner Meinung nach hat Jermaine Jackson uns einen Blick in das Leben seines Bruder gewährt, wie kein anderer es hätte tun können.
Eng mit ihm verbunden kannte er die Schwächen und Stärken eines Mannes, welcher viel Glück und Erfolg, aber auch Leid, Hohn und Spott ertragen musste.
Ich persönlich habe das Buch sehr genossen und habe mitlacht, mitgefiebert und vor allem aber mitgefühlt.
Darüber nachdenkend, mir auch nochmal die Englische Ausgabe dazu zuzulegen, kann ich für diese Art von Biograhpie aber nur meine volle Leseempfehlung aussprechen - für wahre Fans eh ein Muss und die, die sich vielleicht ein bisschen mehr für die Hintergründe empfehlen.
Wer einfach wissen möchte, was Michael Jackson für ein Mensch war, wie er aufgewachsen ist und wie er sein Leben gelebt hat und wie er hatte leben müssen, ist hier ganz sicher nicht verkehrt.
Ich bin mit dieser Musik einfach aufgewachsen und umso mehr hat mich sein Tod ebenso sehr geschockt, wie andere Fans auch.
Jermaine Jackson ist der Hauptakteuer dieses Buch. Es ist aus seiner Sicht geschrieben und beschreibt nicht nur sein eigenes Leben, sondern auch dass seiner Familie. Die gbemeinsame Kindheit, der Aufstieg der Jackson 5, Michael Jacksons Leben bis hin zu seinem Comeback und dem plötzlichen Tod.
Der Schreibstil innerhalb dieses Buches hat mir sofort gefallen. Bereits in dem Part des Buches, die die Kindheit der Brüder beschreibt, hat man die tiefe Verbundenheit gespürt, die die Familie und besonders Michael und Jermaine verbindet.
Mit Herz und Gefühl, aber auch einige Dinge einfach nur nüchternd betrachtend, beschreibt Jermaine den Lebensweg eines Mannes, welcher am Ende einfach nur ein gebrochener Mensch war, obwohl er nichts mehr wollte, als glücklich zu sein und andere glücklich zu machen.
Oftmals nimmt Jermaine einfach kein Blatt vor den Mund, beschreibt Michael so, wie er ihn erlebt hat und verheimlicht auch die Dinge nicht, die das Leben MJ's so sehr geprägt haben.
Medikamentenabhängigkeit und den Entzug, der daraufhin erfolgt, Schönheitsoperationen, Michaels Ehen und sein liebevolles Verhältnis zu seinen und fremden Kindern.
Gerade das brachte ihm zusätzliche Probleme, wenn man an den Missbrauchsprozess denkt, welchem Michael ausgesetzt war.
Auch hier beschönigt Jermaine nichts, beschreibt seine Gefühle und auch die Gefühle, die sein Bruder nach aussen dringen lassen hat. Er selbst beschreibt, wie er seinen Bruder wahrgenommen hat, über ihr gesamts gemeinsames Leben hinweg.
Gerade die Szenen, die Michael letzte Stunden, seinen Tod und vor allem die Trauerfeier beschreiben, bei welcher Jermaine seinem Bruder ein letztes Mal seine Ehre erwiesen hat, in dem er "Smile" für ihn sang, haben bei mir extreme hohe Gänsehautmomente ausgelöst.
Wenn man sich zusätzlich noch dazu genau diesen Monent der Trauerfeier auf Youtube anhört, hat das eine zusätzliche Wirkung.
Meiner Meinung nach hat Jermaine Jackson uns einen Blick in das Leben seines Bruder gewährt, wie kein anderer es hätte tun können.
Eng mit ihm verbunden kannte er die Schwächen und Stärken eines Mannes, welcher viel Glück und Erfolg, aber auch Leid, Hohn und Spott ertragen musste.
Ich persönlich habe das Buch sehr genossen und habe mitlacht, mitgefiebert und vor allem aber mitgefühlt.
Darüber nachdenkend, mir auch nochmal die Englische Ausgabe dazu zuzulegen, kann ich für diese Art von Biograhpie aber nur meine volle Leseempfehlung aussprechen - für wahre Fans eh ein Muss und die, die sich vielleicht ein bisschen mehr für die Hintergründe empfehlen.
Wer einfach wissen möchte, was Michael Jackson für ein Mensch war, wie er aufgewachsen ist und wie er sein Leben gelebt hat und wie er hatte leben müssen, ist hier ganz sicher nicht verkehrt.
June 9, 2025
Okay. I actually like Jermaine after rereading this book.
When this book came out, I was 16 and read it as soon as it was released. I didn’t know much about the Jackson’s then, I just wanted to know all things Michael Jackson.
Within the 14 years that have passed since having read this book, I’ve learned a lot about Michael and Jermaine. One things for sure: they both get on my nerves. But over the 14 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that Jermaine is sassy, a mamas boy, arrogant, annoying, and messy.
Now here we are 14 years later, and I have some sympathy for the man after rereading this book. Some in regards of having lost his little brother. We’re human and we all have our quirks, so me sympathizing with him doesn’t eradicate my opinion on him. Because within those 14 years, I also read a book about him by his ex-girlfriend Margaret Maldonado, which shaped my views on him. And I’ll never forget his episode on wife swap 😐
This is a good book to read when wanting to learn about Mike and to learn about Jermaine. I’m glad he talked about the controversies (who started the rumor that he and Mike were throwing blows after “Word to the Badd” dropped? Or maybe Jermaine was just keeping it cute and it really did happen 😗). But wait, now that I think about it, he didn’t talk about how he stole his brothers girlfriend and gave her two children who have sibling/cousins with Randy. One of which will be playing their Uncle Mike in the new Michael biopic 😗
Buttttt, I guess this was a keep it cute book about his brother Michael, so I’ll leave that alone. Maybe he’ll give us another book like LaToya soon.
I’d definitely read this book again. I’d recommend any other self proclaimed MichaelJacksonologist to add it to their collection as well.
When this book came out, I was 16 and read it as soon as it was released. I didn’t know much about the Jackson’s then, I just wanted to know all things Michael Jackson.
Within the 14 years that have passed since having read this book, I’ve learned a lot about Michael and Jermaine. One things for sure: they both get on my nerves. But over the 14 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that Jermaine is sassy, a mamas boy, arrogant, annoying, and messy.
Now here we are 14 years later, and I have some sympathy for the man after rereading this book. Some in regards of having lost his little brother. We’re human and we all have our quirks, so me sympathizing with him doesn’t eradicate my opinion on him. Because within those 14 years, I also read a book about him by his ex-girlfriend Margaret Maldonado, which shaped my views on him. And I’ll never forget his episode on wife swap 😐
This is a good book to read when wanting to learn about Mike and to learn about Jermaine. I’m glad he talked about the controversies (who started the rumor that he and Mike were throwing blows after “Word to the Badd” dropped? Or maybe Jermaine was just keeping it cute and it really did happen 😗). But wait, now that I think about it, he didn’t talk about how he stole his brothers girlfriend and gave her two children who have sibling/cousins with Randy. One of which will be playing their Uncle Mike in the new Michael biopic 😗
Buttttt, I guess this was a keep it cute book about his brother Michael, so I’ll leave that alone. Maybe he’ll give us another book like LaToya soon.
I’d definitely read this book again. I’d recommend any other self proclaimed MichaelJacksonologist to add it to their collection as well.
October 31, 2011
After having the pleasure of attending the Tribute Concert in Cardiff, this book has taken on a particular poignancy for me. I had the privilege of seeing Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson perform live after reading how The Jacksons had met and idolised them in their early years! Anyway, enough of that(:-))- Jermaine's descriptions of their tiny home, their emotions, the hardwork and dedication required before being spotted and an explaination of how these experiences shaped theirs and Michael Jackson's lives is wonderful and a pleasure to read.
Having now finished the book, I would thoroughly recommend it to fans and those who have an interest in the life of Michael Jackson.
Jermaine Jackson's memory and detail provide an insight into how Michael's life was shaped and an understanding of the turmoils and distrust that he had to endure. The description of his last days preparing for the "This is it" tour is particularly poignant given that we are currently in the middle of the trial of Dr Conrad Murray. The book also gives you the feeling that Jermaine had a feeling of bewilderment once Michael Jackson left the Jacksons to pursue a solo career and they stopped performing regularly.
To summarise - if you are a fan read it, if you are not a fan read it anyway as it will dispell some of the myths surrounding his life.
Having now finished the book, I would thoroughly recommend it to fans and those who have an interest in the life of Michael Jackson.
Jermaine Jackson's memory and detail provide an insight into how Michael's life was shaped and an understanding of the turmoils and distrust that he had to endure. The description of his last days preparing for the "This is it" tour is particularly poignant given that we are currently in the middle of the trial of Dr Conrad Murray. The book also gives you the feeling that Jermaine had a feeling of bewilderment once Michael Jackson left the Jacksons to pursue a solo career and they stopped performing regularly.
To summarise - if you are a fan read it, if you are not a fan read it anyway as it will dispell some of the myths surrounding his life.
July 6, 2013
First of all i am a huge fan of michael jackson. i read lots of books about him from various authors who claimed they knew Mj but this book puts everything in order.
Jermaine wrote a book that sets the truth straight.
He starts with the childhood years and how hard they trained to become singers and dancers and here a lot of questions are being answered about michaels personality. ..and by that i mean the masks he wore, the way he worked etc etc.
He continues to the era of michael being a solo artist and how he lost touch with his family andthe people that were around him. He woild sometimes go on and say that he didnt trust certain people and that people did things without him knowing.
Some of us think that people treated him as an icon all the time but not the people he worked with...some of them treated him like trash and michael didnt like the way he was being talked to.
At last the book concludes to the Neverland Years when michael faced pedophilia charges and how he responded and felt. What striked me was the michael had a 5 year plan on 2008 and that the This is It concerts wouldnt be the last ones.
I will leave the book to you to read and make your own judgements but what i have to say is that this is the only book that you need to read about michael. It will solve a lot of questions and make you see michael differently.
Jermaine wrote a book that sets the truth straight.
He starts with the childhood years and how hard they trained to become singers and dancers and here a lot of questions are being answered about michaels personality. ..and by that i mean the masks he wore, the way he worked etc etc.
He continues to the era of michael being a solo artist and how he lost touch with his family andthe people that were around him. He woild sometimes go on and say that he didnt trust certain people and that people did things without him knowing.
Some of us think that people treated him as an icon all the time but not the people he worked with...some of them treated him like trash and michael didnt like the way he was being talked to.
At last the book concludes to the Neverland Years when michael faced pedophilia charges and how he responded and felt. What striked me was the michael had a 5 year plan on 2008 and that the This is It concerts wouldnt be the last ones.
I will leave the book to you to read and make your own judgements but what i have to say is that this is the only book that you need to read about michael. It will solve a lot of questions and make you see michael differently.
May 2, 2015
Wow! I was deeply moved by this book towards the ending chapters.
I liked how Jermaine didn't go crazy with big words while he wrote the book. It gave me a feeling as though he was in the room and just saying what was coming to mind. He'd go from the childhood years and then jump like into the future to 1987 and then back into the era he was first talking about.
I would've given this a 5 star rating, but I felt some parts were over exaggerated and the forever comparison to Michael was annoying, especially in the beginning chapters.
This book should definitely be read by those who and I'll quote Jermaine here "... have judged a man on the basis of headlines, and not on the evidence."P.460 L.15
I liked how Jermaine didn't go crazy with big words while he wrote the book. It gave me a feeling as though he was in the room and just saying what was coming to mind. He'd go from the childhood years and then jump like into the future to 1987 and then back into the era he was first talking about.
I would've given this a 5 star rating, but I felt some parts were over exaggerated and the forever comparison to Michael was annoying, especially in the beginning chapters.
This book should definitely be read by those who and I'll quote Jermaine here "... have judged a man on the basis of headlines, and not on the evidence."P.460 L.15
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