Michael Jackson—a myth, a legend, a mystery—his person and his music still hold us under his spell. Why? Who was he? That is just what the protagonist Chirelle wants to find out. She meets Jackson by chance, knows next to nothing about him except what the tabloid press has written about him. Spiritual talks develop between her and Michael, in which he tells about his life from his perspective. So on the one hand, this book is fiction—as regards to the fictional protagonist— on the other hand it conveys deep truth, because the facts that are reported about Michael Jackson were researched and provided by sources who knew him well personally. This is an emotional biography of Michael Jackson, gripping, thrilling, moving—told as a novel, told in a way that allows us to come close to this gifted artist and philanthropist in a compassionate and understanding way, and which illuminates his life, his tragedies, his suffering, and his love. A thought-provoking book, a book that changes perspectives. Walk in Michael Jackson's shoes for a while, try to understand, form your own opinion. Michael Jackson—a unique life, a unique career, a unique destiny.
... but his character is developed so elegantly and beautifully that at the end of the book I was weeping for a MJ I hadn't shed a tear for when he actually died. The book captivated me
....First, I was never a Michael Jackson fan.... but If even a fraction of the fragile, wounded, trusting, loving soul described in this book lived in the heart of the man in who's honor it was written, shame on me. Shame on us all.
....much better than any book I have read and I own about 30books and read all from cover to cover
This is the gripping story of Michael Jackson, a passionate account of his life, for the first time as a novel – the moving spectrum of emotions behind his dramas. Distinctions that are so often and so readily omitted by the tabloid press, his thoughts, feelings, fears, especially in the last two years before his death, are based on details, facts and background knowledge from people who knew Michael in person. An exciting and compassionate rendition – the moving story of the greatest entertainer of the 21st century.
For me one of the best books I read about Michael. I never felt so close to him like in this book. It felt like I went through his life my self, felt his joy and sorrow, which brought me to laugh, cry and happiness and sadness. Most of the things inside the book I knew already, but a few things not. It also answered a lot of questions I had. After finishing the book I know even more, why I feel so close to him, even though many people don't understand it, and probably will never understand it. Our souls and missions are in lot of things equal. Read that book Michael Fans than you know what I mean, and can come to an own impression.
There’s no secret in the fact that Michael Jackson is one of, if not the most fascinating personality in the history of modern music. Countless records sold, which led to the other kind of records being set and broken by the same individual. Unique dance moves like the moonwalk and the robot, which have awed crowds numerous times, leading to mass frenzy. An intriguing contradiction: explosive and larger-than-life on stage, as a king commanding an army, yet private, discreet and painfully shy outside of it. King of Pop. King of controversy. King of childhood. Michael Jackson was all this, and then some.
Since his death, a great number of books on the subject of his life and work have been written, each with its own angle regarding the complex mosaic that Michael was. Some were more objective than others. But as far as I’d known until recently, Michael Jackson was never the protagonist of a work of fiction. I say “until recently” because I was fortunate enough to find out about a novel, called BEFORE YOU JUDGE ME, TRY HARD TO LOVE ME, written by German author Subina Giuletti. I’ve had the absolute honor of receiving a signed copy of this book for review purposes, for which I’m wholeheartedly grateful. As a disclaimer, though, I state that the views expressed in this review are only and entirely my own.
The novel tells the story of Chirelle Sandler, a German tourist who, while visiting the USA, has a chance of working as a cook for a mysterious and wealthy Mr. J. As she soon finds out, the J. stands for Jackson. Michael Jackson. THE Michael Jackson, of whom she knew next to nothing from a personal point of view until having started working for him. Chirelle is immediately fascinated with the unique aura of Michael and starts uncovering the events of his life in a series of heart-to-heart conversations that ring true to the spirit of The King of Pop. I was thrilled, moved, uplifted and inspired revisiting the life of the greatest entertainer who graced Earth with his presence. Never have I seen his emotions so vividly described as in this book. His connection to God, children and music, the essence of his being, will move every heart. I will never forget how Ms. Giuletti described him as “a song in human form”. This description is the number one reason why I will NEVER look at Michael Jackson the same way again. The Chandler trial is also discussed in great detail, like I’ve never seen before in a book. The way in which the author, through the perspective of Chirelle, enters the mind and soul of Michael and those around him is a true gift for anyone, whether a die-hard Michael Jackson fan or someone who only knows him from tabloids. 10 stars out of 5 for the most beautiful tribute to Michael I’ve ever read!
I once read a book called "The Poet in Exile," which was a fictional account of what might have happened if Jim Morrison had faked his own death and went to live a happy life in anonymity. It has long been one of my favorite books that I have read, and it stayed with me for many, many years, the thought of "what if..."
The end of this book, I must say, really brought me back to that thought! Before now, I never would have had any inkling that the great and mysterious Michael Jackson may have gotten away with the same sort of thing! Could he really have pulled the wool over everyone's eyes? Or did he really die in that room in California on June 25, 2009?
I guess I was always a fan of his music, but rarely, growing up, did I pay any attention to what the media ever said about him (although, has anyone not heard the phrase "Whacko Jacko"? And when he died, I followed only with vague interest, the trial of Dr. Murray, but honestly, never trolled the internet to find out what sort of "crazy" fan theories existed out there (Elvis is on a spaceship, anyone?).
This book really gave me a great deal of insight that I wouldn't have had otherwise, about both Michael's upbringing (or lack-there-of), and the horrible trials and tribulations he faced his entire life. I was too young to follow the first molestation trial, and didn't give much mind to the second, either, so I learned a great deal about such a terrible time in his life, as far as that goes, as well, sadly.
What I will say is this: If MJ did happen to escape his bonds (Earthly or otherwise), I hope and pray that he's finally found the happiness and peace that he so desperately craved in this life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There has always been so much speculation with regard to MJ's life... this book, for me however, has added a clear insider's insight into a lot of what I already perceived to be really true... with the lawsuits, the music industry and his family.
I know a lot of people question many things about this wonderful man... but I would encourage EVERYONE... no matter what your opinion may be, to read this book! And, who knows... you may possibly change your mind about some things. DO NOT be so closed minded. Especially as your thoughts may surround the lawsuits. As you will note, there are real transcripts that the author has used that are irrefutable.
So many people in this world use people of fame, wealth, etc. to make money, or a name for themselves. I had always believed this to be true, though there were things I still didn't understand, but I had my own thoughts about them. This book has solidified my thoughts and beliefs. I truly don't need any further "proof" (though my heart was set in my beliefs and I wasn't really seeking "proof")!
Further, I think that it is reprehensible the way all of these things were handled by the "justice" system... which clearly shows the sins of those in "power". But moreover, I know that those responsible for so many of the atrocities committed against such a loving soul will stand in clear judgement before God... and receive their just dues!
Stand in the light of love, MJ! Your star will forever shine bright!