Michael Jackson: The Real Story: An Intimate Look Into Michael Jackson's Visionary Business and Human Side

by Dieter Wiesner, Yusuf Jah

"You were with him for a long time. You need to tell the story! You need to tell the real story about my son!" Inspired by these words from Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, former manager, confidant, and personal friend Dieter Wiesner's newly released ePub, "Michael The Real Story" does just that. Influenced by a sense of obligation, Mr. Wiesner shares intimate information about Michael Jackson the visionary business genius and the loving father and family man. What sets this publication apart from the large amount of other Michael Jackson narratives available are the primary source documents which include transcripts of over fifteen voicemail messages readers will have access to for the first time.   The book's author, Dieter Wiesner was inseparable from Michael during the 80-concert, five continent HIStory world tour. After the tour, Dieter lived with Michael and his children for several years at the legendary Neverland Ranch.  Readers will get to know Michael Jackson the human being in a much deeper way — the Michael that few got to know and appreciate.

Genres: Nonfiction

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2020

Reviews

[NON · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dieter Wiesner released two books this year covering his experience with Michael Jackson as his manager, and friend. Visionary: An Interactive Look into Michael Jackson's MJ Universe could be considered a lengthy chapter out of The Real Story. However, reading both is not disappointing. In fact, it reminded me of books like Private Conversations in Neverland with Michael Jackson.*

If you had to choose one book to read from the two he released then I'd recommend this one because he covers the totality of his experience with Jackson in length including Martin Bashir and the trial. What I found more interesting is the bits about Janet Arvizo, in which he mentions some of the direct experience he had with her and her children. Wiesner repeated a couple of times that Arvizo sought to be “crowned the queen of Neverland,” and went berserk when she learned that her plan isn't going anywhere. Wiesner mentioned that Jackson handled a lot from the Arvizo out of his good heart but once Janet stepped her boundaries that was when he asked Wiesner to intervene.

“I knew that this was going to be too much, even for Michael. [Janet Arvizo] tried to make him the father of her children, to force him to become her life-partner, and that was a step too far for Michael. (..) ‘You know what, Dieter, you have to do something...’”

“Janet, it seemed, wanted to take the greatest revenge on Michael for no longer wanting her around. She wanted revenge or at least compensation.”

I took a lot from what he had to share about the Arvizo's stay at Neverland but that's only one slight portion of the book. Wiesner shares many anecdotes about Jackson, which are delightful including his relationship with his children — this has got to be my least favored part of the book.

All in all, Wiesner is illuminating Jackson as a visionary businessman seeking to conquer the entertainment world by setting a “new system” that was opposed and put to a halt by the “old system” while also showing his regular self beyond the persona. A nice read.

*Other similar books: The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson, Maker of Dreams: Creating Michael Jackson's "Neverland Valley Park", Michael Jackson: In Search Of Neverland, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, and most importantly, You are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes.

[Lily Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must-read for fans of Michael Jackson or anyone interested in understanding what celebrities go through behind the scenes. It was heartbreaking to read about the immense pressure he lived under and how his reputation became so damaged during a time when he was trying to gain more independence and control over his career. It’s shocking to think that someone so globally famous could still struggle financially while so many people around him benefited from his success and, at times, seemed to take advantage of his trusting and kind nature.

The book doesn’t necessarily reveal anything earth-shattering, but that isn’t what made it compelling for me. The real strength was the personal perspective and the glimpse into Michael’s inner circle during such a complicated period of his life. It’s hard to imagine what an experience it must have been for the author to be part of a group that Michael truly trusted.

[Janno Teelem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, but some key situations are not sufficiently explained, which made me question how trustworthy the rest of the stories are. For example, how exactly did Dieter become his manager so quickly? From being a foreign marketing manager promoting an energy drink to becoming his personal manager in a year or so. Strange. Also, how did Nation of Islam get access to MJ so quickly. The stories were interesting, but somewhat superficial. Saying that, if you are interested in MJ's story, it's still worth reading.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Respectful and loving biography. Goes deep into MJ’s business plans- “MJ Universe” which sounded amazing! Great to hear about his business acumen. Audiobook contains phone calls MJ made talking about his plans for his business ventures.
Makes me so sad that he had other plans, besides the This Is It tour, that would have solved his liquidity and debt issue.
If you find all that interesting, listen to this book!

[Manon Kroon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Yusuf Jah. Man, what a book. It's also how I want to remember Michael as a fan being, as a man who loved anyone more than himself. The audiobook also featured voice messages of Michael to Dieter Wiesner, some were shitty quality and others were crystal clear.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book for a more intimate viewing on who Michael Jackson was as a person. Some of the things said in here though do make me question the authenticity on the stories. But all in all; a definite good read regarding Michael Jackson & who he was as a person.

3/5.⭐️

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Michael Jackson so reading about him the person and experiences he had with his former manager was very interesting to me.

[L. J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most interesting portion of this book is what the man had to say about the experience with Martin Bashir, Janet Arvizo, and the trial that followed; I don’t know if any of these precise events actually played out like he said so I won’t comment on them. Some moments he shared of Michael were very concerning (if it’s true that it happened; feels like its true).