MICHAEL JACKSON:: THE MAGIC, THE MADNESS, THE WHOLE STORY, 1958-2009

J. Randy Taraborrelli

Jul 2009 · Sold by Grand Central Publishing

About this ebook

This major biography includes the behind-the-scenes story to many of the landmarks in Jackson's life: his legal and commercial battles, his marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, his passions and addictions, his children; objective and revealing, it carries the hallmarks of all of Taraborrelli's best-sellers: impeccable research, brilliant storytelling and definitive documentation.

So much has how been said and written about the life and career of Michael Jackson that it has become almost impossible to disentangle the man from the myth. This book is the fruit of over 30 years of research and hundreds of exclusive interviews with a remarkable level of access to the very closest circles of the Jackson family - including Michael himself. Cutting through tabloid rumours, J. Randy Taraborrelli traces the real story behind Michael Jackson, from his drilling as a child star through the blooming of his talent to his ever-changing personal appearance and bizarre publicity stunts.

Ratings and reviews

I have to admit, I didn't like the book much at first because it had quite a few snarky and judgmental comments from Taraborrelli, especially in the first half of the book (I understand it was originally published in 1991). That being said, I couldn't put the book down when reading about Michael's life in the 90s and 2000s. Though it was difficult to read details of Michael's traumas, I think this book could help people understand Michael's complex personality and how many of his problems can be traced back to his childhood. I can't say that I believe everything in this book is true, especially since Taraborelli didn't have the kind of personal relationship with Michael that others who have written books about him had, but he succeeded in providing a very detailed biography of his life.

I got this book for Christmas, and I started reading it as soon as I opened the box. This book is SOOO freakin good! It will have you crying, laughing and very angry at some points. Right now I'm on page 264 out of 746 pages, yeah, you'll have a lot of reading to do, but trust me it is SOOO worth it! My eyes were super glued, and I was only on page 1(the prologue!) P.s. and you are going to DEFINITELY hate Joe Jackson 100x more than you think you did, after reading THIS book. You haven't even scratched the surface of the surface! READ IT! :-)

Some of the information is very benefical but it appears to me that some of it is not that accurate with me personally being a fan and following Michael's life. A few parts seems to be exaggerated as if to entertain the reader, like his own fan fiction or something.

About the author

J. Randy Taraborrelli is a respected journalist, a recognizable entertainment personality, and in-demand guest on many television programs including Today, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Entertainment Tonight, and CNN Headline News. He is the bestselling author of thirteen books.