Before Michael’s death, I had never heard of the author of this book, J. Randy Taraborrelli, nor had I remembered how much I really loved Michael Jackson as an artist. My grandmother bought me the “Thriller” album when I was five-years-old! Even grandma did not escape the knowledge that this album and musical genius was one of kind and always would be. I would play it over and over again even as a small child. The song, “Thriller” was my favorite. The scary laugh at the end would get me every time! I have been a fan of Michael’s music for the past 27 years. No celebrity death has hit me like when Michael Jackson died. I felt, as did many others, like I “grew up with him.” Besides him being an incredible musical genius, he did so many wonderful things for not only people who knew, but complete strangers. I was in love with his musical talent as well as his heart. Over the years, I had children, went to work, and etc. But his music was never too far from my heart.
His death brought back incredible nostalgia. I bought Taraborreli’s book shortly after Michael’s death. After reading it, I am and always will be mesmerized by Michael’s life. No one on this earth would have an effortless time dealing with all that he had to deal with. But I also agree with the author that Michael also made things difficult for himself as well. Who doesn’t? If many of our lives were put under a microscope like Michael Jackson’s has been since he was a young boy, how would we fair? I have to admit I cringed on the inside reading about the molestations. I have not been swayed either way in my beliefs of whether he is guilty or not. I am still just as foggy as I’ve ever been. For all the evidence that there was against him, there was always compelling evidence pointing to his innocence. One thing I know for sure is that my opinion really doesn’t matter. There is only one judge in this life, and that is God. So I leave the molestation issue there, even though I pray and wish no child ever has to endure sexual of physical abuse of any kind, but I know that is not a reality.
I thought this book demonstrated the truly human side of Michael Jackson and what all he endured in life, both good and bad. His life was filled with incredible blessings coupled with just as many tragedies. The physical and emotional abuse he suffered as a child is very serious. Not everyone “gets over it” as many people felt he should have by now. Suffering from child abuse can and does cripple people for life if they do not receive any help, no matter how rich and famous they are. Money, fame, drugs, and other people do not erase the pain as many onlookers may have thought it should have for Michael. I felt a wide range of emotions for him. I felt compassion, admiration, confusion, respect, and absolute amazement. Underneath it all, Michael was a human being, and people need to remember that. Even if he did seem “superhuman” and may have even viewed himself in that light. I think Taraborreli did justice to his life and I love how he ended the book.
I encourage any Michael Jackson fan and critic to read this book. It is well worth the money and time. No matter what people’s opinions are of his personal life, Michael Jackson was and will always be the best entertainer of all time. I’m thankful that I was blessed to live during his lifetime. I love his music and I always will. My prayer for Michael is that he is with God now. All the money, fame, and drugs can never replace what God can do to fill someone’s life, heart, and soul. Sadly, Michael’s life is a testimony to that. I so wish his life had ended differently. It breaks my heart that his children never got to see him perform, and that they have to go on with their lives without their father. It is a tragedy that he worked so hard and it took his death for a reemergence of his music to enter the lives of so many fans that have always loved his work. So many miss you and love you Michael. But I pray now that you are with the only true King of this world, and that is God. I believe Michael will finally know what peace is and will also be filled with the kind of love that no one human can ever fill. That’s God’s love. He doesn’t have to search anymore for that kind of love, even though so many wish he was still here.
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