I have collected a lot of books on the famously dysfunctional Jackson family, this is the only one I have read all the way through. At first you think this lady may be bitter and seeking some way to get some payback, but I think she was as reasonable a person can be after enduring the circumstances. As I mentioned, I believe her story because of all the other books I have, such as the Rabbi's book called the Michael Jackson Tapes, or see MJ talk to Oprah and tell her how he felt sick when Joseph was around, he was 35 years old at that time, 1993! Or see MJ give his Grammy speech also in 1993, and how sad it was to be deprived of Holidays growing up. Jermaine himself put that story in his book of 2011 near the beginning. Such a sad and tragic family, glad his older son and daughter have moved away from the family as soon as they could. The second half of this book reads like a chase sequence from a real thriller of a movie, with Jermaine on the hood of her car while she tries to escape! I am gonna ask all MJ fans to start to admit that domestic abuse is not OK, no matter who does it, like his "perfect" mother. She chose an abusive man for their father and chose an abusive "religion" for them JW's, that is Not OK with me. She never helped them deal with the abuse she chose for them. (Spiritual Abuse, you can look it up now and go through the list of abusive actions, many books from Christians about arguing JW's back to the Bible.) So if you want just one story and point of view of this family, I thought this one was good. Just a slice in time, she helped create the movie they all agreed to "American Dream" about this family, so a good companion if you want to watch that. I am not sure "excellent" is what I would say, certainly not uplifting except that she got herself and her kids out.Read full review
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This book about the Jackson Family really tells the details of the dysfunction in their family just like in any family. I have to say that there is so much to wrap your mind around that other books including Jackson family members did not tell. This is the real tea in this book. Margaret was the brains and did most of the work behind The Jacksons An American Dream television show. I was very surprised by that revelation. She did an excellent job just staying sane while navigating through all of the trials and tribulations of the family.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The author doesn't give the reader much information about Michael Jackson's personal business; however, if you want to know some details of the Jackson family dynamic, this book is a good choice. You can tell that this woman was a genuine witness to many things that happened behind closed doors at the Encino home. What works for me is that she only has good things to says about Michael & credits him as taking on much of the financial burden for the family.
Very open and in my opinion honest narration on what really went on behind the gates of Hayvenhurst. Since Michael's death, I have been almost consumed with wanting to know everything that may have affected his life from childhood through his adult years. This is just a piece of the puzzle surrounding his immediate family. I enjoyed it very much and found it to be extremely enlighting, learning things that I never suspected. Rest in perfect peace, Michael. I miss you.
Great real inside look at the workings of the musical dynasty Jackson family. They make dysfunction look like a joke. I respect Margarets honest appraisal of the whole situation and am glad that she found the strength to escape. Jermaine Jackson has alot of talent and is a great singer but he has neither the money or success of his late brother Michael Jackson. He is obviously wracked with alot of rage and insecurities. This book is a lesson to all women out there--if you get involved with someone who is famous make sure that you have your own life and independence first. And all that glitters is not gold. Book is a great read.
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