In 2000–2001, Michael Jackson sat down with his close friend and spiritual guide, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, to record what turned out to be the ...
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Apr 04, 2011
Ashley
rated it: 
While there wasn’t much new information for Jackson fans in this book, the presentation was different. At times, it was easy to trick yourself into thinking you were there having a conversation with Michael yourself.
It was interesting to see the two distinct sides of Michael Jackson in his own words- that's what really sticks out to me...but then again, Boteach seemed to focus in on that pretty hard, so that could be why.
The book makes me angry, because despite the More...
It was interesting to see the two distinct sides of Michael Jackson in his own words- that's what really sticks out to me...but then again, Boteach seemed to focus in on that pretty hard, so that could be why.
The book makes me angry, because despite the More...
Dec 28, 2009
Adam
rated it: 
The Goodreads community should know that I did not myself choose to read this book - It was a holiday gift from my Little Brother who asked that I read it and report back to him.
I almost gave the book 2 stars since it is interesting to see what a whacko Michal Jackson is (or has become). The author, a Jewish rabbi, tries to humanize him through carefully selected quotes, but it's a tough job. Jackson comes off as a self-absorbed, mentally disturbed, and utterly unlikeable. Yes, he t More...
I almost gave the book 2 stars since it is interesting to see what a whacko Michal Jackson is (or has become). The author, a Jewish rabbi, tries to humanize him through carefully selected quotes, but it's a tough job. Jackson comes off as a self-absorbed, mentally disturbed, and utterly unlikeable. Yes, he t More...
Oct 12, 2009
Athena
rated it:
I did not really like this book at all. I didn't like the author. Many things made me angry at this book but I kept reading. For one I did not think the memorial service was absurd. I thought it was touching. He needs to realize Michael was a superstar and had many, many fans. This Rabbi says Michael did some questionable and even criminal activities. I don't really know what he was trying to say here. Was he trying to say Michael was guilty of something that he was found innocent of or about th
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Feb 09, 2012
Lorraine
rated it:
I read this book as a library loan. I refused to put money into the hands of Shmuley, who clearly sold out his friend. After skimming the Rabbi's initial purports, I entirely skipped all further commentary from Shmuley, and read only MJ's words.
When I thought it was impossible to love Michael more, I discovered yet more love and admiration for the man. There is a wealth of spiritual revelation in the book. The reader is allowed into Michael's theology. MJ is ever the gentle spiri More...
When I thought it was impossible to love Michael more, I discovered yet more love and admiration for the man. There is a wealth of spiritual revelation in the book. The reader is allowed into Michael's theology. MJ is ever the gentle spiri More...
Nov 14, 2009
Helen
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I decided to read this book because I was curious about the strange and unusual relationship that the rabbi and the "king of pop" shared, and I sort of wanted to know what it was all about. I also wanted to read the first hand comments MJ made about various subjects... I think Jackson was a very talented entertainer and a star in his own right. I also think that most likely he was sincere for the most part in wanting to "heal" the world, help children, etc. I think he did try
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Nov 17, 2009
Serena
rated it: 
"MJ: Everybody's funny bone is the same color, isn't it? We are all the same, really. I have seen that a lot." (Page 258)
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's The Michael Jackson Tapes is a unique look at a larger-than-life celebrity musician in an intimate setting, but portions of the book are written like a thesis or an examination of celebrity and its adverse impact on America and its stars. This is not a book for those looking for pictorial depictions of the star in his home or s More...
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's The Michael Jackson Tapes is a unique look at a larger-than-life celebrity musician in an intimate setting, but portions of the book are written like a thesis or an examination of celebrity and its adverse impact on America and its stars. This is not a book for those looking for pictorial depictions of the star in his home or s More...
Nov 21, 2009
Irene
rated it:
I suspect many hardcore MJ fans may not like this book, but it should be considered in the proper context. This book is not a love letter to a celebrity but an account of a spiritual/religious leader's interaction with, friendship with and thoughts about a man who happened to be a celebrity. Many of the questions Boteach asks are leading, many pages peppered with Boteach's personal interjections, wishes and opinions; many of the conversations deal with religion and approaches to morality that I
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May 15, 2010
Charlotte
rated it:
I would like to know what Michael's mother and his sister Janet think about this book. Do they believe it to be true? Do they agree with the author's opinion of Michael?
At first I was wondering if the author felt that commas are not kosher since he left out so many commas where they would rightfully belong. That made the book a little more difficult to read.
There was quite a bit of repetition in the book which I found rather annoying. It was slow reading More...
At first I was wondering if the author felt that commas are not kosher since he left out so many commas where they would rightfully belong. That made the book a little more difficult to read.
There was quite a bit of repetition in the book which I found rather annoying. It was slow reading More...
Jan 31, 2010
Stephanie
rated it: 
I really loved this book. It provided a lot of insight into Michael's feelings on many subjects and made me understand him better. It also had some good points about being the celebrity in your own life. I am my husband's celebrity and he is mine. Nobody else's opinion of me matters as much as that. I don't care to have the world's approval. If Michael would have let some people in he could have been much happier. Anyone who tried to get close to him for the right reasons were pushed away
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Feb 21, 2010
Rev. Mysterium
rated it:
This is an interesting book. Rabbi Boteach is an author and figure that I respect in the field of theology and Judiasm. At times, this read seems like an advertisement for his other books, as he makes many references to them as he provides his analysis as to how MJ got the way he is. In some ways, one can see the honesty and the cry for help that MJ lets very few see. Other times, you wonder how much of it is showmanship, BS and lies that are fueled by drugs and closeted criminology.
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Feb 03, 2011
Janet
rated it:
It reveals so many truths that the world never really knew. It reinforces my belief that he was accused of a crime he did not commit One that was most despicable to him because it was AGAINST CHILDREN.
If he was a child molester don't you think more than 2 (or was it 3) money hungry parents would have went after him???? DUH.. we dumbie down so easily in this world of chaos, greed and power hungry people.
Tragic, the project he was working on had an impact for the earth, just as we are t More...
If he was a child molester don't you think more than 2 (or was it 3) money hungry parents would have went after him???? DUH.. we dumbie down so easily in this world of chaos, greed and power hungry people.
Tragic, the project he was working on had an impact for the earth, just as we are t More...
Sep 04, 2011
Pauline
rated it:
As a Michael Jackson fan, there was nothing new or surprising in this book. Having said that, it was an overall, well put together book.
I hope that people are able to get into the glimpse of what Michael Jackson was thinking, feeling. For the good, bad, healthy, unhealthy, normal and weird thought process-I think the book is able to explain the deeper soul of Michael Jackson.
However, there were a couple of things that I didn't care for. Mostly with the author himself. 1-h More...
I hope that people are able to get into the glimpse of what Michael Jackson was thinking, feeling. For the good, bad, healthy, unhealthy, normal and weird thought process-I think the book is able to explain the deeper soul of Michael Jackson.
However, there were a couple of things that I didn't care for. Mostly with the author himself. 1-h More...
Dec 23, 2010
Katya
rated it:
This was interesting. I found that this window into a small part of MJ's life caused me to really like him much more...and certainy pull for him to grow up and move closer to "normal." But as we saw unfold in the media...this story ended up telling how the addiction to fame did him in. As the author said, "You stupid, stupid, Man." MJ allowed his insecurities and addition kill him. What a shame.
Mar 17, 2010
Karen
rated it:
Every Michael Jackson fan, especially those with a ridiculous worship complex of him and other celebs should read this book. If I were Michael Jackson this is what I would want people to read. Shmuley sees both sides of Jackson in an extremely understanding way, and from a direct experience as his friend. Without the deeper perspective it's harder to understand Jackson's eccentricity.
Dec 31, 2010
Michael
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Depressing. He tells how Michael lied, showed how he lied, and then proceded to give us the interviews of Michael - but I can't believe anything Michael is saying because I'm wondering, 'Is he lying again?"
I did enjoy reading such an in depth view from someone very close to him, but it was depressing to read, and shows how in desperate need of therapy Michael was.
I did enjoy reading such an in depth view from someone very close to him, but it was depressing to read, and shows how in desperate need of therapy Michael was.
Feb 27, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
Enjoyed the conversations between Michael and Rabbi Schmuley. The somewhat judgmental commentary from Schuley could have been left out however. Jackson speaks for himself just fine. I appreciated this mostly for his views on God and children, and the manner in which he felt both saved/inspired him during what he expressed was a generally sad, painful life.
Jan 06, 2010
Melissa
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This book opened my eyes to who michael jackson really was..truly a glimpse into his soul. What a hurting sad soul it was. I couldn't put this book down, and when I was finished reading it, I feel so bad for judging this man. One who had so much sadness and darkness in his life. May he rest in peace..finally.
Dec 12, 2009
Roberta
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The movie "This is It" made me curious to learn more about Jackson 's life. Though extremely creative. he seemed driven. He verbalizes his search for love often in the tapes. But Rabbi Schmuley Boteach, who published the book, explains the sad fact that Jackson's drug of choice was fame itself, a destructive force.
Feb 07, 2010
Jeanettedianne
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I really enjoyed this book...the writer was very close to Michael in the few years before his death and they did have a falling out of sorts...but the author still gave a very objective opinion of Michael. It was not all positive stuff but it wasn't all bad either. i found it to be quite enlightening
Jan 09, 2012
Marie
rated it:
If there ever was a book to read to get to know the King Of Pop on a more spiritual and personal level This Is It! (....no pun intended;)). He walks you through some of the most trying times of his life and you get an accurate portrayal of how he feels. A recommended read for sure.
Dec 07, 2010
Zoe
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The Michael Jackson Tapes was a good book to me not only because i am a HUGE Michael fan, but it was interesting to actually read a convo that came from MJ himself instead of all the he say she say nonsense you usually hear. He can go so deep into a topic it sometimes feels like you're the one having a conversation with him!
Jun 29, 2010
Casey
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I loved to feel like im talking to Michael, but shumelys comments were getting very annoying.I felt really bad for Michael. Ughh. He didn't deserve what happened to him. When you think about it, there is soo many reasons that led up to his death. But the truth is, only Michael could have saved Michael. :(
Jan 14, 2010
Sarah
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I'm not a fan of Michael Jackson. I always looked upon him as a bizarre anomoly. This book confirmed my perception--but not in the way I thought it would. The rabbi's closing commentary about the dangerous superficiality of celebrity worship is worth readling alone.
Nov 04, 2009
Kim
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Wow, this book really brings Michael Jackson into the light as a person instead of a celebrity. You learn what happened in his childhood that shaped him into the person he was, and why he sometimes acted the way he did, and what a deeply caring heart he had.
Sep 28, 2009
Ardy Marie
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Very interesting as to the negative affect that being an addict on him. He did plenty of good works but will not be remembered for them. The Rabbi is an exceptional writer and this was very good.
Nov 06, 2010
Andy
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Only read part of this... sounds kind of exploitative, but it wasn't really and pretty interesting. Michael Jackson had a unique combination of extreme savvy and being totally crazy.
Dec 21, 2009
Sabrina
rated it:
Insightful, poignant interview responses. I'm a little troubled about the actual intent of the author, and my rating reflects that.
Sep 25, 2009
I have heard about this on dateline. I am thinking about reading this at Borders.
