Moonwalk

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Product Description

The #1 New York Times bestseller! Michael Jackson’s one and only autobiography – his life, in his words.

With original Foreword by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a new Introduction by Motown founder Berry Gordy, and an Afterword by Michael Jackson’s editor and publisher, Shaye Areheart.

“I’ve always wanted to be able to tell stories, you know, stories that came from my soul. I’d like to sit by a fire and tell people stories – make them see pictures, make them cry and laugh, take them anywhere emotionally with something as deceptively simple as words. I’d like to tell tales to move their souls and transform them. I’ve always wanted to be able to do that. Imagine how the great writers must feel, knowing they have that power. I sometimes feel I could do it. It’s something I’d like to develop. In a way, songwriting uses the same skills, creates the emotional highs and lows, but the story is a sketch. It’s quicksilver. There are very few books written on the art of storytelling, how to grip listeners, how to get a group of people together and amuse them. No costumes, no makeup, no nothing, just you and your voice, and your powerful ability to take them anywhere, to transform their lives, if only for minutes.” –Michael Jackson, in Moonwalk

From the 1988 edition:

Megastar Michael Jackson’s singularly brilliant career and intensely private lifestyle have become a magnificent obsession for millions of rock fans and celebrity watchers throughout the world. His double-platinum singles rocket to the top of the music charts with a velocity equaled only by the inevitable accompaniment of wild rumors about his eccentric personal life. Now for the first time, Michael Jackson breaks the fiercely guarded barrier of silence that has surrounded him in a remarkably candid and courageous book — Moonwalk.

In this intimate and often moving personal account of Michael Jackson’s public and private life, he recalls a childhood that was both harsh and joyful but always formidable. Michael and his brothers played amateur music shows and seamy Chicago strip joints until Motown’s corporate image makers turned the Jackson 5 into worldwide superstars. Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 have combined sales of over 200 million albums. He talks about the happy prankster days of his youth, traveling with his brothers, and of his sometimes difficult relationships with his family over the years. He speaks candidly about the inspiration behind his music, his mesmerizing dance moves, and the compulsive drive to create that has made him one of the biggest stars in the music business and a legend in his own time. The Guinness Book of World Records lists Thriller as the biggest-selling-album of all time.

In Moonwalk, Michael Jackson shares his personal feelings about some of his most public friends…friends like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Fred Astaire, Marlon Brando, and Katharine Hepburn. He talks openly about the crushing isolation of his fame, of his first love, of his plastic surgery, and of his wholly exceptional career and the often bizarre and unfair rumors that have surrounded it.

Illustrated with rare photographs from Jackson family albums and Michael’s personal photographic archives, as well as a drawing done by Michael exclusively for this book, Moonwalk is a memorable journey to the very heart and soul of a modern musical genius.

Product Details

Customer Reviews

Review by Margaret V. Kelly, 2010-08-14

I am a huge MJ fan and really enjoyed hearing his story from his own words. I do wish he would have written another book from between the time he wrote "Moonwalk" and before his death. He will be missed so much. Maybe he had planned on it later after his last tour. The book was an easy read and had a lot of information in it for a short read. The book really gives you an idea how brilliant he was and how he went about creating music along with his relationships with family, friends and the special ladies in is life. I like that he put in there little stories of his recording studio experiences that led to some of the greatest songs ever written. Another great plus to this book is that it has wonderful photos in it and not too many so you feel that you are getting enough read. Being an MJ fan I already knew some of the stories told but it was nice to hear it MJ himself. I want to read another MJ book but I am not sure which one to choose. I don't want to read one of those bogus books written by people that will put anything out there and a bunch of lies just to make money. Anyone have suggestion?

Review by New Yorker, 2010-08-08

I read this book in one sitting. It's an easy read. MJ talks mostly about his professional work and the people who worked with him (Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, etc...) and it is done in a fairly factual way. MJ is always gracious and is generous in giving credit to everyone who helped him -- even his father.

But I didn't feel he talked about anything else. At the end of the book, he adds some personal likes and dislikes. He touches on the effects of fame on his life. His great friendship with Liz Taylor takes up 5 lines. His friendship with Brooke Shields takes up less than 2 lines -- so I dont know where all the noise about how he said this and that about their relationship comes from. Clearly, he doesnt want to reveal anything that does not have to do with his work.

So, I am glad I read it, but I didn't come away with much more information about MJ.

But I will say, that there is a gentleness that comes through in what he says and in the way it was written.

Would I recommend buying the book ? hmmm, not so much. Get it from the library.

And I SOOO wish MJ was still with us.

Review by Crystal, 2010-08-04

I'm Almost finished with the book. I just got it; find it hard to put it down. I miss Mj so much!...

Review by Rosalyn Atkinson, 2010-08-01

This Biography of the king from the king is awesome! There
will never been another Michael Jackson.

Review by Lara Ash™, 2010-07-18

In depth look into the life of the legendary, Michael Jackson. This is the best way to actually learn and know what really went on in Michael's life. And is the truth coming from the man himself! Michael layed it all out on the line to get his story across in his book. It's worth the price and is a good read.