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Before You Judge Me

The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Last Days

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 A powerful chronicle of the sixteen weeks leading up to King of Pop Michael Jackson's death.

Michael Jackson's final months were like the rest of his short and legendary life: filled with deep lows and soaring highs, a constant hunt for privacy, and the pressure and fame that made him socially fragile and almost -- ultimately -- unable to live.

With the insight and compassion that he brought to his bestselling story of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final year, Tavis Smiley provides a glimpse into the superstar's life in this emotional, honest, yet celebratory book. Readers will witness Jackson's campaign to recharge his career -- hiring and firing managers and advisors, turning to and away from family members, fighting depression and drug dependency -- while his one goal remained: to mount the most spectacular series of shows the world had ever seen. Before You Judge Me is a humanizing look at Jackson's last days. Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity

Critic reviews

Praise for Before You Judge Me

"With compassion and unwavering empathy, Smiley weaves Jackson's music into the turmoil that enveloped the pop star...This heart-wrenching portrait of Jackson's experience will appeal to fans who wish to remember him for what he was: one of the world's greatest entertainers."—Tyler Hixson, Library Journal (starred)
"The authors delve through a wealth of research material to create a nearly day-by-day account of Jackson's last weeks, with occasional glimpses into his earlier life.... The most intriguing sections of the book unravel the complicated business relationships in which Jackson was involved, his attempts to separate himself from his parents and siblings, and his efforts to push his art further while his fans were demanding more of the same."—Kirkus Reviews
"This is a sympathetic and admiring look at the final days of a great entertainer who couldn't or wouldn't grow up."
—June Sawyers, Booklist
"Smiley and Ritz wisely spend as much time on the ins and outs of Jackson's managerial team as they do on his emotional health. As well as the war over who would manage Jackson, the book covers much behind-the-scenes rumbling from the Jackson family.... [Smiley and Ritz] show how he found the most freedom when lost in the joys of music, both performing and creating.... His accidental overdose death is all the more tragic in the context of a time when it seemed his career was getting back on track."—Publishers Weekly
"A sweeping portrait of the life and legacy of Michael Jackson."—Neil Pond, Parade
"Well-researched... It's a highly-sympathetic view, presenting Jackson as a committed artist with a probing intellect."—Jay Gabler, The Current
All stars
Most relevant
I have read many books on Michael Jackson both before and since his death, I also love Tavis Smiely and David Ritz previous books .

The problem with this book there is nothing new disclosed there are a few interesting quotes. The premiss is to give the reader an idea of the stresses and strains whether it be financial addiction related or lack of confidence. These are again well documented. The other issue I have it does not go far enough I would have expected a bit more meat an effort to answer questions we all have. Finally thier are better books available on audible "untouchable the life and death of Michael Jackson it goes into more detail and paints Michael as human full of light darkness and floors. The other book is recommend is Aphrodite Jones The conspiracy theory terrible title but fantastic book.

In short before you judge is a good effort but I expected more especially when thier is so many books on the subject.

Before you judge me....

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I don’t often write a review of the many many audiobooks I listen to in my quest to travel while remaining at home caring for my father afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease it this book struck a real cord with me. I used to be a fan of Mr Jackson when I was nowt but a lass as my late nana would have said but after the allegations in the early nineties and then then trial that anyone who was alive in the early noughties couldn’t avoid hearing about I had mixed feelings about this man who was an enigma to many.
I have read many books about Michael some for and gain st but this one moved me to tears the struggle of the last few weeks of Michaels life and then just when he was reaching his inner performer again he passed away just broke my heart. The main thing that I have taken from this book apart from the tragic passing of a legend is his obvious and great love for his children the main love of his life. To hear about the activities he undertook with them the love he showed I have no idea how they move on without him they will remain Michaels best and lasting legacy and I thank the author for a thrilling and evocative look at a man who was also to all of his fans a legend

This book literally moved me to tears

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