Remember the Time: protecting Michael Jackson in his final days

The guys who wrote this book are great, it gives some insight into Michael Jackson’s life. They were good to have persevered when the going got tough and they did not receive regular pay cheques, some would have resigned. I felt Michael was insensitive at times and rubbed their noses in it, especially when he went on his spending sprees buying thousands of dollars worth of toys and flying on private jets and staying in top hotels, large suitcases of money, get this, get that, was he truly broke? On the one hand Michael was described as an angel but there appears to be another side to him that appeared unscrupulous. I do think people around Michael caused problems for him but Michael also caused problems for Michael. He would have known he did not have the stamina or strength to do 1 concert let alone 10 then 50. Where were the two women friend and flower when he might have needed a listening ear or words of wisdom? Could no one see this man was not well! The ‘This Is It’ footage shows there was no enthusiasm in his moves and he looked weak and fragile, you could she his mental anguish. He always seemed to be wearing layers of clothes or extremely baggy clothes almost to hide his thin frame. I still fail to understand why he did not sell the Sony catalogue pay his debts and move on to a more quieter, peaceful life out of the public gaze, with his children, which he craved so much and gave himself time heal from his 2005 trial and his other problems, maybe the odd concert for nostalgia. He might have still been with us today. It appeared some did not care for Michael to notice his failing health, what they forgot was that Michael was the money maker and when he died he took the cash machine with him. For all those who started to appear in Michael’s life once he announced his comeback tour, all those people who wanted to get there hands on his money, all those lawsuits, if he had succeeded at his marathon tour what money would have been left for Michael?

I was recently going through a difficult time and one day I was shuffling some old playlists while in the car when Scream by MJ and sister Janet came on. I always loved that song - the anger and frustration is so explicit in the lyrics and the samples of shattering glass, and at the time I could totally relate.I began an MJ binge fest on YouTube and came across an interview with Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard talking about this book and after watching I had to buy it. They seemed like honest, humble guys.The book confirmed this; what a great read! Bill and Javon give an uncensored and candid yet perfectly respectful insight into the personal life of the King of Pop, or rather, as they knew him - Mr. Jackson. As you thumb through the pages of Michael Jackson’s final years you learn about how much of a struggle it was in the aftermath of two career-destroying trials not only for the late artist, but the people working for him, particularly the authors of this book. And in spite of this, rather than writing a tabloid style account slandering Michael Jackson, Javon and Bill expose the real sources of all his problems. The result is a very emotional book, and whilst reading I cried several times, but also laughed and smiled as they shared some wonderful anecdotes. I admire that they don’t try to sensationalise the story and cause a stir for a quick buck like some other publishings seem to do. They make their intentions clear, these men aren’t doing it for the money. They’re doing it for Michael, the fans and perhaps even their own peace of mind to get some closure. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in hearing some truth about the real Michael Jackson.

Best book I have read in ages. Couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it over 4 days. Beautifully written. Great insight into Michael's life away from the public eye. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster though, one minute you are laughing along with the story, next thing you are crying.If you are a Michael Jackson fan this book is a must have. If you aren't it's still a great look into the life of a legend.

Amazing book. I liked it from the first to the last page. This is the story of a man and his children, a father scared for his kids. In this book there is no King of pop, there is only the man, the father, the human being behind the stage.I didn't know many things about his attitude, his private life and I'm glad someone wrote a book like this. I don't know how many people would be interested in reading about the real Michael Jackson. The man who opened the door of his bedroom wearing a pair of reading glasses with the Bible in his hands. The man who spent some nights with his "Friend" Johanna watching a movie in her hotel room because he didn't want his children knew about her coming to town. I certainly do.I've never read a book like this about Michael Jackson.Thank you Bill Whitfield

Wonderful book. Honest throughout and well written first hand account of working with and befriending Michael & his children.Thank you Bill & Javon for writing this.