The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon Reveals His Soul in Intimate Conversation [Hardcover]

I have mixed reviews of this book..While I like to see what Michael thought about things...the Rabbi should not have published this after his death..They had a falling out..and some things I agree if they are really true,from the rabbi..that Michael resisted true help.But The Rabbi also says that he is sure Michael was not guilty of the charges..Well why didnt he step up then???
The rabbi was visiting when Gavin was there..and hes sure nothing happened.,.which of course it didnt. I Am a huge Michael Jackson fan..and I love to read all things about him..but this after his death..then publish did not sit well with me...its was kinda
Chicken ----.of the rabbi...

I rushed off to the bookstore to grab a copy of this book because I wanted to hear Michael in his own words. I have refunded the book on the same day after realizing the author's intention to exploit Michael Jackson. There's no way I would support such an unethical cause. The author was supposed to be a spiritual advisor to Michael Jackson. This book contains transcripts of the conversations between Jackson and the author that were taped during their counseling sessions. I would think that it is illegal for a counselor to expose his client's private thoughts, due to the breaching of confidentiality. Half of the book is filled with the author's own (inaccurate) interpretations of Jackson's words.

After some research, I also found out that this rabbi/author is not a credible person. Jackson and the rabbi collaborated on the "Heal the Kids" foundation back in 2000-2001 and the rabbi was appointed the overseer of this charity. However, Jackson soon cut off ties with the rabbi after finding out that he has misappropriated the funds in the charity. In fact, the rabbi and his wife have been busted for misusing the funds of other charities as well. He was also ousted from his synagogue. Jackson and the rabbi haven't spoken since 2001.

If anyone wants Michael in his own words, there is no shortage of interviews on YouTube. The interviews with Geraldo in Jan 2005 and with Rev Jesse Jackson in March 2005 (conducted in the midst of the trial when he was under the most challenges) will give you pretty good picture of Michael's very stable state of mind. His interview with Ebony magazine in 2007 also revealed his true state of mind and undying passion for life. If you want to read a book, then Aphrodite Jones' book "Michael Jackson Conspiracy" is a must-read. Also, Michael Jackson's own "Dancing the Dreams" provides an excellent look at his innermost thoughts through his poems and essays.

Don't support this book.

I am offended and disgusted by both the aired tapes and the excerpts of this book that i have read-- pure garbage! The "rabbi's" book is an obvious attempt to exploit Michael Jackson, and in an incredibly unfavourable way, reminding me far too much of Martin Bashir. Reasons not to buy this book: A) a poorly written excuse of a book, filled with the rabbi's personal interpretations of Michael's words-- interpretations that are neither intelligent nor heartfelt. B) MJ broke off his relationship with this man due to Boteach's misuse of funds for Healtheworld foundation which Michael Jackson founded and trusted Boteach to administer. C)The author is using recorded conversations from MJ's very private counselling sessions, with no approval from MJ and no permission. He is taking such liberties with what was very private confidential conversation that I'm positive MJ would NOT want shared with the world. D) He is a sensationalist, a money grabbing scumbag who abandoned MJ when he most needed spiritual support-- who calls himself a friend???? E) It is very evident in his interpretations that Boteach didn't even remotely understand Michael Jackson and his passion, motivation, and commitment to healing and specifically helping children. He tried to convince MJ that he needed to never allow children into his home again, to bow to the press and ACT as they wanted him to, rather than live from his heart...and he calls himself a spiritual adviser????
BOYCOTT this book, it's garbage of the worst kind! Buy Aphrodite Jones's book if you want a good, fair read about MJ.