mistercrow's review against another edition
4.0
This book is more on the psychology and transformation of Michael Jackson than his life story. It's a brilliant read.
senholto's review against another edition
4.0
There is no doubt in my mind that this book is an unbiased look at the variables that influenced and shaped Michael Jackson. The authors flirts with both sides of various arguements in relation to the infamous 2005 Molestation Trial and it is this the last chapter in the book that should be read as an introduction to this horrible circus of a trial. Especially those who were convinced that Jackson was a predatory paedophile.
artinyourworld's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
fast-paced
4.0
"To understand the canon of fame, media, and race relations we are currently stewing within, On Michael, is the book to read. To understand any feather of society, Margo Jefferson is the author to read."
To read my full review: https://artinyourworld.com/2023/02/21/on-michael-jackson-by-margo-jefferson/
To read my full review: https://artinyourworld.com/2023/02/21/on-michael-jackson-by-margo-jefferson/
zilfworks's review
2.0
Terrific premise; disappointing execution. I think it's a great idea to examine Michael Jackson - as a persona, performer and phenomenon - from a multifaceted cultural perspective (including the histories of entertainment, race, family culture, legal precedent and more), which is exactly what this book does. The problem here is that although the perspective is broad and far-reaching, the author just doesn't delve very deeply into any of her subjects, and the result feels more like a brief outline of possible topics than a true examination of any of them.
claire60's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book very interesting, it starts with a critique of Barnum, whom Jackson was obsessed with and how Barnum exploited Black and disabled people in order to make money. Looking at Motown and the abusive Joe Jackson with the same intellectual clarity, before turning to Michael himself with thought provoking considerations of his videos. There is a fascinating breakdown of the Jackson's individually and she makes interesting points about MJ's physical changes in relation to what they say about his views on race and gender. Much has been written about his imagined sexuality so it was refreshing to have gender discussions. The last chapter is about the trial that he faced at the end of his life on child molestation charges, her view is nuanced, considered and allows space for you to make up your own mind. Most of all I appreciated the intelligent cultural exploration of the times and live of Michael Jackson, which has been missing in the rabid condemnation or unseeing hero worship that surrounds him and is indeed present in some reviews of this book.