I admire the effort to provide insight into why Michael ...
923762
I admire the effort to provide insight into why Michael Myers is a crazed homicidal maniac, but it tries way too hard.  Even for horror movies, the acting is over the top.  Catpenter's original did not need a reboot.
2000370
An inside look at the start of a project that could possibly help us understand whats going on behind those ever watchful eyes.
2478961
I did not purchase the book on Amazon, but I purchase it at a brick and mortar store and I am happy that I did (although I paid $10 more!). It is an easy read, hard to put down. I like the way the bodyguards wrote the book from their perspective with all the highs, lows, laughs, sadness, etc. Yeah, Michael is human and could ed the location information about where he was and what places he visited. I like to imagine him happy just being daddy and I also like to envision him looking for fans following him and making him feel wanted and appreciated. He had a life most of us would probably hate and/or admire depending on the situation. This book let me peek inside to just a little bit of what it was like to be Michael from Dec. 2006 to his move to LA in late 2008. Thank you Bill and Javon for sharing your stories and for this insight into Michael, the man and daddy.
3828729
Wolfgang's story offers so much insight into Kraftwerk, and I respect him for not giving away confidential information. I believe he delivered his experience with the band quite well. Sounds like he and Karl were the most compassionate of the group, although I did not get the impression that Ralf and Florian were cold or heartless. In fact, his testimony gives me the impression that Ralf and Florian might even be misunderstood by the public. He paints a picture of the compassion, feelings of all 4 members. I really enjoyed this, and understand quite well where he was coming from, how his childhood affected his feelings of security once becoming an adult. The impact Kraftwerk had on his life, all the positive experiences of touring and being part of the pioneers of Electro pop. And even some not-so-positive experiences. But hey, that's life anyway.

I believe he likely gives the most realistic view of things, though from his own point of view. Some things that he's mentioned have been backed up by other sources (although bits and pieces) and even Ralf Hutter's own words from time to time.

I actually enjoyed taking this journey with him. His words provided the warmth as if you'd been sitting across from him in his living room and him telling you the story. He took me to places around the world that I hadn't even imagined at one time. I would strongly suggest fans of his and Kraftwerk's to read this. I give it 4 stars ONLY because I would have wanted to know more about Karl Bartos. I hope to be able to read a book by all 4 one day. They're not getting any younger!!!
2963637
This is conceptual an important area of discussion.  Michael Lewis does a great job giving the background.
4801598
This is a fascinating look into the true Michael and what he endured during his final years.  May he rest in peace.
2395778
Full disclosure: The author sent me a free copy of this book. Although he did not ask me to write a review, I feel a certain obligation because, after reading Devil's Deep, another of his books, I love the quality of his work. Also, unlike many independently published works today, I noticed few formatting, typographical, grammatical, or contextual errors in this one.

I rarely write reviews, leaving that task to others to fulfill, but at the same time I've always believed that the very good and the very bad need to be recognized for the benefit of both the source and other prospective consumers of the product. In this case, my discovery of Michael Wallace's writing skills has modified my reading habits because after reading The Righteous I purchased his other books and will read those before returning to the 400 or so by other authors that are waiting to be read on my Kindle. I have come to like many self-published authors mainly because their prices are so attractive and I've found that there are so many jems out there waiting to be discovered.

Other reviewers have described the story in The Righteous, so there is no need for my becoming redundant. However, as one who is fairly picky about the quality of what I read, I have to say that this book is not only a nice novel but is also informative in that it spoon feeds some interesting insights into a religious sect by weaving them into a well-written mystery. It holds the reader's interest throughout and enables the reader to relate particularly to a couple of the characters. The author obviously knew what he was doing in creating these characters because he has already published one sequel and has another planned. Michael's works are well worth the price he has placed on them. Those who haven't tested his work are best off buying his books now before one of the major publishing houses picks him up and triples his prices on us. In the two years I've been reading independent authors on a Kindle, I have found three who are particularly noteworthy, and Michael Wallace is one of them. The reason for the four star rating instead of five is that I think Michael softened most of the impact of his scenes by softening the actions that took place throughout the timeline. For those who prefer less violence than what we typically encounter today, this book's especially for you.
1052708
Michael brings the people and the culture to life. I found myself stopping to contemplate what he observed and comparing it to what I have seen. He has great empathy for what he has seen and experienced. This area of France comes alive with history and culture as your read his stories.
4240193
Fr. Micheal made me a person am today as a Zambian Diplomat working at the United Nations HQ in New York , the sections of the book which l have read reminds of my life experience as a young SMA seminary in Kabwe ... he taught me to live with the very minimal yet have a big vision and his life and experiences as you read his life denotes the same , thank you FR. Michael for being a good inspiration to me
651752
The author seeks to penetrate much of the early church efforts to repaint Jesus.  Right after the death of Christ, there were many followers of Christ, all seeing in Him and worshipping based on how they interpreted his life.  When Rome adopted Christianity, there was a great effort to reconcile all of these differing views on Jesus into one narrative.  What was lost in that effort was a real look at Jesus the man.

This is no easy endeavor but Reza Aslan has done an exceptional job of digging through the efforts by Jesus followers to enhance his narrative to fit their message and circumstances.  As a Christian, it gave me an even greater appreciation for Jesus the man, his sacrifice knowing with assuredness that his activities and efforts were going to get him killed.

The book also provides additional enlightenment on James, Peter and Paul, the temple, the Roman Government, the Messiah culture and the temple leadership, which all had an impact on how we see Jesus today.

I gave it 4 stars versus 5 because it seemed that, at times, when faced with information that required some degree of assumption his assumptions always fell on the side of debunking what we know of Jesus today.  It's done respectfully, but none the less, there seemed to be bias.  I will caveat that with this: this many not have been the author's intent so I don't want to juxtapose on the author.  It's just the way I perceived it.

That said, I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's provided me with a much deeper appreciation not only for Jesus the man, but for those who followed him and struggled to make sense of his life, his words, his ministry and his proclamations when his death did not bring to bear the kingdom they all had in mind.
48622
If you appreciate the writings of Kim Michaels, as I do, then this book will probably have special appeal for you. It includes the spiritual philosophy that characterizes all his books, but it uses his own story to animate his insights. You see him traveling his own spiritual road from about age 18, and he explains how he came to develop the ideas he espouses today. His candid use of his own experiences to illustrate his points helped me see that Im not the only one traveling a path thats sometimes steep and rocky.
  There don't seem to be many who think they have enough self-esteem, but there may be few who see what spirituality has to do with it. In this book youll see how they connect and, in fact, how theres no clear boundary between them.
1522994
I am a huge Dwight Yoakam fan.  Unfortunately information and reading material about Dwight and his life is in short supply.  This interesting book deals mostly with his journey as an entertainer and musical talent.  However, there are enough insights into Dwight (through interview) history and thought process that I was able to get a much better sense of the 'real' Dwight.  The book includes a lot of details about Dwight's ideas for how an entertainer should entertain and market himself, as well as how he came to create his on-stage character and the type of music he mostly performs and writes.  The book detailed enough inside-Dwight information to reveal to me that I had been pretty much correct about Dwight as a person through the years.

Dwight to me is one of the great talents in country music, a prolific, creative, and great song writer, an awesome performer, and a really smart fellow.  This book revealed all that and much more.  It was a great addition to my library and I am glad I decided to obtain and read it.  If you are a Dwight fan or have an interest in how the music business works, I recommend this interesting-to-read, very detailed, musical history of one of today's top entertainers who has managed to by successful in the business for decades.
2265346
"Michael's work is more than another personality's autobiography; it is a patient's perspective on what life is like for him and his family. It is the struggle and the journey to make sense of a disease and the day-to-day complexities of what that means for the patient and the world around him. As a Nurse, I believe Michael's work should be required reading for all health care professionals...

"If Lucky Man did it for you, this book is a must read. If you haven't read Michael J. Fox yet, Lucky Man and Always Looking Up are  a  must read."

I was initially interested in reading about Michael J. Fox, because I was a teenager in the 80's and grew up along side Marty McFly and Alex P. Keaton. I remember feeling as Michael told the world of his PD diagnosis, that this was sad and bad news coming from someone I had in some way personally known for years.

 In 2002 I recall sending an email to the Michael J Fox Foundation enquiring if Michael had any intention of writing a book about his PD diagnosis. It was a few months later that I saw "Lucky Man" his autobiography in the "Coming Soon" pages of my regular book store catalogue. It wasn't long before I was one evening buried in the pages and finished the read at 5:30am the following morning. I had just completed an "all nighter" it was an amazingly insightful, courageous, deeply sensitive, emotional, educational, and inspirational read. I was deeply moved this work was everything I had hoped it could be.

I wanted to know more and was able to connect with the experience further by getting hold of the Simon & Schuster audio recording that is so thankfully told by Michael himself. Hearing Michael recount the stories of his childhood, career, fame, success, marriage family and problem with alcohol made me as the listener feel that I had engaged in a candid and personal conversation with the man himself. When he talks of "Back To The Future" I recall my own experience of seeing it in the cinema. "Family Ties" brings back familiar recollections of those times at home watching the show. I discovered that this was a journey for all who had played some part, however small, all-be-it as a paying member of the public.

Michael had one impossible challenge undertaking his second venture as an author.- How do you follow up on the milestone that is "Lucky Man"?

Well... to his credit he has done it. "Always Looking Up, The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist" is what follows. Equally engaging and rewarding, yet in no way could it be suggested that this is visiting old ground or some way retelling the same story. In fact, there is little that replicates "Lucky Man" other than the empathy you feel as a reader and the continuity of strength, support, insight and courage that is displayed to express the decade that follows from where we leave Michael and Tracy at the end of "Lucky Man."

"Always Looking Up" is crafted in structure very differently giving Michael J. Fox another dimension as an author. As we come to understand to an even greater degree how Fox utilises his profile and politics to raise awareness of the continued struggle for research support under the "Bush administration." We are also exposed to how politics and other profiled personalities unwittingly demonstrate their ignorance and lack of knowledge towards understanding what Fox is in truth fighting for. The most prominent example of this ignorant attitude is ashamedly highlighted by Rush Limbaugh. However, it is Michael's courage, intelligence, unwavering integrity and sincerity to himself, to others and the larger cause that sees him ultimately surpass those who display this ignorance towards him.

"Always Looking Up" is in it's self a stand alone piece of work, however I couldn't imagine reading this without the experience of "Lucky Man." Again the audio recording this time by Hyperion Audio Books is a fantastic companion.

Needless to say I have both the book and audio recording of A Funny Thing Happened On The way To The Future and I look forward to what lies ahead.
228379
Thank God for Michael Medved and his insight.  As a Medhead myself, I love his witty style, clear intellect and humility.  This book gives the reader an intimate look into the life of a very entertaining public figure who affects our world for the better; truly living into his calling to ensure that people realize there is indeed hope for the future.

One of the best nuggets that I took from this book were in regard to the Scarlet Plague and his Uncle Moish's warnings about where the Scarlet Plague is found.  The other great nugget, is in regard to the amount of time we American invest (need I say WASTE) in the consumption of popular culture.  Thanks to seeing Michael Medved live at Grove City College in April 2005 and after reading this book, my husband and I KILLED our TV.  Well, at least we got rid of cable tv (saving money was a nice bonus) and now we have found so much more time!  It's amazing what an impact the media really does have on our lives if we let it.  Thank you Michael Medved for alerting us!
3666814
August 17th 2016
A Review of  Shana Mangatals book  Michael and Me by Reva C. Thomas, CEO- Chalon Entertainment

Shana Mangatals book entitled  Michael and Me  is one of the most poignant, well written, cohesive and carefully curated pieces of literature about Michael Jackson.
In her memoir, Shana chronicled through many years of meticulous ,  copious journaling , provides the reader  with in depth, brutally honest,, candid portrayal of one of the most dynamic and greatest to have ever graced this planet- Mr. Michael Jackson.
Ms. Mangatal delicately captured the essence and many facets of a very talented , yet complicated and complex man.
Michael and Me  present s a 360 degree, panoramic view of Michael Jackson, the man, the father, entertainer, and businessman.
Michael and Me takes you on a roller coaster journey of emotions , and gives you glimpse of what it was like to be within the inner cirle and world of Michael Jackson.
To say that Shana Mangatal was lucky on some levels would be an understatement.
Her descriptions of places, and settings  are remarkably accurate, and as well as  her presentation of Michael Jackson was astounding.
I can assure you that this not a book of fabricated stories, at least not in my opinion.  This is not fan fiction created by a lustful Michael Jackson fan. This is the real McCoy.
I approached reading her book with an open mind and an objective spirit, which served me well and enabled me to immerse myself fully and to become one with her story.
I read  Michael and Me  with multiple lens and not through rose colored tinted glasses.
This is not book for the  faint  hearted MJ fan who believes in rainbows and unicorns or thought that Michael was not without flaws nor human.  Because he was  human, an  extraordinary human being,  nonetheless a human  being with  flaws, was not perfect as none of us are, but it does not take away from  Michaels gentle spirit and his genuis
Ms. Mangatals shared what it felt like to be in love and enamored with a man who captured our soul and our being.

Yes, Shana  did not hesitate nor sugar coat her feelings for Michael and once you have read her book you will gain a full understanding of  how that came to be.  Most of us have been down that road before at some point of our lives, and you should be able to  relate and understand.
 Michael and Me captured the humanistic side of Michael Jackson.

 Michael the businessman, the entertainer, the sexual being.
Michael  Jackson the man and person. A man who fought desperately to  fight his inner demons, yet tried to maintained some sort of normalcy within his life.
Michael was indeed a man with a great sense of humor.

You  will also read about the tumultuous seasons of his life and when so many of his so called friends turned their backs on him.
My review is honest and objective.
I strongly recommend and highly encouraged you not to make any rash judgement  based upon what you may have from heard from critical fans, and simply reading excerpts, because  I can assure you that you will be doing a great injustice to yourselves.  You will need to step outside of yourself for a  minute and look more closely .

There are  many layers to this book as there are many layers to the enigmatic and elusive Michael Jackson.
Her story is credible and not fabricated.  She was most certainly not a  mistress contrary to popular belief.
 Shana was blindsided and once you take the opportunity to read her book you will understand  why  I have made  such a statement.
I cried, I laughed,  I gasped and there were quite a  few occasions when I gave Michael the proverbial side eye.

With that being said, I recommend this book  I give Michael and Me book  5 out of five stars..
2242752
I just finished reading this excellent book about Michael's life from a brother's point of view and couldn't hardly put it down!  Full of wonderful insight and  explanations from not only Jermaine's view, but I felt from the Jackson family itself.  No wonder they have so many questions after Michael's passing!  I do too!  He takes you back to the beginning, middle and end of Michael's life as he experienced it and I was transfixed.  Couldn't agree more with many things Jermaine brought up in this book and hope anyone who wants to know more about Michael will read it...the best book I've read so far about Michael in my estimation and I've read alot of them!
1493801
The book takes you on a journey in his boyhood. Being raised Jehovahs Witness, having to deal with the legalism of the church with dealing with real life on the streets of Brooklyn, paints a picture of who Michael is today.
Michael clearly isn't a writer and the book is amateurish in the use of grammar and repetitive words.
However, his story is still very clear. The essence of the story is not lost.
(As far as his lyrical talents, I cannot say. I'm speaking on account of his book writing ONLY)
Michael's love for Hip Hop and his constant obsession for the music is found on every page.
Michael is very opinionated when it comes to race and issues that arise out of racism.
I was a bit confused. The book speaks so loud of embracing poverty, to the point of calling the group Dahavknotz. However, all of Michael's depression stemmed from not being successful.
Unfortunately, the book can be offensive if not read with an open mind.
With that being said, I'm very pleased that writing has become a form of hope for Michael. He has told his story and you can't get passed his love for Hip Hop and his love for the NY Giants. After reading the book, I wasn't sure which thing Michael loved most. NY Giants or Hip Hop? I enjoyed the book and I enjoyed getting to know Michael on a personal level. I look forward to future literature from him.