Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Last Days

"A beautiful memoir and tribute to a fallen friend.... Smiley's engaging memoir chronicles his wondrous sojourn to Ghana with Angelou and her entourage, vividly recalling conversations, sights, sounds and even thoughts that he had along the way." "Kimberly C. Roberts, "The Philadelphia Tribune""" "Well-researched... It's a highly-sympathetic view, presenting Jackson as a committed artist with a probing intellect." Jay Gabler, The Current" "A sweeping portrait of the life and legacy of Michael Jackson." Neil Pond, Parade" "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" "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" "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" 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)" 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)"" Praise for My Journey With Maya "Smiley proves to be a faithful recorder of Angelou's poise, compassion, and dignity.... Readers might feel regret for not having the privilege of meeting Angelou personally, but Smiley has faithfully re-created both her voice's 'haunting beauty and lilting musicality' and the experience of receiving her transformative wisdom, humor, and compassion." "Kirkus Reviews""