With These Hands - Michael J. Sheehy & The Hired Mourners

Advantages: Compelling and interesting story
Disadvantages: None

...Background: I seem to have grown up with Michael J. Fox. He is someone I can remember enjoying his acting back in my teens. In truth I am not a fan of autobiographies as a rule, I tend to prefer maybe unfairly that writers write books and Personalities who ever they are do what they are successful for. In this case though I decided to make an exception and give his book a go. About Michael J Fox He was born in Edmonton in June 1961. His father was a military man so he grew up on various Army bases with his brother and sisters. His original ambition was to be in a rock group but his talent for acting soon became his love as he reached the age of consent. Synopsis of the book: The book surprise surprise is about Michael J Fox?s life so far. He wrote it not to tell everyone about his numerous achievements... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A 'must read' for all true MJ fans.
Disadvantages: A very long book!

...This biography of Michael titled The Magic and The Madness gave me a much better understanding of 'The Man in the Mirror'. I always think biographies are more honest than autobiographies because sometimes a person holds back on telling the truth for fear of hurting people. That was not the case with this 'warts n all' book in which Taraborelli skillfully reveals the good, bad and sad times in Jackson's unusual life. The author conducted personal interviews with Michael over many years, as well as gathering a huge amount of information from close family members, friends and work colleagues of The Jacksons. In my opinion, this helped create an accurate account of a fascinating entertainer, filled with the complete spectrum of human emotions and a 'must have' for any MJ fan.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Very comprehensive and informing.
Disadvantages: over 700 pages!!!

...So many people must have gone through decades of thinking that Michael led an awe inspiring and wonderful life. Personally after reading his life story I wouldn't have wanted one day of his life, not as a child or an adult, and he must have been so lonely. His life as a Jehovah's Witness must have been so difficult to be involved in a normal way with people of the same beliefs....his total lack of sexual desire was rated as almost abnormal or perhaps as homosexuality, but even as a young man he seemed to keep christian standards that others in his family neglected and ignored. The details in this book are amazing. Its like being a camera in every aspect of his life on an ongoing basis. well well worth reading, and learning more about. Michael may have died, but he knows he will be back, and his life will be so different next time... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful