Michael and Me: The Untold Story of Michael Jackson's Secret Romance

by Shana Mangatal Narrated by Shana Mangatal

Overview

More than seven years after his death, Michael Jackson continues to fascinate the world. Shana Mangatal was one of Jackson's only constant and true rocks of stability for nearly two decades. Their relationship was quiet and sweet and real-a closely guarded secret, known only to a few trusted employees and friends. Shana is now coming forward to tell their love story. Her story is rich with every little detail. She witnessed the scandals, lawsuits, the release of groundbreaking albums and subsequent world tours, big-budget short films, addictions. Michael and Me entertains and inspires, but above all, Shana continues to treat Michael (and his legacy) with respect. This is not an exploitative tell-all, but rather a book that shows the side of Michael people never knew. In it, Shana paints a more intimate picture of this beloved, yet very misunderstood man.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Michael had deep feelings for Shana. She knew a side of him that he kept closely guarded. I am so happy she is finally ready to tell her story.” —Scott “House” Shaffer, personal assistant to Michael Jackson, 1991–1998


“In Michael and Me Shana shares her most intimate experiences and memories, revealing another side of a man—a caring, ingenious, troubled soul whom so many have loved and so few have understood. After reading it, you’ll feel as though you knew him personally.” —Hana Yasmeen Ali, coauthor of The Soul of a Butterfly



“Shana was there . . . and only she could tell this story, which shows a side of Michael Jackson the world has never seen before. Her eye-opening book provides a complex, nuanced portrayal of the pop icon that will surprise you—and change your mind.” —Gregg Mitchell, manager, Gallin Morey Associates (Michael Jackson’s management team), 1991–1995



“I knew Shana during the time she was with Michael. I knew all along that they had something going on. She was deeply in love with him. This book is sure to be a must-read.” —Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Legend and Hall of Famer



“...An offbeat memoir filled with interesting trivia about the King of Pop.” —Toronto Star

Kirkus Reviews

2016-06-01
Seven years after his death, Michael Jackson's secret girlfriend reveals their peculiar 20-year relationship.First-time author Mangatal met her idol while working as a receptionist in Jackson's talent management office. From the beginning, their mutual attraction was obvious to her co-workers; it "was so strong it was impossible to ignore." Shortly after their first kiss, she "just knew that Michael and I would soon be an official couple. In my mind, he was already my boyfriend." Despite his eccentricities—"every time it seemed he was acting normal and like a regular man—someone I could see myself having a real relationship with—he would revert back to this mask-wearing dude with a little boy by his side. It was difficult to understand"—her obsession remained. Mangatal details Jackson's work on his post-Thriller albums, his competitive nature and perfectionism, and his playful, pranksterish nature, which often came out on video sets. Unfortunately for her, she rebuffed several men and agency clients because "all of my thoughts and focus were totally consumed by one person—Michael." Unfortunately for readers, the author's prose leaves much to be desired, with many passages seemingly pulled from an eighth-grader's diary—e.g., "Michael was like a drug I was addicted to"; "I am his forever"; and, regarding the child abuse allegations, "this beautiful, sweet soul couldn't harm a fly." The author seems to believe that their chemistry, her (limited) sexual experience with him, and his flirting with women on set definitely proves that Jackson was heterosexual. "Interacting with him," writes Mangatal, "was sometimes like dealing with a 14-year-old boy—and it wasn't an act. It was like he had stopped maturing emotionally the moment massive fame snatched away his childhood." A vexing and tedious memoir that offers only brief glimpses of the extraordinary creativity of the King of Pop.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169634969
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	08/29/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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