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Michael Jackson's Dangerous Liaisons

Why is this book so controversial? Among Michael Jackson's loyal fan base are some who have not even read the book and who fear that it besmirches his memory. Quite the contrary, the book treats MJ in a sensitive, compassionate and humane way. His excellent rapport with children is indisputable, and his love for them was earnest and genuine. The author covers all of the facts with a thoroughness no other book on the King of Pop even comes close to. Neither does the author ignore his subject 's human frailties. We all have them, and to whitewash them does no service to truth.

The cover and title of the book may have contributed to the hysteria among MJ's fan base. This is unfortunate. The Dangerous Liaisons referred to in the title is actually a warning that in our current society, kindness to children not one's own can bring disaster to an adult. The folly has reached a point where teachers and other mentors fear to give any caring or soothing touch to young people. Strangers seeing children in distress will avoid getting involved. Parents, too, often face horrendous accusations of abuse from estranged spouses or hostile neighbors.

Michael Jackson, as the childlike innocent person he was, certainly put himself in danger, and this is the dangerous part the book refers to.

Efforts to censor often backfire, and those who ignorantly shout to have this book boycotted are depriving themselves of a mind opening experience. The more perceptive among us will see the hysteria for what it is -- fear of the truth. This is a powerful book which informs and helps the reader understand the driving force in MJ's life and career and his social impact. This is a book that no caring person should be without.

Where There Is No Doctor

The author of this book is a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship (popularly known as the Genius Award) for his work in healthcare in Third World countries. Though the book is not meant to replace competent professional medical care, the advice in it is an invaluable resource for those who do not have ready access to hospitals and doctors. This is the unfortunate situation in many disadvantaged areas of the world, but those in developed countries can also face dire survival challenges as when such disasters as the Katrina level 5 storm occurred. Travelers to areas where they are likely to be far from medical facilities can also benefit from this award winning book.

Marcus and Me

Those who remember the sixties and those who just know of that period from history books will enjoy this road trip saga. Jay Edson is a talented writer who knows how to keep the reader engaged. When he has his eleven-year-old protagonist Franklin Hubbard escape his stultifying environment he launches his character into a series of adventures that keeps the reader transfixed. Like the little hero of this novel, the reader may change his mind as he begins to understand other points of view and the counterculture of the 60's. You are sure to enjoy this book.