Setting the stage -- Childhood fame and Joe Jackson -- Jehovah's Witnesses years and religion -- Fame in adulthood -- The Katherine Jackson interview -- Does an ideal woman exist? -- Romantic relationships and getting hurt -- Friendship with child stars -- On children and innocence.

In 2000-2001, Michael Jackson sat down with his close friend and spiritual guide, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, to record what turned out to be the most intimate and revealing conversations of his life. It was Michael's wish to bare his soul and unburden himself to a public that he knew was deeply suspicious of him. The resulting thirty hours are the basis of The Michael Jackson Tapes. In these searingly honest conversations, Michael exposes his emotional pain and profound loneliness, his longing to be loved, and the emptiness of his fame. He takes us into his childhood and speaks of the measures he took to try and heal. He discusses how he came to be alienated from his strong religious anchor, his tortured yet loving relationship with his siblings, his father and his yearning for a time when they might finally reconcile, and his most personal friendships.--From publisher description.