In this third episode of Season 2, we dive deeper into Michael's childhood and early career, continuing our reading of "Moonwalk," pages 35-50. In this segment, Michael shares what it was like to work the night club scene in Gary and Chicago at the age of 9, recording with Steeletown Records, his early inspirations in James Brown and Jackie Wilson, and winning Amateur Night at the Apollo.

In the emotional discussion portion of the episode, we review not only the highlights from this time in Michael's life, but the disturbing confessions Michael shares about his early exposure to adult sexuality in nightclubs, and the relentless work expected of him as a young child. Though Michael frames many of these experiences as necessary to his growth as a performer, for those of us with "normal" childhoods in comparison, deep empathy for Michael's unique life can help us understand his choices as he grew older, and the passion he had for protecting children.

In this episode, I play a segment of the Jackson 5's first single, "Big Boy." If you are interested in listening to the full song, check out this link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiFN2DQqBFE

For questions and comments, please reach out to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

This week, we continue our reading of Chapter 1 of "Moonwalk." Spanning from pages 21-35, this week's segment covers the earliest days of the Jackson 5, including the infamous "broken guitar string" story, Joseph Jackson's discipline, and the intensity of performing at such a young age.

In the discussion portion of this episode, we dissect the complications of Michael writing and releasing a memoir about complicated family dynamics, his narrative of physical discipline and abuse, the hardships of performing at such a young age, and more.

As Michael Jackson fans, knowing what we know about the pain Michael experienced as a child and how that impacted him throughout his life, if he had to do it all over again, would we choose this path for him? Does Michael's incredible success and impact justify the means through which he achieved it?

For comments or questions, please feel free to email me at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

Today we are officially diving into Moonwalk! Starting with the touching forward by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, included in the original publication of Moonwalk, we begin Chapter 1, covering pages 1-21. In this section, Michael introduces himself, his family, and some of the challenges he has in telling this story. He not only identifies his earliest memories with music, but begins to explore the complicated relationship he had with his father, Joseph Jackson. Through this, he touches upon the scars he has from childhood, which remain a theme throughout Michael's life and central to how he tells his story.

In the discussion portion of this episode, we explore Michael's approach to storytelling and forming a narrative, as well as the early normalization of hard work for Michael and his brothers, as well as the pain he experienced as a child.

For questions or comments, please comment or email me directly at readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.