La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family
by LaToya Jackson

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Book Reviews of La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family

Book Review: La Toya--The Butterfly Has Been Released!
Summary: 5 Stars

Michael, the prodigal son, is portrayed in a wonderful light, as he should be. They shared very special times growing up and Toya displays each of them. Michael was ordered by the elders at the Witness to NEVER speak to Toya again because she missed (in their opinion) too many meetings. This left Michael sobbing on Janet's bed, when Toya came in, he ran into Janet's bathroom bawling! He also supported Toya against her brother's wives (wives can be so cruel) and supported her when her PLAYBOY PICTORIAL came out.

Joseph Jackson, the family patriarch, is portrayed as twisted and evil, and as an ogre who delighted in the suffering of his family. In Michael's live interview with Oprah Winfrey, he claimed that even in his late 30's he's still afraid of 'Joseph'. He confessed to Oprah that he even regurgitates when 'Joseph' comes by for a visit. La Toya gives much; much more details into the horrors they all faced. La Toya was badly beaten by the hands of her father at a very young age and was left bleeding on the bathroom floor whilst her brothers walked over her, much to afraid to offer any support. He threatened to throw her out of a window repeatedly for just asking a simple question.

Katherine Jackson, the family matriarch, is certainly... some piece of work. A devout Witness, she raised her family, especially La Toya and Michael, to be very spiritual and was Toya's very best friend. When the Jackson 5 was busy with their careers, it was Toya and baby Janet who kept Mama busy. But as you read, she too could be as, if not more wicked than Joseph. Delve into the part when EVEN Joseph confronts Kate about her treatment of Toya regarding medication Kate knows could kill her!!!...SHOCKING! There are two very different (jekyll--and-- hyde) sides to Kate, which Toya talks in detail about. Abused herself by Joseph's womanizing and keeping a second 'FAMILY' right down the road, their was little she could do to stop the abuse of her children...or could she Hmmmm...?
I praise Toya and Romanowski for bringing this book to light simply because of the courage it took. Going up against the Jackson's, even if you are one, must have been frightening. Writing this part of the book must have been so painful for her. Whilst other young girls were becoming women, Toya was still a 'little girl' beside her 'mommy'. She never went on dates because of all the publicity it would garner and never mentioned having ANY boyfriends or many friends. You truly get a sense of her innocence-how could she not be growing up to sheltered-and so shackled.

La Toya also discusses Jermaine's attitudes towards Michael's success and Jermaine's decision not the leave Motown (which was disaster for him.) She also talks about the brother who received the worst treatment from 'Joseph'--the first-born-Jackie. Toya says that Jackie would only stop bye the house if he KNOWS 'Joseph' is not there and would leave immediately if 'daddy' came back. Toya once asked Katherine why Joseph treated Jackie so terribly. Katherine replied "Joe just never liked him." Sad isn't it?

This book gives an excellent insight into the most intriguing music family around told by one of it's most intriguing members...pick it up today.

Summary of La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family

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