by Michael Jackson was one of the most famous entertainers of all time, known for his iconic music, dance moves, and eccentric personal life. However, behind the scenes, Jackson had a deep appreciation for literature that shaped his worldview and artistic pursuits. Throughout his life, Jackson was an avid reader who found inspiration in works ranging from classic children’s tales to inspirational novels. These books helped mold Jackson’s philosophy, nurtured his creative spirit, and provided an escape during difficult times. While much of Jackson’s image centered around his incredible performances, his favorite books reveal the thoughtful, imaginative person he was at his core.
One of Jackson’s all-time favorite stories was J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s novel Peter Pan. First published in 1911, Peter Pan tells the story of a boy named Peter who never grows up and lives in a magical place called Neverland. There, Peter leads a band of lost boys and has adventures with characters like Tinker Bell the fairy and the evil Captain Hook. For Jackson, Peter Pan’s ability to maintain his youthful innocence and spirit of adventure resonated deeply. Jackson struggled with his own lost childhood, having been thrust into fame at a young age as the frontman for The Jackson 5. He felt an immense pressure to grow up that he was not ready for. Peter Pan represented Jackson’s own desire to hold onto his inner child and sense of wonder. Jackson identified with Peter’s rebellious nature and refusal to conform to society’s expectations of maturity. He admired Peter’s free-spirited lifestyle in Neverland, where the rules of the adult world did not apply. Throughout his life, Jackson maintained a childlike playfulness and fascination with fantasy and magic, just like Peter Pan. The book offered Jackson escapism and inspiration to stay true to his youthful dreams and imagination, even as he grew into adulthood.
Another novel that greatly impacted Jackson was Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Published in 1952, this short novel tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who struggles to catch a giant marlin after a long period of bad luck. Over three days, he engages in an epic battle to haul the fish in, facing numerous challenges that test his strength and perseverance. Ultimately, sharks devour the marlin shortly before Santiago reaches shore, but he returns home with a renewed sense of pride and dignity. For Jackson, Santiago’s determined struggle against the forces of nature likely resonated as a metaphor for his own career battles in the cutthroat music industry. Like Santiago, Jackson faced immense challenges and setbacks but never gave up on his dreams. He drew inspiration from Santiago’s refusal to surrender, even in the face of overwhelming odds and exhaustion. The book’s themes of overcoming adversity through grit, resilience, and an indomitable spirit clearly appealed to Jackson on both artistic and personal levels. It offered him a model for persevering through hard times and remaining passionate about his craft despite obstacles.
Another novel Jackson found deeply inspiring was Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Published in 1970, this short story tells the tale of a seagull named Jonathan who dreams of achieving greater heights in flight than any other seagull. He pushes past normal boundaries and limitations through intensive practice and training. However, Jonathan’s unconventional pursuits isolate him from the rest of the flock, who prefer traditional roles and behaviors. The book follows Jonathan’s spiritual journey as he learns the true meaning of freedom and fulfillment. For the creative and ambitious Jackson, Jonathan Livingston Seagull was a powerful parable about breaking boundaries and achieving one’s full potential. Like Jonathan, Jackson refused to be confined by expectations or limitations on what was considered normal in his field. He constantly pushed musical and performance conventions to new heights. The book encouraged Jackson’s relentless drive for perfection and inspired him to follow his own unorthodox path, regardless of criticism or resistance from more conventional forces. Jonathan Livingston Seagull reinforced Jackson’s belief that true success came from believing in himself, working tirelessly, and staying dedicated to his artistic vision rather than conforming to outside pressures or ideas of what was possible.
Another children’s book Jackson found deep meaning in was Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. Published in 1964, this simple allegorical tale tells the story of a boy and a tree who share a very special relationship. As the boy grows older, the tree continues to give of itself to provide the boy with comfort, joy, and sustenance at each stage of his life, despite its own needs. For Jackson, The Giving Tree likely resonated as a metaphor for his generous spirit and devotion to helping others. Throughout his life and career, Jackson gave immense amounts of his time, resources, and talents to charitable causes without concern for recognition or reward. He donated large sums to organizations supporting children’s welfare, medical research, and disaster relief. Jackson identified with the selfless tree that only wanted to bring happiness to the boy it cared for, without expecting anything in return. The book reinforced Jackson’s belief in unconditional love, compassion, and giving to others from the heart. It helped shape his view that true fulfillment came from bringing joy to people’s lives rather than amassing wealth or fame for himself. The Giving Tree was a touchstone that nurtured Jackson’s generous, philanthropic nature.
In addition to works of fiction, Jackson also greatly admired the philosophies of American Transcendentalist writer Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson’s essays and lectures promoted ideas of nonconformity, individualism, and following one’s inner spirit that clearly resonated with Jackson. In essays like “Self-Reliance” and “The Over-Soul,” Emerson advocated listening to one’s inner voice rather than conforming to social pressures or traditions. He emphasized believing in oneself and having faith that by pursuing one’s own visions, one could achieve great things. These themes of empowering the individual, questioning social norms, and trusting in personal intuition were central to Jackson’s worldview. They reinforced his rebellious spirit and drive to break boundaries through his artistic pursuits. Emerson also discussed concepts like finding fulfillment through spiritual growth and connection to nature, ideas that likely appealed to Jackson’s mystical sensibilities. Emerson’s writings encouraged Jackson’s independent thinking, confidence in his talents, and belief that by staying true to his artistic instincts, he could accomplish anything, regardless of naysayers. Emerson nurtured Jackson’s defiant individualism and faith in following his heart’s desires.
In conclusion, Michael Jackson’s favorite books provided powerful inspiration, guidance, and escape throughout his life. Works like Peter Pan, The Old Man and the Sea, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull shaped Jackson’s philosophies on perseverance, creativity, and maintaining his youthful spirit. Books like The Giving Tree and Emerson’s essays nurtured Jackson’s generous, unconventional nature and belief in empowering the individual. They reinforced his drive to break boundaries, bring joy to others, and stay dedicated to his artistic vision regardless of obstacles. While Jackson lived much of his life in the public eye, these books reveal the thoughtful, imaginative person he was at his core. They offered Jackson solace, encouragement, and motivation during difficult periods. His literary interests demonstrate that beyond the dazzling performances, Jackson was an intellectual who found profound meaning, wisdom and inspiration between the pages of great works. Literature was clearly a deep passion that nurtured Jackson’s growth and reinforced his rebellious philosophy of following one’s heart. His favorite books helped shape not only his worldview but also his legacy as a truly one-of-a-kind creative genius.
