Michael Jackson, Faith, and Finding Myself
Darls Centola’s debut memoir blends personal narrative with cultural insight, chronicling the author’s coming-of-age inside a restrictive belief system as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Los Angeles, it documents her close, tender friendship with Michael Jackson, forged during high school, where they spent time together and studied as teenage Witnesses.
Darls—a Los Angeles–based trauma therapist, author, and educator—has been helping individuals heal from the lasting effects of high-control religion, spiritual abuse, and adverse religious experiences for more than 25 years.
Her memoir brings clarity, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s healing path, offering a powerful voice in the growing conversation around faith deconstruction and recovery.
It’s also a rare and delightful glimpse into the mind and heart of a teenage Michael Jackson.
EARLY REACTIONS FROM READERS
“It’s such a sweet love story, and a special window into the innocent personality of young Michael Jackson and his delicate, unique feelings.”
“As a Michael Jackson super fan, this was an absolute treat. So many never-before-told stories—I feel like it brought me even closer to him.”
“Spiritual abuse is a topic very close to my heart and to see it through the eyes of someone who went through the experience and came out triumphant at the other end was very powerful.”