Finding Truth with Michael

A Memoir of Friendship, Faith, and First Love

“Darls was my first and only friend outside the family, and I treasured the time we spent together. One of the few girls in our school not in awe of Michael, she treated him as just another kid, which he really appreciated.”— La Toya Jackson, from her autobiography La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family

In 1970s Los Angeles, fourteen-year-old Darls Centola lives between two worlds: the rigid doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses and an elite private school where she works in exchange for tuition, surrounded by the children of Hollywood stars. Her life shifts when a quiet, fifteen-year-old Michael Jackson asks if she will study the Bible with him.

What begins as shared spiritual inquiry deepens into something more intimate. In a hidden, eucalyptus-scented sanctuary, they exchange future dreams and fears of Armageddon. As their connection grows, the pressures of belief and expectations close in.

Drawn from Darls’s teenage diaries, Finding Truth with Michael is an intimate story of first connection, spiritual questioning, and the courage it takes to listen to one’s own inner voice.

Includes downloadable photo album and resources.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2026 Darls Centola (P)2026 Darls Centola

A real page turner

Extremely well written and very entertaining ! Truly beautiful story. I’ve always loved Michael Jackson, I don’t think I’ve ever realised just how much until reading this book! It takes you to a side of the Jackson’s thats never been experienced or shared by anyone. To be best friends with the Michael Jackson, to experience him and the rest of his family on a personal level seems like the most amazing experience. This book takes you right there.

Totally worth reading and sharing.
Everyone needs to read this
Or wait till the movie !lol

A Tender Truth, Courageously Told

Finding Truth with Michael Jackson is a heartfelt memoir of a young girl and a friendship that becomes a shared journey toward truth.

Through Darls’ eyes, we see Michael with his genuine tenderness and humanity, while her own path reflects courage, growth, and self-discovery. Though we were so blessed to go to school with Michael, Darls and Michael had something special. These are cherished memories.

A simple, honest story of finding truth—together.

The story of the boy who would be King of Pop.

An unflinching, often joyful and intimate perspective into Michael Jackson’s teen years. Narrated by Michael and Latoya Jackson’s BFF, Darls, a fellow Jehovah’s Witness acolyte. I especially loved the unique window into 1970s San Fernando Valley Bizarro World, where the author grew up navigating cult religions and predatory elders, with some of the most famous icons of the times.

A great read!

I loved this book. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more stories! I loved to be able learn about MJ in this way. It was like getting a special inside look at his life. One that no one else knew but Darls and I loved every minute of it. I also loved hearing about all the places around the San Fernando Valley at that time. It felt very nostalgic. I really recommend this book!

Witness to Greatness

All the earnest experiences, mid-70's in Van Nuys and Encino, teenage friendships and adventures, spiritual questing, not just searching but finding truth with LaToya and Michael, you get the feeling you are right there while listening to these highly entertaining stories

I like the yearbook photos and original sketches in the attached pdf, too