Look out for Vanessa Kisuule’s Neverland: The Pleasures and Perils of Fandom. The poet’s first non-fiction book, which contends with her childhood MJ obsession in light of the abuse allegations that later surfaced.

A book that author says argues with itself. A book that seeks to understand when, and how, blind allegiance to an idol gets the better of us.

In this probing interview with Pandora Sykes, Vanessa asks if should we separate the art from the artist. In her opinion, to deny yourself the joy of art that moves you will not atone for what that artist has done.

She also tries to explain what parasocial relationships feel like and what they reflect. How they are a symptom of a deeply loveless society where there is a desperate need to belong.