I Am Brian Wilson

They say there are no second acts in American lives, and third acts are almost unheard of. That's part of what makes Brian Wilson's story so astonishing.

As a cofounding member of the Beach Boys in the 1960s, Wilson created some of the most groundbreaking and timeless popular music ever recorded. With intricate harmonies, symphonic structures, and wide-eyed lyrics that explored life's most transcendent joys and deepest sorrows, songs like "In My Room", "God Only Knows", and "Good Vibrations" forever expanded the possibilities of pop songwriting. Derailed in the 1970s by mental illness, drug use, and the shifting fortunes of the band, Wilson came back again and again over the next few decades, surviving and - finally - thriving. Now, for the first time, he weighs in on the sources of his creative inspiration and on his struggles, the exhilarating highs and the debilitating lows.

I Am Brian Wilson reveals as never before the man who fought his way back to stability and creative relevance, who became a mesmerizing live artist, who forced himself to reckon with his own complex legacy and completed Smile, the legendary unfinished Beach Boys record that had become synonymous with both his genius and its destabilization. Today Brian Wilson is older, calmer, and filled with perspective and forgiveness. Whether he's talking about his childhood, his bandmates, or his own inner demons, Wilson's story, told in his own voice and in his own way, unforgettably illuminates the man behind the music, working through the turbulence and discord to achieve, at last, a new harmony.

©2016 Da Capo Press (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Narrator lacking

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Loved the story however Brain should have narrated the story as did Mile Love with his book.
Felt no emotion or attachment to the story due to this!

Scattered

This book was interesting, but felt scattered and somewhat muted. It seemed like there was a lot more to things we were not hearing about. Almost awkward.

It’s Brian Freaking Wilson!

10/10 would recommend. Loved it! There will never be another one like him. Greatest American song writer

A Gotta Have for any Brian Wilson or Beach Boy fan

Great book that gives true insight into Brian Wilson's personal struggles, his life, his true opinion of the Beach Boys, and how hes s overcome all of his personal challenges in life. He tasks about his mental illness with incredible honesty. To me he is the toughest of The Beach Boys

Interesting!

I enjoyed reading this story. I grew up with the Beach Boys so I found Brian’s autobiography akin to hanging out and listening to his memories, situations and personal thoughts. He has walked an interesting path and been through a lot. Thank you Brian for sharing!