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mbkarapcik's review against another edition
3.0
Very simple, honest account of Brian Wilson's life by the man himself. If you never read any other books about him or the Beach Boys or don't know their history, it's best to read another biography about him and the band. In this book, he skips around a lot, so it's really hard to keep track of the chronology and events.
One of the books I really loved was Heroes and Villains: The True Story of the Beach Boys by Steven Gaines. That goes over the history of the Wilson brothers' descendants, how they migrated from the Mid-West, and established themselves in California. And it covers the relationships between the members of the band in more depth as well as more analysis of the songs.
When I read biographical accounts of a person's life, especially musicians aka rock stars or jazz players, I want a fuller picture, so I read both the biography and the autobiography. For instance, I read Miles Davis's biography and his autobiography for a clearer picture. Both were superb books but came from different angles.
One of the books I really loved was Heroes and Villains: The True Story of the Beach Boys by Steven Gaines. That goes over the history of the Wilson brothers' descendants, how they migrated from the Mid-West, and established themselves in California. And it covers the relationships between the members of the band in more depth as well as more analysis of the songs.
When I read biographical accounts of a person's life, especially musicians aka rock stars or jazz players, I want a fuller picture, so I read both the biography and the autobiography. For instance, I read Miles Davis's biography and his autobiography for a clearer picture. Both were superb books but came from different angles.
nicholaspoe_'s review against another edition
3.0
An interesting and fascinating, sometimes rambling, look into the minds of one of America's best musical geniuses.
However, if you're not already a fan of Brian's or if you don't know much about the Beach Boys, you really shouldn't start here.
However, if you're not already a fan of Brian's or if you don't know much about the Beach Boys, you really shouldn't start here.
ben_whackley's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
Excellent piece perfectly written in Brian’s voice (not sure how much of the writing he did himself). If you’re looking for detailed session logs or acute memories of every early concert date, look elsewhere (those resources certainly exist, Beach Boys fans are addicts). It’s a quick, easy read that puts you in the mind of Brian for a little while.
rohandenton's review against another edition
3.0
Brian Wilson has one of the most interesting lives I have ever read, if only the book was a little more cohesive!
ceetamarie's review against another edition
3.0
I had a really hard time getting through this. Although I think Brian Wilson is a genius, his style of writing was at times so arrogant I laughed out loud. Good bits of musical history though.