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A review by one_more_book
Brothers by Alex Van Halen
5.0
Brothers by Alex Van Halen reads like a love letter to his younger brother "Edward, maybe Ed, but never Eddie". Alex opens his heart and pours forth the memories, love, arguments, pain, drugs, alcohol, sex, innovations, loyalty, theatrics, good and bad decisions, and pride to life for his readers. He is honest about how Ed's sensitive personality impacted and at times impaired his life. Even four years later, Alex openly mourns all the times that have been cut short by Ed's death in 2020, all the while honoring Ed's life and gifts.
While reading this, I laughed, I cried, and watched so many YouTube videos of Van Halen! The evolution of two little boys from Holland to the brilliantly talented musicians they became was an amazing journey cut short too soon. (Alex is very honest when he writes about the choices Ed made ultimately lead to his death.)
After reading Brothers, I read some of the reviews. I feel many reviewers had expectations that were not met. I strongly believe Alex wrote this as a catharsis and memorial to Ed - not to share every detail of their lives together with the readers. While Alex wrote a beautiful tribute to Ed that may have left some readers wanting more, I think Alex did exactly what HE needed to do in writing this memoir and I hope he finds peace in knowing that he will see Ed once again on the other side.
While reading this, I laughed, I cried, and watched so many YouTube videos of Van Halen! The evolution of two little boys from Holland to the brilliantly talented musicians they became was an amazing journey cut short too soon. (Alex is very honest when he writes about the choices Ed made ultimately lead to his death.)
After reading Brothers, I read some of the reviews. I feel many reviewers had expectations that were not met. I strongly believe Alex wrote this as a catharsis and memorial to Ed - not to share every detail of their lives together with the readers. While Alex wrote a beautiful tribute to Ed that may have left some readers wanting more, I think Alex did exactly what HE needed to do in writing this memoir and I hope he finds peace in knowing that he will see Ed once again on the other side.