I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir

Brian's story was very interesting as a lifelong Beach Boys fan, but the storytelling jumps around chronologically quite a bit. It might be the way Brian thinks, which is cool, but I found it tough at times to know where we were at.

This probably is the dullest celebrity bio ever written, with Brian and/or his ghostwriter seeming to assume that the reader already knows the facts of his life, career and mental state and only wants the book as a kind of discography. A discography that, unfortunately, isn't even complete.

Like Brian Wilson, the real memoir seems hidden away in the bedroom instead of entertaining and moving us on the printed page.

I listened to this book. Unfortunately, I found this a really boring listen. I would have liked more details on relationships between band members. Descriptions of songs and relationships were really shallow and generalized. There were no hills and valleys, just open plains...flat, open plains. I made myself finish it because I had paid full-price for it. Otherwise, i would not have finished it. I'm sorry, I hate to give anyone a bad review, but I would not recommend this book.

I really enjoyed getting to learn more about Brian Wilson and his life. As a musician and aspiring songwriter, I look up to Brian and. It was hard to put this book down, and I think I finished it in just a matter of days.

If you can navigate well through all the song references and details about who was involved in each of the songs, then this will mean more to you than it did me. I became too bogged down in the song cataloguing details. However, I am in awe of this man, and I think he's a genius. I enjoyed reading about how he hears music and the way things inspired him. Brian Wilson has not had an easy life, yet he is rich in family and appreciates everything he has. That he struggled with mental illness in the days when it wasn't as recognized or treated properly and has emerged on the other side a stronger person, speaks volumes about how much he has overcome.

I highly recommend thus book to Brian Wilson fans and anyone with a need to better under the struggle of those with mental health problems.

The book is a great read. I have seen Brian Wilson in interviews and the book made me feel like he was sitting in the room talking to me.
Mr. Wilson us not only a great song writer, he is also a great husband, father , and wonderful, and sensitive human being. That will cone to light in this book as well.
He has quirks which occasionally come out in his writing. When coming upon them I chuckled, not to make fun of him. I realized those are part of him and they make up part of Brian Wilson's being.
If we had more Brian Wilson's , little quirks and all imagine how nicer the world would be.

Brian Wilson, along with John Lennon and Paul McCartney are about the only rock era musicians who can be inarguably be considered brilliant. (I avoid the term genius here though it probably applies). However, this book is a bit weak compared to other memoirs like Keith Richards and Bob Dylan - Brian has been though an awful lot and while the reader may be saddened and feel a great deal of empathy for him, this book is just flat. I'd rather read a biography of him

Considering everything Brian Wilson has been through in his life, and also how much I admire him for it, I find it difficult to really criticize anything he does. That being said, the info in his book, while in and of itself is very interesting, is not a chronological account of his life. It's almost as if you are sitting with Brian and he is just telling story after story, or thought after thought, with no real direction or structure. There are detailed stories he goes into for sure, but don't come here expecting to find the information to be in any logical order. Regardless, the insight he provides is interesting and hopefully will please other Brian Wilson fans out there.

The most fascinating thing about this book is the music knowledge. I enjoy The Beach Boys' songs, listening them as a whole experience. I never realized all the details that goes into making that experience. This would be an excellent book for someone with more knowledge than I have. I would love to have a copy of the songs with only the music, no words. I love the words but I'd now like to experience the other parts.

The book is rambling and seems dictated but I understand why it is that way. A very polished narrative wouldn't ring true.

I have read many books about Brian Wilson. This seems more from his perspective because he spends a lot of time explaining how the music is created in his head. He has kind words to say about his Father, Dr. Landy and Mike Love and gives them credit for the good as well as the bad in his life. It appears to be a steam of conscientiousness from his thoughts which give insight into the way Brian's mind works. But, sometimes that makes the story jump around in a confusing manner.

I have listened to Pet Sounds and SMiLE a thousand times. I think Brian's new stuff is as good as any thing out there. In the 60's and 70's I got distracted by all the British bands, but I find myself now appreciating and listening far more to Brian's music.

This book was a revelation. Brian is always presented as so out of touch for all those years. Turns out he knew what was going on after all. I plan to read this again and make a playlist of his favorite songs. Thank you Brian!

After reading Mikey Lovester's arrogant mess of a book, it was a breath of fresh air to read Brian's. Brian is modest, kind hearted, and the story of his life is one of strength and overcoming the odds. Highly recommended to anyone who loves The Beach Boys and the master creator himself.