I Am Brian Wilson

By: Brian Wilson, Ben Greenman - contributor

Narrated by: Fred Berman

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.

Beautiful.

All I could have ever wanted in a Brian Wilson autbio.
Candid
Sincere
Warm
Bittersweet
A story of true strength and survival

His voice was instantly my new warm blanket in the truest sense of the word. Eyes... nose...face... I'm just wrecked from tears. Thank you Brian for taking the time to gift us your beautiful story. So many of us can gain so much affirmation and hope through the memories you have shared. God bless.

Very Memorable Memoir by a Genius

I found this quite fascinating. The narration was excellent. I found myself thinking it was Brian himself! Such a complicated life, with so much more. He is a genius, most definitely. I know that oftentimes geniuses have the hardest time dealing. Really good book. I enjoyed it very much!

This is indeed Brian Wilson

What a touching and honest memoir. It will help for readers to know a bit about Brian and his background / history, as this book jumps around quite a bit and is not a linear look at his life. I actually find the format suits him, and it’s sweet they the narrator actually sounds like Brian. A very enjoyable listen, and I feel a bit sad that the book is done now … but happy for Brian, because he finally sees and feels joy now in living life.

Amazing history of music and legends

Brian shares many aspects of his life and career in a revealing and inspiring collage of memories. His personal story is powerful and he give perspective of his battle with mental health and the devastation it can bring into the lives of all affected from private life to professional life. He sheds light on pain and perseverance through it. And all through this biography, he helps the reader understand the lifestyle, many Musicians deal with throughout their careers.

Brian Wilson, finally revealed.

An amazing book which delves into the history of The Beach Boys through the eyes and beautiful mind of their leader and creative driving force, Brian Wilson. The book is well written and the narration of the audible version is excellent. Lots of great information, delivered in an entertaining way.

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If you could sum up I Am Brian Wilson in three words, what would they be?

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it's amazing.

it's a heart warming, amazing and beautiful boom. vary nice and reveling. it's a nice look into something beautiful.

pleasant journey

a sincere chronicling of one man's life who enjoyed periods of extraordinary musical success while dealing with ordinary life challenges; glad to have read it

Powerful and Memorable!

It is amazing to here the life that Brian went through. I watched Love and Mercy and found I had to find out more about Brian. I hope the message of mental illness awareness is brought to mire people than ever. The key is a person can survive with mental illness...it has give me hope...hope and some peace.

We Learn From Greatness

What a fantastic trip through Brian’s head. And to relate in such a way as far as how we may think at times or how a person may struggle with their issues, is very down to earth yet he’s wiser & seasoned & has survived & endured, so it tells me I can too.
Amazing treat to hear about the music, and what he was doing at the time. So glad I read this!
Brought me to tears - hearing his thoughts about the memories & what seems to be the end, although it’s not the end really on certain terms of his life, because his Life isn’t over. I believe the music will NEVER be over either… for us…. for him! And I was here….listening, learning from the Genius and normal guy from a different era…. Mr. Brian Wilson.
To be Star struck with Paul McCartney is fun to listen to - but does he know, that Paul is just as Star struck with him? That, in itself, is AMAZING. What a guy, Brian Wilson! I’m glad to be here WITH you.
Thank you!