Brian Sweet

Advantages: A book for the Beach Boys fan, who wants to know in-depth information without tabloid rubbish
Disadvantages: Interviews with Carl Wilson are not mentioned.

...This book is not really a overview of the songs and albums The Beach Boys made, but a biography that gives a good in-depth view about all kinds of aspects in their musical carriere. The author, Kingsley Abott, made a study on a number of articles (known and unknown) and created a representative and critical source of information. Ofcourse the 'Pet Sounds' and 'Smile' period are extensively written about. This was the most important period in the musical history of the Beach Boys. The interviews in the book are quite unique: Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, Marilyn Wilson (Brians wife), Steve Kalinich (song writer) and Andy Paley were all very open. Brian Wilson also talks about his solo carriere and the sad death of his brother Dennis.... Read review

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Advantages: A very interesting and entertaining read
Disadvantages: Can we be sure it's all true?

...My fiancé, who is an avid Brian Wilson fan, bought me this book for Christmas, and, as I love reading stories about people that I admire, I was very grateful for it, and excited to start reading! Unlike a lot of autobiographies, no part of this book is boring or tedious to read. There are no fillers in this book. It starts with all of the abuse Brian received from his father, and his mothers inability to put a stop to it. This was a good place to start, not only because it happens at the start of Brian's life, but also because this is a recurring theme throughout the book; how his father's abuse affected him, his career and relationships. We then read about the Beach Boy's formation, how they got their first record deal, and their trials and tribulations throughout their pop career. Potential readers must remember though... Read review

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Advantages: Amusing, brill book
Disadvantages: NONE

...Five years after leaving Uni, Lizzie Jordan has a boring job as a typist, lives in a grotty, run down flat with another woman, Seema and a rather odd bloke – Fat Joe, who spends most of his time in his stinking pit of a bedroom and likes nothing more than farting and generally doing rather gross things. Lizzie makes do with her accountant boyfriend, Richard but she much wishes she were seeing Brian who she had a short relationship with while at Uni. Unfortunately, Brian is in America where he went back to after leaving Uni to become a high flying businessman. Lizzie’s coming up to thirty and believes her life has gone no-where whilst her friends at Uni all have good careers, lots of money and live in posh apartments with all the latest accessories. Lizzie continues to e-mail Brian, inventing her fabulous life, career... Read review

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