Review - Brothers (audiobook)

 Brothers by Alex Van Halen (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

This audiobook was not what I expected at all. From the title, it could be assumed that it would be a deep dive into the relationship between Alex and Ed Van Halen. Unfortunately, it was all over the place, ended abruptly after the release of the 1984 album, and was somewhat superficial. 

Alex details the brothers' early life in Holland, immigration to the US (Pasadena, California), and the family's financial difficulties. Also, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and rocker lifestyle are fully discussed. It was also shocking to me how badly the band was handled with their contract which is still happening today - it is all about money for the record label. 

NOTE: there is a lot of raw language, drug use, and alcohol abuse. If these are triggers for you, don't read this book. 

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am one degree of separation from Van Halen as my husband was friends with Nathan Roth, David's father. I have never met David, but my husband has and it was not a favorable opinion of him or his behavior.

 

OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars

Writing: 3.5 stars

Alex writes well and from the heart, but I believe there was a ghostwriter. If not, kudos to Alex!

There are a lot of quotations from books, magazines, interviews, etc. It was a bit overdone and got to be a "bit". I expected more about Alex's thoughts, feelings, and observations about his relationship with Ed. Maybe, with some quotations from Ed sprinkled in. 

The writing was great for an audiobook. But, it may not translate well to a Kindle or print book. 

Narration: 4.0 stars

Alex was a good narrator and it was as if he was in the room with you having a coffee. He had the appropriate inflection and emotions as it was his and Ed's lives together. 

The only bothersome thing was that Alex would crack up at his stories. 

 

Character Arc: 3.0 stars

This audiobook was mostly chronological, but it went back and forth in time a lot. Alex would talk about something and then say, "I'll get back to that" which would ruin the flow of the stories and narrative. 

Normally, my issue with books is more editing is needed. Not this book, as it ended in 1984 and I want more of the brothers' relationship. Alex doesn't need to discuss the details of Ed's passing or other personal issues as it is none of my business. But, much more of their time together was a valid expectation.  

Memorable:  3.0 stars

The biggest takeaway was how difficult the transition from Holland to the US was for the Van Halen boys and family. I wanted more stories of the family and the interactions between the brothers. 

Entertaining:   3.0 stars

It was good. I liked it, but I didn't love it. There was so much opportunity that was missed. 

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Great picture.       

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Perfect.  

RECOMMEND

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Brothers by Alex Van Halen

Blackstone Publishing, Inc.

6 hours, 9 minutes

Release date of 10/22/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Alex Van Halen

My Goodreads review

Blackstone Publishing Inc.

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜