Brother & Sister

A Memoir

De: Diane Keaton

Narrado por: Diane Keaton

From the beloved film star and best-selling author of Then Again - a heartfelt memoir about Diane Keaton's relationship with her younger brother, and a poignant exploration of the divergent paths siblings' lives can take.

When they were children in the suburbs of Los Angeles in the 1950s, Diane Keaton and her younger brother, Randy, were best friends and companions: They shared stories at night in their bunk beds; they swam, laughed, dressed up for Halloween. Their mother captured their American-dream childhoods in her diaries, and on camera. But as they grew up, Randy became troubled, then reclusive. By the time he reached adulthood, he was divorced, an alcoholic, a man who couldn't hold on to full-time work - his life a world away from his sister's, and from the rest of their family.

Now, Diane is delving into the nuances of their shared, and separate, pasts to confront the difficult question of why and how Randy ended up living his life on "the other side of normal". In beautiful and fearless prose that's intertwined with journal entries, letters, and poetry - many of them Randy's own writing and art - this insightful memoir contemplates the inner workings of a family, the ties that hold it together, and the special bond between siblings even when they are pulled far apart. Here is a story about love and responsibility: about how, when we choose to reach out to the people we feel closest to - in moments of difficulty and loss - surprising things can happen. A story with universal echoes, Brother & Sister speaks across generations to families whose lives have been touched by the fragility and "otherness" of loved ones - and to brothers and sisters everywhere.

©2020 Diane Keaton (P)2020 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[A] brave memoir ... Keaton takes a long, hard look at her relationship with her younger brother, Randy, whose descent into mental illness parallels her climb to the stratosphere of stardom.” (Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times Book Review)

"Immersive and haunting...Keaton eloquently and unflinchingly examines her younger brother’s life, drawing from excerpts of his poetry and her mother's journals and letters.... A cohesive, honest look at an entire family impacted by a troubled individual, as well as how Keaton maintained a bond with her sibling despite tremendous challenges. A must for Keaton’s fans and for those seeking to comprehend the nuances of sibling and family relationships." (Library Journal)

"A resonant family memoir - a slim but weighty book. Keaton focuses on her complex relationship with her younger brother, whose escalating instability - vividly described - affected Keaton, her parents, and her two sisters. The author, who became the "family documentarian" after her mother's death, utilizes family letters and journals to enhance the narrative.... Keaton talks about the complexities of loving a brother she never quite knew; of watching him become consumed by alcohol and then 'falling into the process of dying'; and of wishing she had done more to help him.... A haunting meditation on mortality, sibling love, mental illness, and regret." (Publishers Weekly)

So helpful for me

My “Randy” is 6 years older than me, and I don’t have any other siblings. I don’t know what to do about his future, but it was therapeutic for me to listen to Diane’s story. So much was so familiar, and I am grateful to her for having written it. I wish I could have been a better sister too, but it gets so hard when my “Randy” sabotages whatever help I offer him. I think we’re approaching the “let it go” years as well. Thank you, Diane for making me feel a little less lonely.

A different kind of love story.

Keaton gets to know herself and her brother through a non judgemental memoir. it's a beautiful mess. of family relationships examined with empathy and kindness.

besitifully unsettling saga

poignant tragic story of a complicated soul whose beautiful verse was never manifested off paper

The complexity of the bond between sister and brother.

I loved listening to Dianne’s voice. Her laugh is a delight. Anyone who has or had a brother will enjoy.

Mental Illness

Love Diane. Sad family story, as her brother would never live up to what his family expected of him. Mother and sisters loved him, but mental illness can be a slippery slope for people to adjust to.

Excellently written

Really enjoyed hearing about her family even though it was sad. Wish we knew why certain people are the way they are

Loved it!!

I cant find words to share how her families story resonates with my own.
I loved the poetry. So vivid and sometimes so sad. Beautiful story!!

Compelling Family Portrait

I enjoyed listening to this title. I love it when the author is the narrator, and in this case, it really made the story feel real. Diane Keaton tells an interesting and compelling story of her family with the focus on her brother. This helps one to really understand the true impact of mental illness on a family. I appreciated her honesty and willingness to share this personal story.

The complications of understanding our siblings

When I saw this book and read the synopsis, it called my name. I’m sister to two brothers. Both are troubled. Both have come and gone and come and gone. They didn’t choose traditional paths, never owned a home, don’t hold down jobs, never married or had a significant relationship and have serious substance abuse issues. Then there’s me, retired from a successful career, never cared for those “substances”, bought my first home by myself, and found a profound love later in life.

Ms. Keaton’s book is enlightening. It helped me know that there are many just like me and my brothers. It helped me realize we all choose our paths and the only thing I can do is find some empathy.

Years ago, I prayed a prayer that my brothers would find help for their addictions and we could be a family once again. It came true briefly during the funeral of our dad. But it didn’t last and, at the time, I was frustrated and disappointed. Then I was angry. Now I just miss my brothers. Thank you Ms. Keaton for helping keep see that I needed some work too.

A familiar trip through time

A lovely book wrought with familiar boomer childhood stories that awakened memories, fears, regrets & longings of sometimes jagged vulnerabilities.