Best Of: Alex Van Halen / Painter Titus Kaphar

The novel tells the story of Juan Preciado, who promises his mother on her deathbed to find his father, Pedro Páramo, in the town of Comala. Upon arrival, Juan discovers a ghost town inhabited by spectral characters who reveal the tragic and violent history of Comala and the corrupt, cruel life of Pedro Páramo. The narrative is non-linear, jumping between different timelines and perspectives, and explores themes of memory, loss, and the interconnection between the spiritual and physical realms. The book is a classic of Mexican and Latin American literature, known for its magical realism and profound insights into human nature.

In this intimate and open account, Alex Van Halen shares his personal story of family, friendship, music, and brotherly love. The book recounts the brothers’ childhood in the Netherlands and later in Pasadena, California, their early days as musicians, and the rise of Van Halen to rock stardom. It includes tales of musical politics, infighting, and the bad-boy behavior of the band, but primarily focuses on the deep bond between Alex and his brother Edward. The memoir is filled with delightful details and personal anecdotes, including never-before-seen photos from the author’s private archives. It stops at the point of David Lee Roth’s departure from the band in 1984 and does not cover the later years of Van Halen’s career.