"Brother & Sister: A Memoir" by Diane Keaton

LLP Week #230 “Brother & Sister” A Memoir by Diane Keaton

For the last 10 years or so, my sister, brother and I have had a monthly conference call. My dad loved this so much because he wanted nothing more for the three of us to be as close as he was to his two sisters. Whenever my dad heard about people fighting with their siblings, he would get a sad look on his face. Garry felt that life is hard enough, and having siblings to help you battle the storm is essential. Actress Diane Keaton, I believe, would agree with this philosophy. “Brother & Sister” is the story of Diane reflecting back on the relationship with her younger brother, Randy. Growing up in the Los Angeles suburbs in the 1950s, Diane was a raised with Randy and her two younger sisters, Dorrie and Robin. The early years of a relatively happy family life quickly turns into a predicament, plagued with confusion and pain when they all realize that Randy is struggling with a mental illness. This brutally honest and brave book shows Diane combing over Randy’s journals, poems and collages, looking for clues to his story, while it also reveals her own inner story and strength. She wants to know why and how her brother ended up living on “the other side of normal.” While her career was taking off with starring roles in critically-acclaimed movies directed by Woody Allen, he was dealing with divorce, alcoholism, depression and eventually a move to an assisted living facility. A talented photographer as well as an actress, this is Diane’s third book and a fascinating read. We don’t get to select our parents or siblings, but choosing to support them is often a leap of faith and love.  To purchase this book on Amazon click here.