Beach Boy Mike Love brings memoir to Naperville

Surfboards, California girls, sunny beaches, go-fast cars, huarache sandals and the catchy songs of a generation all can be traced to one of America's most popular bands: The Beach Boys.

Mike Love, a founding member of the iconic band, comes to Naperville to sign his memoir, "Good Vibrations," at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.

Tickets are available with the purchase of the book at Anderson's. For information, call (630) 355-2665 or visit andersonsbookshop.com.

In his memoir, Love tells the story of his legendary, raucous, and ultimately triumphant five-decade career as the frontman of The Beach Boys, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the song he wrote, "Good Vibrations."

Love has spent 55 years and counting as the group's lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. From their California roots to their international fame, The Beach Boys are a story of overnight success and age-defying longevity; of musical genius and reckless self-destruction; of spirituality, betrayal and forgiveness.

Love is the only band member to be part of it each and every step. His story is how a sheet-metal apprentice became the quintessential frontman for America's most successful rock band, singing in more than 5,600 concerts in 26 countries.

In the book, Love describes the stories behind his lyrics for pop classics such as "Good Vibrations," "California Girls," "Surfin' USA," and "Kokomo," while providing vivid portraits of the turbulent lives of his three gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson.

Love himself has experienced both the diabolical and the divine - from Charles Manson's "family" threatening his life to Maharishi instilling it with peace. A husband, a father and an environmentalist, Love has written a book that is as layered as the Beach Boy harmonies themselves.

Co-writer James S. Hirsch is a journalist and New York Times best-selling author whose books include biographies of Willie Mays and Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, and examinations of military issues, the health care system, and global philanthropy.

Hirsch won the Christopher Award for "Walk in Their Shoes: Can One Person Change the World." Hirsh will not be at the Anderson's event.