Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Celebrity Memoir
Length: 272 pages
Author: Matthew Perry
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell, Matthew Perry takes readers onto the soundstage of the most successful sitcom of all time while opening up about his private struggles with addiction. Candid, self-aware, and told with his trademark humor, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with the disease and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that shares the most intimate details of the love Perry lost, his darkest days, and his greatest friends.

Unflinchingly honest, moving, and hilarious: this is the book fans have been waiting for.

THOUGHTS.

I don’t really know how to go about a non-fiction review (because I rarely read this genre) but, Friends is my ultimate comfort show and I knew I had to listen to Matthew Perry’s memoir.

What I gathered most from this was the sheer complexity of addiction. And the power it can have over someone. I learned a lot and felt like I came out with a better understanding of this topic and more. I also liked hearing some of the behind the scenes stuff about Friends. It’s filled with Perry’s very highest moments and the lowest.

This book is dark, but with the added levity you’d expect from Perry. I listened to it on the audio (which he narrates) so I didn’t notice as many issues as I’ve seen from other reviewers. What I did notice was some repetitive thoughts and such, but I think that if that’s how he wants to write his book, let him?

It felt honest and raw. The ramblings of someone still hoping for love and connection while dealing with darkness on his shoulders. I do hope he continues to stay sober and content with who he is now.

Overall audience notes:

• Memoir
• Language: some strong
• Romance: some mentions of nights with others; innuendo
• Trigger/Content Warnings: dark discussions of alcoholism and drug abuse, descriptions of medical procedures and other medical incidents

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