A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

[MaineBelle]

I just finished this book last night. Has anybody else read it and have thoughts on it?

My thoughts
- I really appreciated the author's style of writing - lack of punctuation, lack of paragraphs. It leant itself well to the subject matter - very intense. I thought it helped to get inside the author's head -repetition and stream of consciousness

- The part where he rips off his toenail totally disgusted me. I think that is the first time in a book, where I had to turn the page and not read part of it. That part was worse for me then reading about the dentist experience.

- I disliked that he was so negative on the 12 step program, it may not have been for him, but I'm sure it works for many other people.

[mom_to_zoe]

I just finished it a few days ago as well. My book club selected it as this month's book, before we knew Oprah had done the same thing!

I have mixed feelings about the book. On the one hand, I will admit that while I was reading it, I could hardly put it down. The story was very compelling and thought-provoking. I wanted to know how it turned out. On the other hand, I was bothered by how self-congratulatory it was. Yes, he admits to doing some awful, awful stuff while drunk or high. But he also portrays himself as this super-strong guy who can withstand tremendous pain and overcome addiction all on his own -- no 12 steps needed, thank you very much -- not to mention the part where he saves Lilly's life. I feel like he was inviting the reader to come admire him like everyone else in the book did. Puh-leese! Drunk or sober, he was still pretty much an arrogant jerk who thought no one else's rules applied to him.

I must say though, I did agree with him that it seemed ridiculous that the 12 steps are the only possible method to overcome addiction. How can it really be that one-size-fits-all?

One thing I did really appreciate was how rehab brings together such an amazingly diverse group of people. Where else to judges and criminals mingle so intimately?

[Myra]

I could not put this book down, but I can't decide whether I like it. I did like how raw some parts of it were, and I agree that the 12 steps are not for everyone, given the belief in a higher power.

If you're not easily offended, this blog entry is hilarious: http://www.nealpollack.com/cgi-bin/blog/do.cgi/200304290132/permalink

[Wrighty26]

I'm in the middle of this book right now-- and so far I am intrigued. It's so interesting to me that he was 23 when he experienced this, and solely based on his "imaturity" I can understand his negativity towards AA.

I'll be back when I'm finished-- which should be soon :D

[Jessica]

I read this book about a year ago too and I really liked it. I'm surprised you thought the toenail was worse than the dentist--the dentist's office, for me, might have been one of the the most horrific things I've ever read. But when he kept mentioning Babar during that part I would crack up.

A funny story, my sister (who works in the publishing industry) and I were at some party when a really rough-looking guy came in. We kept thinking that he looked like he'd been through the ringer numerous times. Well, of course it turns out to be James Frey. We kept saying "So that's why he looks like this." When we spoke to him, he was very nice but extremely hyper and jumpy when we spoke to him.

[Rose]

I've just started this book last night. I'll be back when I finish.

[Pamela]

Someone is reading this at work right now, and everyone keeps trying to borrow it and read it too. I'm going to have to pick up a copy tomorrow.

[Myra]

Re: the toenail and the teeth...I actually think the hardest parts for me to read were the more emotional ones. The part where he tells Lilly how he lost his virginity killed me. You know what's going to happen, but I was still rooting for him and hoping he would meet some antisocial girl his own age. Of couse not.

[Rose]

I just finished it. I liked the writing style and it helped me understand somewhat how an addict/alcoholic feels and thinks. I think the first part of the book got a bit repetative but the second have picked up a lot. I thought the hardest thing to read was what happened to everyone.

The statistics for people in rehab staying sober is pretty depressing.

[wendalah]

How funny, I just posted that I was reading this in the "what are you reading" thread. I didn't notice this thread.

I'm not done with the book yet, so I'll wait to comment!

[ksull17]

I've read this book twice. I loved it. I loved the writing style, how it is non traditional. I loved how descriptive he is with just about everything, even every day things like taking a shower. You really got a feel for what he was going through. ITA with the dentist and the toe nail part. I had to skip over some of that. But all in all I thought it was a great book. Has anyone read My Friend Leonard? I can't decide which one I like better.

[southerner]

I think Oprah convinced me to go buy it today.

James Frey is on her show next Wednesday, if y'all are interested!

[ksull17]

Definitely! I'm setting the DVR now....:)

[Rose]

That should be a good show.

[Wrighty26]

That should be a good show.

Most definitely!

The thing I love most about this book is that he REFUSES to blame anyone or anything for his addictions. He takes full responsibility-- and that makes this book so likeable. If he had bitched about how he hates his parents, family, and friends I think I would feel differently, regardless of the outcome...

[Rose]

The thing I love most about this book is that he REFUSES to blame anyone or anything for his addictions.

I agree. I have an addict in my life and they do nothing but blame EVERYTHING on other people. It make him likeable.

[eponymous]

I've had skip over the posts here mentioning the, uh, painful thing, same as I skipped over that part of the book.

I feel like I understand addiction and what recovery is like better than I did before, although I can't imagine ever truly understanding without being an addict. At same time, I suspect that he's done a disservice by tearing down 12 step programs, because they really are more successful than most other programs. I also didn't feel like I understood his objection, beyond the "higher power" thing.

Is he on Oprah this Wed or next? I think that I'll tape it, but I might also be ready to move on with my life... it was okay, but the three hours I spent reading it might be enough time out of my life, although I am curious what his relationship with his parents is now.

[Wrighty26]

Not suprising-- James Frey has a blog:
http://bigjimindustries.com/news.php

[mommy2AlliWill]

I read this book in a day and a half. Could not put it down. I could cry from reading the last two pages where he tells you what happened to all the people he met in rehab. ITA on the dentist thing too, had to skip paragraphs because it was too "real". I think it is an amazing account of his success story & although 12 steps is what has the highest success rate, kudos to him for finding his own way to deal with addiciton.

I will be passing this book on to anyone I can because I thought it was that good...can't wait for Oprah either.

[mom_to_zoe]

The thing I love most about this book is that he REFUSES to blame anyone or anything for his addictions. He takes full responsibility

I'm not sure I agree with this. He claims that he takes full responsibility but he certainly describes the conversation with his parents where they explain about his ear infections as a baby and about his alcoholic grandfather. And his counselor Joann argued that this things contributed to his addiction. I felt like he was saying, "I take full responsibility for my addiction, but these trained professionals say it is not my fault, so you choose which you believe." I thought it was a passive-agressive way of getting to blame others without actually blaming them.

[southerner]

just wanted to remind y'all that he's on Oprah tomorrow! I hope the show won't ruin the book for me, but I think that's a risk I'm willing to take ;)

[Wrighty26]

It will probably ruin it a little bit for you-- especially if he talks about his friends... just to give you a heads up! Otherwise- I don't think that there is really anything shocking about the end of the book so you should be ok!

[ksull17]

Oh I can't wait! :) Does anyone know, is he on the whole hour? Lately her shows have been different segments/topics......

[southerner]

I think he's on for most of the show. She has some woman featured whose life was saved by an e-mail (according to the preview)

[craftyT]

I saw Oprah today and now I'm totally intrigued by this book (I have not read it)...

A couple of things I'm unclear about:

On the show today he said "I'd rather go through the physical pain [of dental surgery] than go through the pain of a broken heart any day"... who broke his heart?

And, he seemed really freaky about revisiting his childhood home... I'm not understanding what was so terrible about living there? At first, I thought it was regular teenage angst gone awry but did something tragic happen in his childhood that caused him to go so far over the edge?

Or should I just read the book! ;) :D

[Mystikal]

On the show today he said "I'd rather go through the physical pain [of dental surgery] than go through the pain of a broken heart any day"... who broke his heart?
I think he was referring to Lilly. I think his heart was broken when he lost her.

I loved this book. I come from a family of addicts/alcoholics. My parents, my grandparents, aunts and uncles. My parents alcohol addiction has been very difficult for me as I have dealt with it my entire life. My parents continually give up alcohol and then fall back into their old routines and habits. Reading this book helped me get into their minds and kind of see what they are dealing with on an everyday basis. I know it's hard to give up an addiction, but until I read this book I had no idea how hard.

I loved the fact that he was so honest. I loved that he shared his pain and didn't try to sugarcoat things. I loved the ending. My parents refuse to attend AA or use the 12 step program. Reading this book gave me hope that if he could do it so could they. I'm still hoping. They are going on six weeks of sobriety and I hope it lasts. I finished this book and cried for about ten minutes before I could regain my composure. It really moved me. I'm sorry I missed him on Oprah today. :(

[cr8zyforaf]

I am reading the book and watched the show...I have a lot of respect for him. After he explained the resistance to doing the 12 steps (it isn't that he thinks it is all a load of cr*p, it just wasn't going to work for him) I had a lot more respect for him. Also, I loved how he is e-mailing and visiting people who have the same addictions as him...

However, I was extremely p*ssed that they gave away what happens to Lilly - I am just at the part where they are starting to meet and exchange stories. I saw that he had a wedding band on and was hoping they both made it together...I knew I should have expected spoilers but this really ticked me off.

[Rose]

Bump for njdiva.

[njdiva]

Thanks! ;)

[Kimberland30]

I have heard all the hype about the book and would like to read it, but I'm really hesitant. I was with an addict for 3 years, and while I've gotten over the pain of it, it still burns a little, KWIM? I'd like to read this book, but I'm not sure how it will affect me. Maybe it would be better to just skip it. ??

Has anyone been with an addict (or is related to one) and has read the book?

[gayle]

I found this book absolutely riveting. I am still completely blown away by the dental stuff. Having had several root canals, one on a "hot tooth" I can't EVEN imagine his being able to bear the pain of that.

I have some issue with his vehement rejection of the 12 steps, becuase except for the "God" thing he has effectively worked most of them, which I believe is part of the reason he has maintained his sobriety.

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
Service Material from the General Service Office
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
~~~~~~He clearly and openly admitted this.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
~~~~~~His continued reference to the "truth" in a way subscribes to the Higher Power notion.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
~~~~~He made a decision to pursue the "truth".

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
~~~~He pretty much did this throughout the book.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
~~`He was very willing to admit to everyone that he was a"drug addict, alcoholic and criminal."

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.


7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
~~~~~~he made amends by his candid ownership of his behaviour.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
~~~~~Pretty much did this.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
~~~~~Seemed to be willing to admit his wrongs, clearly and often.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
~~~~~~He didn't own having a spiritual awakening, but he certainly carries the message of his sobriety to others, and has helped many.

Copyright © A.A. World Services, Inc.

Rev.5/9/02

[njdiva]

personal vent:
I have been trying to finish this book for my book club meeting for weeks and I can't seem to finish it. Every chapter seems to drag on for me. Please can someone tell me (apart from his vivid portrayal of his medical experiences) and his ongoing conversations with the residents (i.e. Leonard) - are there any revelations in the end or gripping storylines for that matter.

I am sorry to be such a downer on the book but I am still waiting to be blown away like everyone has stated (including Oprah)... :confused: :confused: .

Don't get me wrong, I have worked in a rehab/long-term care facility before but the author's style of writing is a bit boring to me. I feel like skipping pages &/or chapters will not prevent me from missing much.

p.s. - I saw that he has a new book on the story of Leonard - fyi!

[njdiva]

Well, I'm back and I forced myself to finish the book (mostly b/c my book club meeting was tonight)... that was really my only motivation. The end brought no relevations at all. James continued to downplay the 12-step program but kicked the habit. I did like to read about his relationship with Leonard and roommate, Miles. But I just found his style of writing very difficult to read. But hey - that's just my opinion.

-sidenote- I do find autobiographies &/or memoirs rather hard to read... -sidenote over-...

[Brandy]

Has anyone been with an addict (or is related to one) and has read the book?

I just finished the book today. My brother is an addict (been out of prison since July), so is my cousin (in jail), and my aunt (outstanding warrants). They all constantly relapsing and my brother is the youngest and only one who hasn't been to rehab (he is only 20, an alcoholic who is drinking and I am not sure if he is using right now). Parts of it were really hard to read and other parts were really good to read. It was emotional to say the least but, I'm really glad I read it.

[southerner]

Just wanted to let y'all know that Oprah is reairing the interview with James Frey on Monday's show.

[Wrighty26]

Sweet! I missed it the first time-- and now I have DVR, so I can record it. Thanks for the heads up :)

[Purple]

Thanks Southerner!

I just finished reading the book this week after getting it for Christmas. I did not watch the previous show because I hate "spoilers". I always want to be surprised. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the show.

[sapphire]

Guess I'm one of the few who didn't like the book. Maybe because it hit close to home so to speak. My parents are both alcoholics and druggies. I am glad I read it beacuse the parts where he described what addiction is like just blew me away. Especially where he compared it to orgasms. It helped me to understand why it is soo hard to quit.

[Reenie]

I just read the book over the past week. It is just horrific. I must agree with the OP about the toenail part. Hurl.

What I was wondering was (and I never saw the Oprah show) how long has he been sober, when did this happen, how old is he now, etc.? And do he and his wife have children (wondering if his experiences hurt his fertility and how he'd approach the subject of addiction with them)?

[Myra]

It was over 10 years ago, and I think he and his wife have 2 kids.

[nylons73]

Anyone who has read this book, or who is interested in reading this book should go to "The Smoking Gun" www.thesmokinggun.com ASAP! Come to find out....James Frey has way more fiction in his book than fact!

[msnicolea]

Anyone who has read this book, or who is interested in reading this book should go to "The Smoking Gun" www.thesmokinggun.com ASAP! Come to find out....James Frey has way more fiction in his book than fact!

I read about this. If the "smoking gun" info is true, I'll be very disappointed.