Thursday, February 2, 2023

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Title: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Author: Matthew Perry

Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction,

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Source: Library

My review:

I chose to read Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing because I loved the TV sitcom Friends. I was very curious to learn more about Matthew Perry.

Since I typically only review clean reads, I will state this is NOT a clean read. There is more language than necessary, and it is very much a tell-all.

I was surprised at the depth Matthew Perry divulged into his personal life. He has had a hard life, and while I felt like it was too much information, it was also like a train wreck where you can't stop reading, you have to know what happens next. I kept reading because I wanted to see if there was any hope in his story or even a happy ending (not that his story is over yet!).

I loved how pictures were included in the memoir. You can see a very young Matthew Perry and other pivotal moments of his family. While he is a funny guy the book is not as humorous as you would think. It is a heavy read. Again, like a train wreck, but also neat to see the man behind the public persona. The timeline was nonlinear, which made it hard to follow at times, and there was some repetition.

I am glad I read this book, if nothing else, to understand Matthew Perry better. 

★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell, Matthew Perry takes readers onto the sound stage 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.

17 comments:

  1. I didn't watch Friends a lot, but this memoir sounds very interesting. And of course it would have to be funny, too.

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    1. Lark, I have watched Friends over and over again (not recently) but I LOVED that show, for the humor. I am glad I read it.

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    2. So have we, Cindy. It is one of our favourite series ever!

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  2. I was a big fan of Friends. I have this one my TBR, but I''ve already read a lot of memoirs this year!

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    1. Wendy, I don't read many memoirs but this is my second this year, LOL!

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  3. I am a huge Friends fan and am very curious about the book. My son gave it to me for Christmas and I have just started reading it. Will come back and read your whole review when I'm done ...

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    1. Marianne, please do, I would LOVE to hear your thoughts as well!

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    2. But of course. It might take a while since I always read about five to six books at the same time and this is certainly one that needs a bit more thought. But I've noted the link and will write when I finish.

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    3. Marianne, I understand! I can't read that many at one time or I wouldn't be able to keep them all straight, LOL!

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    4. I hear that a lot, Cindy. I do make sure that they don't handle the same subject, are not in the same countries, for instance, or the same time frame. Usually works. I get bored with just one book.

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    5. I have finished the book and absolutely loved it.
      Here is my review.

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    6. Awesome, Marianne, headed over now to read it.

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    7. Thanks, Cindy. I'm looking forward to your comment.

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  4. Cindy, I've always enjoyed Matthew Perry's acting and actually had this book on hold at the library. I just so admire his willingness to share his hard things. I watched his interview (with Diane Sawyer, I think?) and it just broke my heart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this, as always I appreciate your perspective! <3

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  5. I have wondered about this book, but I was afraid it was a little too gritty for me. Thanks for the review.

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    1. Kami, yay, it's not a light read. A lot of people gave it poor reviews because they felt Matthew came off as arrogant and pompous, but he was being honest and owning his mistakes.

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