Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
By Matthew Perry
- Release Date: 2022-11-01
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
The BELOVED STAR OF FRIENDS takes us behind the scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this “CANDID, DARKLY FUNNY...POIGNANT” memoir (The New York Times)
A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK by Time, Associated Press, Goodreads, USA Today, and more!
“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty.”
So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.
In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.
Reviews
Honest and Genuine
5By Carchule88Matty tells it like it was…I never would have believed he was an addict unless he told it to us in this autobiography. I love how he still found humor through all the pain.A Haunting Read
3By BellaxenaIt was fun hearing Matthew Perry’s life story and taking a tour of the addicted mind. It was difficult reading of his hopes and fears, knowing he had passed from his addiction mere months ago.Enchanting
3By NYNYDANNYRevealing and encouraging to see someone put it on the line. Has theatrics and some measure. But I’d say it almost seems that his eventual death gave more way to the writing, almost like it wasn’t believable enough that he was through. He wrapped up the book quickly with little waves made in the landscape of things that could be. Obviously it couldn’t be about Friends more, but actually, that might’ve sold more. Idk, left a lot to be desired.Engaging and illuminating.
4By LG*2023Engaging read. And of course, sad because we all know the final outcome so soon after the publication of this memoir.Wow!
5By babymonkey666What a life! Too bad he couldn’t handle his drugs, he woulda had way more fun. Quick read. Believe most of it. Think there’s a second book coming cause he’s going to fall off the wagon for sure…. Just read that t again, few months after he passed. Book is even better…..and sad, so sad. Sad that I was right and he did fall off the wagon. Hoping he found a little peace there near the end….Tragic and beautiful
5By DYM53713His life’s story became a goodbye letter to all of us. What a harrowing story of addiction and stardom, intertwined! This is not your typical Hollywood memoir. I highly recommend it. (It’s not for the faint of heart, though…)Matthew Perry’s book … and the big terrible thing
4By cynthia ParkerTo read this book after Matthew Perry’s passing is to understand that he finally lost the battle that he wages in the book. Although a huge talent and a genuinely affable guy, his story as an addict ensures any readers knowledge that an addict is the most selfish person in the world. In later chapters he laments not committing to a relationship, or having children. I say thank god he did not engage as anyone who touched or loved him came away fully scathed.I read it in a day.
5By DiggyBasilWell-written. Engaging. Heart-felt. Heart-breaking.Tough Story
5By MrNMLoweI really enjoyed reading this book and the insight into what real people struggle with. I think it took a lot of courage to say what he went through that most people don’t understand and see.10/10 would read again
5By jjthomastwoOne of the best and most touching books I’ve read. Matthew Perry is real and his story is inspiring to read. Thank you for sharing Matty!Definitely a big terrible thing
5By michiV95This man has been through so much! From the start of the book I was hooked. It’s definitely a good read. So sad he passed away.Love
5By harshbarbargerFor those that rated him a 3 and below… shame on you, just shame on… he had courage and was dealt an awful handSuch a raw and refreshingly honest book!
5By Roomie CommandoWhat courage it took to let us all in and write such an honest book. I’m so sad he’s no longer with us to see how much he touched us all.Not worth the read
1By karrgeckoThis book was not well written. Had a hard to trying to figure out where the writer was going with the story.Very good read
5By bruceweVery heartfelt description of a dark, difficult time. Highly recommend! Sorry Matthew didn’t get to realize his dreams.Great book
5By Jhasa16Beautiful readTouching
5By ck122818For those who are familiar with addiction, this is spot on. It is a fair look at the mess it makes of a person, let alone a famous person, and opens up all the doors to the skeletons I. The closet. Well done, Matthew, well done.Wow!!!
5By Arnies volunteerMatthew’s book was sooooo good….. very insightful… A must read for sure.Couldn’t put it down
5By wytchipooHonest, raw & heartbreaking account of the destructive cycle of addiction by a funny, loving & beautiful soul.
