Author: Mathew Perry

Year of Publication: 1st November 2022

As this is an autobiography, story of a survivor, hence I won’t be sharing any ratings.

BUY HERE

Plot:

‘Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.’

It is definitely the most honest autobiography I’ve read in some time.

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 travelled 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.

Matthew Perry reveals the broken family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that propelled him to fame, and the void inside of him that could not be filled even by the fulfilment of his greatest dreams in an extraordinary story that only he could tell. But he also discusses the serenity he’s experienced in recovery and his thoughts on the prevalence of Friends , including tales about his cast mates and other celebrities he encountered on the road. With candour, self-awareness, and his signature comedy, Perry describes his lifelong struggle with addiction and what fed it despite appearing to have it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

is a heartfelt, sensitive, and eye-opening memoir that will stay with you. It also offers support to anyone dealing with sobriety. This is the book that fans have been waiting for—unflinchingly honest, heartfelt, and hilarious.

What I liked/disliked about the book?

I was greatly moved by this book as a fan of Mathew Perry, better known as Chandler Bing. Knowing the extent of Chandler’s troubles behind that grin allowed me to better understand his character. He is really good at it. And you can hear him speak literally in several instances. Could it be any more genuine?

I adored the book’s frank confessions. Being so honest about your personal issues requires courage. Since I can remember, I have loved FRIENDS, and Chandler has always been my favourite character, even though I adore them all. His humour and cynicism originally drew me into the programme. I never thought the actor portraying such a character would be dealing with so many problems. This book offers so much hope. We are all dependent on something, and it encourages you to move forward in a positive direction. It’s not just about substance misuse and its effects. You learn from it that you can’t lead a fulfilling life if you’re not grateful.

The book’s editing should have been improved, but I believe the goal was to keep it unpolished and serve as Perry’s means of communicating with his fans and telling his side of the tale. In general, I don’t talk much about my dislikes in autobiographies, but this one surely did.

I believe that Keanu Reeves is well-liked by the majority of people; in fact, he is frequently referred to as Hollywood’s “good guy.” However, twice in these pages, you mention that Keanu “walks among us” when discussing the deaths of River Phoenix and Heath Ledger. Wishing people dead is not cool and never has been. We can never justify treating the other person like a dust bag.

Will I recommend this book?

Yes, every admirer of Chandler Bing in the world should read this one. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about Hollywood life, I believe this book provides a glimpse into the pressures that lie beneath the smiling faces we see on TV.

Final Verdict

Could this memoir be any more honest?

Yes go ahead and read it 😊