Questions About A Million Little Pieces

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Answered Questions (6)

I am debating whether to read this. I don't think the fact he sold it as non-fiction when it wasn't is the biggest deal but is it actually a good story? Does it serve as a deterrence for drug use and alcohol abuse? Is it moving despite the 'scandal?' Thank you.

Carol Waters The writer is an ass. He pontificated on the use of willpower as a means of attaining sobriety and put down some of the most reputable treatment progr…moreThe writer is an ass. He pontificated on the use of willpower as a means of attaining sobriety and put down some of the most reputable treatment programs in this country while he lied about having an addiction. My concern is that he encouraged people to avoid one of the few things that might give them a chance at life. Detoxing at home can be deadly, because it's a medical issue, not cheap entertainment. He romanticized addiction, overstated his role as a charmer who beat the odds, and did the one thing that one can't do if one hopes to have a decent chance at recovery: lived in the lie. Thinking this was a good plot is right up there with believing that Wizard of Oz was a travelogue. If he'd admitted it was fantasy he at least would have maintained his dignity. Jerk. (less)

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I'm 16 and don't struggle with any sort of addiction, will this book do me much good or be interesting to me? I heard that the main character is very broken, that the story is pretty fucked up, but it's also really good. Is it worth my time? I have a lot of other books I want to read so if anyone who has read it could give me a quick reply that would be great!

Jeff Jones I read the book just after it was published and have to say I felt a little cheated when I read that it was fictional. However, that lasted very littl…moreI read the book just after it was published and have to say I felt a little cheated when I read that it was fictional. However, that lasted very little time before I realised I should just admire it as a novel that I found easy, compelling and an interesting take on a world I have a little knowledge of.
Read it, not personally struggling with addiction doesn't mean the world of addiction is something you should have no interest in or knowledge of.(less)

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I read this book years ago when he (the author) appeared on Oprah. I remember he fabricated the story and was not truthful about some of the events. Is this a different story or is it the same?

Kathy Personally, I think it's the same. I read it a long time ago as well and remember when it all came out that it was completely fabricated. …morePersonally, I think it's the same. I read it a long time ago as well and remember when it all came out that it was completely fabricated. (less)

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Is there any reason that the book is set up the way it is? For example, there are no quotation marks and random words are capitalized. It really makes the reading confusing, but it also really interests me. I've never seen a book written like this and I am heavily confused.

Elsa Do you need quotation marks? :)
I found it creative. The way the narrative blends with the dialogues. The repetition and variations/augmentations of wo…moreDo you need quotation marks? :)
I found it creative. The way the narrative blends with the dialogues. The repetition and variations/augmentations of words reminds me of Music (Jazz and Classical compositions)
The deprivation of punctuation is not that original. José Saramago (Nobel Prize in Literature - 1998) went even further.(less)

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I've just finished reading James Frey book, A Million Little Pieces and posted a small review. I enjoyed the book. However, I've just seen several comments from other readers regarding the authenticity of the book as a true story. Where can I read further details about the background of the writer and the truth about the fiction or non fiction comment?. I feel a bit cheated for some reason.

Chris Cerar You can find some biographical info in a basic Google search and there is a ton of info written about the lack of authenticity. However, I think you h…moreYou can find some biographical info in a basic Google search and there is a ton of info written about the lack of authenticity. However, I think you have to look past the fact that the book isn't 100% factual (really, what is?) and think about it more from the perspective of the story Frey is trying to tell. I think THE story is more important than HIS story.(less)

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