Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing in Play Book Tag

Dec 04, 2022 Susan Tunis rated it it was amazing

I am not a fan of addiction stories. To a large extent, they're all the same exact story. And they're sad. And harrowing. And Matthew Perry's memoir is all of the above.

And yet. He's been a major pop culture figure throughout my life. And the thing is, this isn't a memoir about his life as a performer, it is about his struggle with substances. All the famous people who appear in the book, all the Hollywood trappings, in the end, they're just the day to day reality of this man. Nothing special. I ...more

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Jul 08, 2024 Anita Pomerantz rated it really liked it

I found this book very compelling, especially listening to it being read by the author. I've never been completely on board with the model of "drug addiction" is a disease as opposed to an issue of unfortunate brain chemistry combined with a lack of personal responsibility/desire to stop using. I've read quite a few stories of addiction, and in many ways, this one was the most convincing to me that maybe stopping really is impossible and maybe society really doesn't have the tools to truly help ...more

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Nov 09, 2022 Robin rated it liked it

Shelves: best-of-2022

I love a juicy celebrity memoir and while this had its share of sordid details, it was painful to read. His addictions were some of the worst I've encountered in my past readings, and considering the amount of drugs and alcohol he put in his body over the years, he is indeed a lucky man to still be among the living. For the most part, he was beyond candid about his experiences (and quite crass at times) although he was a little coy in talking about some of his relationships. I sincerely hope Mat ...more

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Jun 14, 2024 Leah K rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, kindle, memoir

I absolutely hate rating memoirs. Who am I to decide whose life story is worth 5 stars or 2 stars? And my love for Matthew Perry makes me want to rate this high. But in the end I had to go with 3.5ish. it's repetitive and it felt like something was missing. Perry is honest and it's no secret he dealt with addiction and depression. Most of the book revolves around his addiction and while one side of my brain was like "ok, enough already, we get it", the other half said "this makes sense. Addictio ...more

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Nov 20, 2023 Kristina rated it really liked it

Shelves: celeb-memoir, memoir

Of course, I read this one due to the unexpected loss of Matthew Perry in late October of this year.

I'm glad I read it as I bought it when it came out in 2022, but I was infuriated by a seemingly thoughtless quote of Perry's that seemed unkind to fellow actor (and amazing human being) Keanu Reeves. I'm glad Perry made amends there and I enjoyed so much of his memoir. It's ridiculous how talented he was, but fame, and talent--- are no match for addiction and Perry didn't hold back discussing som ...more

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Feb 09, 2024 Nora Alexander rated it liked it

Shelves: audiobooks, non-fiction

There is nothing feel good about this book especially knowing the final outcome. The author gave me 10 years of many laughs. So very sad to now find out was he was going through. May he RIP and help others through his foundation.

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Jan 21, 2023 Jael rated it really liked it

Wow and wow!! I don't think I was aware or had read how deep into addiction Matthew Perry was. Very eye opening. As I was listening it made me want to go see the episodes of Friends he was referring to or the movies and pay attention to the details... I work with patients with this disease and it certainly gives me a good point of view ...more

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Feb 25, 2023 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: 40-book-challenge, memoir

Brutally honest and sad, this memoir gives the reader insight into addiction that, unless you suffer from that disease yourself, you may otherwise not get. I wish him well.

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