A Million Little Pieces
21 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by MissBagpuss from Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire United Kingdom on Friday, June 4, 2004
"aged just 23, james frey had destroyed his body and his mind almost beyond repair when he enters a rehabilitation centre....his lack of self-pity, cynicism and piety gives him an unflinching honesty - a fearless candour that is at once charming and appalling, searing and darkly funny"
i'm not usually a fan of "rehab" autobiographies, as i find most of them sound the same after the first few pages. although this has inevitable similarities with others due to the very nature of the subject matter, that's where the links end.
what i like most about this book is the author's total refusal to blame anyone else for his own addictions, which makes a refreshing change in today's culture of "it's not my fault". he detests the psychobabble which is thrown at him during his rehab, and refuses even to accept his addictions are an illness. instead, he chooses to view them as his own personal choices, and ultimately this is how he manages to clean up and remain sober.
a very good read.
i'm not usually a fan of "rehab" autobiographies, as i find most of them sound the same after the first few pages. although this has inevitable similarities with others due to the very nature of the subject matter, that's where the links end.
what i like most about this book is the author's total refusal to blame anyone else for his own addictions, which makes a refreshing change in today's culture of "it's not my fault". he detests the psychobabble which is thrown at him during his rehab, and refuses even to accept his addictions are an illness. instead, he chooses to view them as his own personal choices, and ultimately this is how he manages to clean up and remain sober.
a very good read.
Journal Entry 2 by MissBagpuss at Bookrelay in BookRelay.Com, Bookrelay -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 10, 2004
Released on Thursday, June 10, 2004 at Bookrelay in Bookrelay, Bookrelay Controlled Releases.
sent to another bookcrosser via bookrelay site
sent to another bookcrosser via bookrelay site
Journal Entry 3 by spiderchic from Droylsden, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Saturday, June 12, 2004
Received this today via bookrelay!
Journal Entry 4 by spiderchic from Droylsden, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Finished reading this book last night and thought it was wonderful!
You never felt sorry for James but felt for him - if that makes sense.
You never felt sorry for James but felt for him - if that makes sense.
Journal Entry 5 by spiderchic from Droylsden, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Starting a bookray
Participants so far:
atnaturesmercy US (US/CAN)
sweetsangria US
Hawkette US
Readinator Aus
fuji Aus
Participants so far:
atnaturesmercy US (US/CAN)
sweetsangria US
Hawkette US
Readinator Aus
fuji Aus
Journal Entry 6 by spiderchic from Droylsden, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Friday, August 6, 2004
Sent out to atnaturesmercy today
Just received this in the mail today. Thanks so much spiderchic! I have one other book ahead of this one and then will start on it asap.
Wow - this book was so powerful! I found that I often had to remind myself that this was actually a true story, because I was completely shocked that someone could live through all that James did and be alive and well to tell his story. I especially loved how James insisted on taking responsibility for all his actions and refused to accept excuses for his own behavior. Definitely a worthwhile read.
I'll be mailing this out to sweetsangria on Monday, Aug 16.
I'll be mailing this out to sweetsangria on Monday, Aug 16.
This came in the mail today and I am looking forward to jumping into it. It has over 500 pages, which usually intimidates me a little...so hopefully it won't take me too long to get through.
I really loved this book. It was real and the characters were real. I was cheering for James and Lilly, hoping their love could make it. I also loved how he didn't use quotation marks or indented paragraphs. When I read the last section about what happened to everyone, I burst into tears. I guess Life doesn't always have a fairytale ending." I listen to the leaves. I stare at the ground. I try to lose myself. I try to forget where I am and why I'm here, I try to forget about what lies in front of me. I try to forget about death, prison and recovery. I try to forget that there is a world outside of that which is in my head and I try to forget that there is a world within my head. I try to forget everything."
Journal Entry 11 by sweetsangria at Another Bookcrosser in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Oregon USA on Friday, September 10, 2004
Released 19 yrs ago (9/10/2004 UTC) at Another Bookcrosser in -- Mail, by hand, rings, RABCks etc, Oregon USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
I sent this off to Hawkette in Australia.
I sent this off to Hawkette in Australia.
Journal Entry 12 by Hawkette from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, November 23, 2004
I was actually just wondering about this book yesterday, and here it is! This is one I have had on my wishlist for awhile. Thanks for sharing.
What a shame the little sparkly dot cover doesn't show for the book details.
What a shame the little sparkly dot cover doesn't show for the book details.
Journal Entry 13 by Hawkette from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Oh My God, this book is brilliant!! I have even given it a 10, which I rarely do. But this is easily the best book I have read in ages.
James wakes up in a plane, in the worse mess, barely knowing who he is, let alone where he is going. Turns out he has been put on a plane home, where his parents drive him to a Treatment Clinic to try and deal with his drug and alcohol addictions.
It pulls you in right from the start. The pace is just right, and James' voice is powerful. It is written like a stream of thoughts and voices, where, like him, you are fully sure all the time if it is someone speaking to him, his thoughts, or what.
James takes full responsibility for the state he is in, and refuses to be allowed to fall back on something that he doesn't believe in to help him get better. He does it his way, and he does it touch. The trip to the dentist and dealing with his parents are some of the most compelling moments I have read in a long time.
I held my breath right through the search for Lilly, and during James' actions upon his release....(trying not to give anything away....) And the news of the characters we had got to know throughout James' time in the Clinic was heartbreaking.
One passage I thought powerful enough to remember...
'An Addict is an Addict. It doesn't matter whether the Addict is white, black, yellow or green, rich or poor or somewhere in the middle, the most famous Person on the Planet or the most unknown. It doesn't matter whether the addiction is drugs, alcohol, crime, sex, shopping, food, gambling, television, or the fucking Flintstones. The life of an Addict is always the same. There is no excitement, no glamour, no fun. There are no good times, there is no joy, there is no happiness. There is no future and no escape. There is only an obsession. An all-encompassing, fully enveloping, completely overwhelming obsession. To make light of it, brag about it, or revel in the mock glory of it is not in any way, shape or form related to its truth, and that's all that matters, the truth...' (p.210).
I feel like I learnt so much about addiction, and even the stats and what it all is like, and even what all the drugs do to your body. I was astounded at the stats of the Clinic - shit!
Will be passing on shortly, and will definately be raving about it some more to people!!
James wakes up in a plane, in the worse mess, barely knowing who he is, let alone where he is going. Turns out he has been put on a plane home, where his parents drive him to a Treatment Clinic to try and deal with his drug and alcohol addictions.
It pulls you in right from the start. The pace is just right, and James' voice is powerful. It is written like a stream of thoughts and voices, where, like him, you are fully sure all the time if it is someone speaking to him, his thoughts, or what.
James takes full responsibility for the state he is in, and refuses to be allowed to fall back on something that he doesn't believe in to help him get better. He does it his way, and he does it touch. The trip to the dentist and dealing with his parents are some of the most compelling moments I have read in a long time.
I held my breath right through the search for Lilly, and during James' actions upon his release....(trying not to give anything away....) And the news of the characters we had got to know throughout James' time in the Clinic was heartbreaking.
One passage I thought powerful enough to remember...
'An Addict is an Addict. It doesn't matter whether the Addict is white, black, yellow or green, rich or poor or somewhere in the middle, the most famous Person on the Planet or the most unknown. It doesn't matter whether the addiction is drugs, alcohol, crime, sex, shopping, food, gambling, television, or the fucking Flintstones. The life of an Addict is always the same. There is no excitement, no glamour, no fun. There are no good times, there is no joy, there is no happiness. There is no future and no escape. There is only an obsession. An all-encompassing, fully enveloping, completely overwhelming obsession. To make light of it, brag about it, or revel in the mock glory of it is not in any way, shape or form related to its truth, and that's all that matters, the truth...' (p.210).
I feel like I learnt so much about addiction, and even the stats and what it all is like, and even what all the drugs do to your body. I was astounded at the stats of the Clinic - shit!
Will be passing on shortly, and will definately be raving about it some more to people!!
Caught from Hawkette, thanks! Will read and pass on! Thanks spiderchic for sharing!
Just realised I hadn't journalled the book. I devoured it over the long weekend (Anzac Day in Australia). What an amazing read. So powerful and so sad, but uplifting too. As well as finding his personal journey so moving, his book really opened my eyes to what must be like to do battle with addictions, and the kind of experiences and environmental factors that make people turn to drugs and alcohol as an escape. James is a pretty impressive young man, and young writer too. I wonder if he has any more books in him?
Thanks so much, spiderchic for sharing this. I will send it on to fuji once I have an address.
Thanks so much, spiderchic for sharing this. I will send it on to fuji once I have an address.
Next participant asked to be skipped, so gave the book to lmn60 at a Bookcrossing mini-meetup at Verb Cafe, Flemington, for inclusion in a bag for felicia-fairy's new BCZ in Mackay.
Picked up at the Verb Cafe brunch meet-up. I will reserve this for the bag I'm sending to felicia-fairy for her OBCZ.
Thanks so much!
Book has arrived safely in Mackay and is waiting patiently for the new OBCZ to open.
Book has arrived safely in Mackay and is waiting patiently for the new OBCZ to open.
Due to the rave journal entries I'm going to hang onto this one for a little while myself, then release it over at the OBCZ when I've read it.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Am only just starting to read this and finding it amazing.
Have decided to send it out on another Ray, there is still a lot of interest in the book, particularly with recent articles in The Smoking Gun and an interview on larry King CNN in the states, suggesting that much of the book is fabricated.
I don't want to read too many of the articles before I finish the book!
Have decided to send it out on another Ray, there is still a lot of interest in the book, particularly with recent articles in The Smoking Gun and an interview on larry King CNN in the states, suggesting that much of the book is fabricated.
I don't want to read too many of the articles before I finish the book!
BOOKRAY:
There is a lot of interest in this book and many people have signed up for the ray, so please try and do the right thing by everyone and get the book turned around within a month. Even then it will take years for some people to get the book!
Ray participants:
1. goodthinkingmax (Aus, Aus)
2. Kirst040 (Aus, Aus)
3. Michyj (Aus, Aus)
4. tqd (Aus, Aus)
5. elisabethlily (Aus, Aus)
6. cosmic-gin (Aus, Aus)
7. fushmush (Aus, Int)
8. mrsordonez (US, US)
9. heartsong2 (US, US)
10. arugh48187 (US, US)
11. DoveiLibri (US, US)
12. mellion108 (US, Int)
13. moraelyn (US, US)
14. SqueakyChu (US, US) <- Asked to be skipped.
15. Luintaurien (US, Int)
16. bestfriends (France, EUR)
Wild release? Trade? etc etc
There is a lot of interest in this book and many people have signed up for the ray, so please try and do the right thing by everyone and get the book turned around within a month. Even then it will take years for some people to get the book!
Ray participants:
1. goodthinkingmax (Aus, Aus)
2. Kirst040 (Aus, Aus)
3. Michyj (Aus, Aus)
4. tqd (Aus, Aus)
5. elisabethlily (Aus, Aus)
6. cosmic-gin (Aus, Aus)
7. fushmush (Aus, Int)
8. mrsordonez (US, US)
9. heartsong2 (US, US)
10. arugh48187 (US, US)
11. DoveiLibri (US, US)
12. mellion108 (US, Int)
13. moraelyn (US, US)
14. SqueakyChu (US, US) <- Asked to be skipped.
15. Luintaurien (US, Int)
16. bestfriends (France, EUR)
Wild release? Trade? etc etc
Journal Entry 22 by emmafiles from Murrumba Downs, Queensland Australia on Tuesday, January 17, 2006
I couldn't put this book down, not for one second. Sometimes it made me angry, it shocked me and made me cry and made me laugh and all in all it was a bloody fantastic read. I don't at all care if it was true or realistic it seemed bloody honest and moved with incredible pace.
Wow.
Great, great stuff.
Can't wait to get this moving and read by more people.
Wow.
Great, great stuff.
Can't wait to get this moving and read by more people.
Journal Entry 23 by goodthinkingmax from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Monday, January 23, 2006
Collected this from the mail box on the way to the bus stop and a few hours later I am already engrossed. Thanks felicia-fairy.
Journal Entry 24 by goodthinkingmax from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, January 26, 2006
An engrossing read, whether it's fiction or non fiction. The simple conversational style of writing works so well and kept me turning the pages! Books about Rehab would not generally feature on my first choice of reading material but the positive reviews from other Bookcrossers worked again. I do not feel inspired or motivated by this book but it was a very interesting tale of what life and characters might be like in a rehabilitation unit.
The articles about James Frey on the Smoking Gun website are also enthralling but I recommend reading them after you've read the book!
Will send or pass this to kirst040 soon.
The articles about James Frey on the Smoking Gun website are also enthralling but I recommend reading them after you've read the book!
Will send or pass this to kirst040 soon.
Picked up from goodthinking max at the Sydney 'extraordinary' meetup.
I'm really looking forward to reading this given the recent controversy.
Coincidentally on the way to meetup tonight there was a segment about Frey on ABC's PM radio program - transcript is here.
I'm really looking forward to reading this given the recent controversy.
Coincidentally on the way to meetup tonight there was a segment about Frey on ABC's PM radio program - transcript is here.
I finished this last week but wanted to wait a few days before journalling to get my thoughts in order.
Ordinarily I would have raved about this, a compelling and brave account of addiction and rehab however the recent revelations about Frey meant that I was second guessing the whole time, wondering what was true and what may have been fabricated. I was unable to take any of it at face value.
I read the Smoking Gun articles after I finished so I now have a better grasp and what "really" happened.
I thought Frey's attitude towards his addiction and recovery was interesting
and his refusal to blame anyone or anything but himself was refreshing. A relative of mine is currently struggling with addiction so it was intriguing to see the contrasts in their journeys and treatment.
I did enjoy his style of writing and while I probably won't actively seek it out if I see 'My Friend Leonard' around I'd give it a go.
michyj has asked to be moved further down the list so this will be mailed to tqd tomorrow. Thanks everyone - it was great to have the opportunity to read this.
Ordinarily I would have raved about this, a compelling and brave account of addiction and rehab however the recent revelations about Frey meant that I was second guessing the whole time, wondering what was true and what may have been fabricated. I was unable to take any of it at face value.
I read the Smoking Gun articles after I finished so I now have a better grasp and what "really" happened.
I thought Frey's attitude towards his addiction and recovery was interesting
and his refusal to blame anyone or anything but himself was refreshing. A relative of mine is currently struggling with addiction so it was intriguing to see the contrasts in their journeys and treatment.
I did enjoy his style of writing and while I probably won't actively seek it out if I see 'My Friend Leonard' around I'd give it a go.
michyj has asked to be moved further down the list so this will be mailed to tqd tomorrow. Thanks everyone - it was great to have the opportunity to read this.
This turned up in the mail yesterday, thanks kirst040! I've got a few books ahead of it, but will get to it asap. (I should be able to turn it around within the month, no worries.)
I found rather amusing on the front page the quote "clear sighted and intellectually honest".
I know that was written before the whole Smoking Gun thing (and I'll read that stuff after I read the book!), but it made me laugh. Maybe intellectual honesty has nothing actually to do with the truth... ;)
I found rather amusing on the front page the quote "clear sighted and intellectually honest".
I know that was written before the whole Smoking Gun thing (and I'll read that stuff after I read the book!), but it made me laugh. Maybe intellectual honesty has nothing actually to do with the truth... ;)
Okay, I started this one a couple of nights ago. And, yes, it is compelling. In a voyeuristic train crash sort of way. I continued reading it last night (although I skipped the section about the root canal without any anaesthetic; dear ghod, I really don't need to read that sort of shit).
And I don't think I'll read any more.
It's not the fact that it's all made up (or highly embellished), it's the fact that James Frey is frankly a git. I woudn't want to spend time with him, I don't want to read his "memoir". He seems obsessed with proving that he's the baddest person around, and if he wants to do that, fine. Just don't do it on my time, I have better things to do than to pay attention to such a self-promoting selfish horrible violent person.
I'm up to page 133 and there's still hardly any hint as to why he's such a self-destructive person, which would have made it an easier read. At the moment, he's horrible because he's horrible. Not because of anything that happened in his life, but just because that's the sort of person he is (or wants to be known as, which is even weirder, who actively wants to be known - and actively promotes the image - as such a dreadful person?).
And I really don't think I could cope with another vomiting scene. I should have counted how many times he threw up, it would have been an interesting statistic.
Although I do like his Capitalisation. Shall have to use that more Myself.
Not giving this a rating, as I didn't really get far enough into it. (But, if pushed, maybe a 4. The writing was certainly fresh and compelling, so points for that.)
I've got elisabethlily's address already so will pop this in the post asap.
And I don't think I'll read any more.
It's not the fact that it's all made up (or highly embellished), it's the fact that James Frey is frankly a git. I woudn't want to spend time with him, I don't want to read his "memoir". He seems obsessed with proving that he's the baddest person around, and if he wants to do that, fine. Just don't do it on my time, I have better things to do than to pay attention to such a self-promoting selfish horrible violent person.
I'm up to page 133 and there's still hardly any hint as to why he's such a self-destructive person, which would have made it an easier read. At the moment, he's horrible because he's horrible. Not because of anything that happened in his life, but just because that's the sort of person he is (or wants to be known as, which is even weirder, who actively wants to be known - and actively promotes the image - as such a dreadful person?).
And I really don't think I could cope with another vomiting scene. I should have counted how many times he threw up, it would have been an interesting statistic.
Although I do like his Capitalisation. Shall have to use that more Myself.
Not giving this a rating, as I didn't really get far enough into it. (But, if pushed, maybe a 4. The writing was certainly fresh and compelling, so points for that.)
I've got elisabethlily's address already so will pop this in the post asap.
Received in the mail yesterday, thanks tqd. I will get on to it as soon as possible!
Well, I have to agree with tqd on this one. I do wish I had read this book prior to all the controversy, because I just cannot imagine why it was so successful! The writing style really annoyed me, and I only finished the book because I am the type of person who has to complete every book I start. There were a couple of sections that had me more interested, and I didn't mind the ending so much. And the whole thing made me feel as if I was unsympathetic..... anyway, not a book that I would be in a hurry to recommend to a friend to read, although I have talked about it a bit (why was it so popular?). Thanks for the bookring- I will pass it onto the next on the list as soon as possible.
Just received this in the mail from elisabethlily and will start it as soon as I finish up my current bookring!
I'll have to agree with TQD's comments on this one. I got up to page 113 and I hate to say it, but I'm throwing in the towel on this one and posting it off to cosmic-gin as soon as I get her mailing address. I just found his writing style to be too repetitive for me. It seemed like I was reading about the same thing over and over and I mean it literally, he repeated sentences over and over. This just wasn't a book for me, I'm one of the very few that didn't find it captivating. Because I didn't read it to the end, I won't be rating it. I'm glad I signed up for the ring so I could get a 'glimpse' of what all the hype was about.
MAILED MONDAY APRIL 10, 2006 TO COSMIC-GIN
MAILED MONDAY APRIL 10, 2006 TO COSMIC-GIN
Journal Entry 33 by cosmic-gin from Wagga Wagga, New South Wales Australia on Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Received safe and sound! Have one book before I read this one (short story), will post my thoughts when I'm done :)
Journal Entry 34 by cosmic-gin from Wagga Wagga, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, May 13, 2006
Ok - I tried and tried :D but I still can't manage to read all of this book! I don't know whether it's the fabrication elements, the repetative writing, the endless descriptions of vomit, the tough 'hardcore' act or what. But it just didn't interest me enough to go past 120 pages. I try to read beyond 100 pages to give books a go, and if I'm not feeling it then I pass. I have other books on my TBR pile that need attention :) Thanks for sharing though.
Posted to fushmush today :)
Received in the mail today. I have one and a half bookrays in front of it.
Oh look! My friend Hawkette has read this book! Helloooooooooooo!
Oh look! My friend Hawkette has read this book! Helloooooooooooo!
I'm feeling very ambivalent about this novel. After the first 100 page struggle (it does get better afterwards), it was an engrossing read. However, I am concerned about the whole fact vs fiction debate. If it's fiction, don't tell us it's a memoir. It looks like he used it as way of selling more books (and it worked).
From the smoking gun article:
"While claiming that he does not desire to become the poster boy for unconventional recovery, Frey has nonetheless emerged as a source of inspiration and guidance for countless substance abusers (as well as their friends and loved ones) and other readers who have embraced "A Million Little Pieces" as a forthright, honest, and unconventional look at addiction."
Ignore the 12 steps; you too can beat your addiction by just saying "No!". Well, did he really? BAH!
From the smoking gun article:
"While claiming that he does not desire to become the poster boy for unconventional recovery, Frey has nonetheless emerged as a source of inspiration and guidance for countless substance abusers (as well as their friends and loved ones) and other readers who have embraced "A Million Little Pieces" as a forthright, honest, and unconventional look at addiction."
Ignore the 12 steps; you too can beat your addiction by just saying "No!". Well, did he really? BAH!
Arrived safely, thank you for sharing! I'll journal more before passing on this bookring.
Arrived today! I will start it as soon as I finish what I'm currently reading. Thank you! Hope the family drama doesn't get too overwhelming ;)!
I can't believe I forgot to journal this, but I did get it mailed the same day I finished it, which rarely happens.
I found that at times, I had a hard time putting the book down, at other times, I was really cynical, considering the scandal. I found I couldn't bear to read the description of the dentist office, I think I would have been more impressed and able to read that section if I felt it were true. I kept asking myself if you really can't give a local anesthetic, like Novocain, to an addict. I'm sure not general, but local?
I was sure it was all exaggerated, but I did find the writing style compelling and refreshing. I agree with the journaller who said that he doesn't blame anyone but himself, that was nice, no whining.
I'd recommend it, but treating the dialogue as fiction, which Frey himself admits that he shopped the book around as fiction before settling on the category of memoir.
Heartsong2 still has the book, just needed to add my .02.
Signing off...
I found that at times, I had a hard time putting the book down, at other times, I was really cynical, considering the scandal. I found I couldn't bear to read the description of the dentist office, I think I would have been more impressed and able to read that section if I felt it were true. I kept asking myself if you really can't give a local anesthetic, like Novocain, to an addict. I'm sure not general, but local?
I was sure it was all exaggerated, but I did find the writing style compelling and refreshing. I agree with the journaller who said that he doesn't blame anyone but himself, that was nice, no whining.
I'd recommend it, but treating the dialogue as fiction, which Frey himself admits that he shopped the book around as fiction before settling on the category of memoir.
Heartsong2 still has the book, just needed to add my .02.
Signing off...
I was wondering about the dentist/anesthesia thing too. I might have to ask someone from the psych hospital about that. I'm about 1/3 through the book, and as I think about the scandal, and what I've learned about the author from the book so far, I'm thinking he may not be a very nice person in real life. So for him, the controversy might just be par for the course in his crazy life. Meanwhile, he's laughing all the way to the bank. So, while I would most likely not enjoy this person in real life, as I'm reading it, I'm taking everything with a grain of salt, at the same time I'm thinking this guy, or someone like him, could be my patient, so what can I learn from him.
I'll journal more when I'm done with it. It will be interesting to see if my perceptions change by the end of it.
I'll journal more when I'm done with it. It will be interesting to see if my perceptions change by the end of it.
Well, I've finished the book and I did enjoy it, and appreciated the ending. Personally, for me, from everything I've ever read about memoir, there's a thin line between fact and fiction, memory and truth, so I don't quite get what the controversy is all about. Maybe if some things weren't true, it could be considered hyperbole--maybe it seemed true, or felt true for the person who experienced it. Also, regarding James' recovery, I think James' case could have been unique because of his intelligence, fluency with language, and the fact that he didn't have the same type of childhood trauma that his peers did.
I have arugh's address and will be posting it--usually I go to the post office on Saturday mornings so will post by then at the latest. Thank you so much for sharing. I can't believe how far this book has traveled!
I have arugh's address and will be posting it--usually I go to the post office on Saturday mornings so will post by then at the latest. Thank you so much for sharing. I can't believe how far this book has traveled!
Posting 7/22/06 to arugh48187!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Found this in my mailbox today. I have a couple of bookrings in front of it, but it shouldn't take too long. You can keep track of its progress via my bookshelf.
I must say that I finished this book about a week ago and then contracted some kind of evil intestinal bug and am only now able to journal. Since some journalers seem to have an aversion to detailed descriptions of body functions, I will refrain from further elaboration of my affliction. :>
Anyway, I liked the book; the story as well as the writing style. It was unique and enlightening as to what addiction is, how it can affect you, and how it is something that will never go away. I also appreciated Frey's stance on the 12-step program and his belief that you are responsible for your actions. I've never whole-heartedly believed in the addiction is a disease thing (most likely due to my ignorance) and admire the concept of everything is a personal decision and therefore well within your control.
I liked James even though at times he was somewhat unbelievable. The whole root canal episode made my toes curl, but I didn't quite buy into it. I also thought he was rather well spoken, read, literate, knowledgeable, considering he was high for most of his schooling.
As far as Frey's claim of memoir, I find it somewhat sneaky. I can understand that he might have an agenda and that he desperately wanted to get his book published. People do strange things to achieve their dreams. BUT...to write SEQUEL and still claim non-fiction, now that is reprehensible; the lowest of the low.
Thanks for sharing and sorry for keeping it so long. It will be off in the mail to the next reader in the next few days.
Anyway, I liked the book; the story as well as the writing style. It was unique and enlightening as to what addiction is, how it can affect you, and how it is something that will never go away. I also appreciated Frey's stance on the 12-step program and his belief that you are responsible for your actions. I've never whole-heartedly believed in the addiction is a disease thing (most likely due to my ignorance) and admire the concept of everything is a personal decision and therefore well within your control.
I liked James even though at times he was somewhat unbelievable. The whole root canal episode made my toes curl, but I didn't quite buy into it. I also thought he was rather well spoken, read, literate, knowledgeable, considering he was high for most of his schooling.
As far as Frey's claim of memoir, I find it somewhat sneaky. I can understand that he might have an agenda and that he desperately wanted to get his book published. People do strange things to achieve their dreams. BUT...to write SEQUEL and still claim non-fiction, now that is reprehensible; the lowest of the low.
Thanks for sharing and sorry for keeping it so long. It will be off in the mail to the next reader in the next few days.
Journal Entry 46 by arugh48187 at Post Office at 153rd and Garrett in -- Mailed, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Released 17 yrs ago (9/12/2006 UTC) at Post Office at 153rd and Garrett in -- Mailed, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
DoveiLibri asked to be skipped, so I sent this one off to mellion108 who was next after that. Happy reading!
DoveiLibri asked to be skipped, so I sent this one off to mellion108 who was next after that. Happy reading!
Arrived safely! Thanks for sharing this, felicia-fairy, and thanks, arugh48187, for sending it my way.
I have one book ahead of this one, but I'll read as quickly as I can and get it on to the next participant. Thanks!
Trade paperback, 514 pages
I have one book ahead of this one, but I'll read as quickly as I can and get it on to the next participant. Thanks!
Trade paperback, 514 pages
Finally! I think I gave up on this book at least three times within the first 100 pages. The writing style (that damned random capitalization drove me batty), the content, the dialogue...I just couldn't get into it. I don't know if all the publicity over the true/not true debate soured me on this book before I could even begin it or if I would have felt the same about it no matter what, but I actually found quite a bit of the book to be redundant and boring.
Anyway, I have no idea what's true and what isn't. As a piece of fiction, this is a somewhat decent novel. I did warm up to the story after about 200 or so pages. I was a social worker for many years and had numerous clients who went to various treatment facilities. I can't speak for what actually happens since I was never a staff member or a client at a center, but some of the content of the book didn't ring true (double root canal without anesthetic? counselors disclosing confidential info about patients to other patients?). Out of all the clients at the treatment center, I actually found Frey himself to be the least interesting. I'd like to read some stories about Matty or Roy or The Bald Man. Also, Frey grated on my nerves. Fine. You create your own form of addicition treatment, and it works for you. Great. Hurrah. However, don't look down your nose at how other addicts choose to find their paths to recovery. And for the love of all that is holy, please stop trying to convince me that you are the ultimate Bad Dude. I did appreciate that Frey hammered home the fact that he alone made his choices to use drugs and to continue using. However, some insight into what motivated him to make these choices would perhaps have been interesting.
(Hmmmm, perhaps I'm a bit more put off by the book than I was able to admit after finishing it.)
I'm not interested in reading the Smoking Gun information because I suppose it ultimately doesn't matter if this is a true memoir or if most of it is fabricated. I hope that if Frey truly ever had/has an addiction that he did find successful treatment, and I wish him well. After trudging through this novel and needing so long to get used to the writing style, I can't see myself picking up another book of his. Still, I was curious about this one, and I appreciate the chance to read it.
I have PM'd moraelyn for an address and will ship the book as soon as I have that information.
Thanks for sharing!
UPDATE: Mailed via Media Mail to moraelyn on Nov. 4, 2006
Anyway, I have no idea what's true and what isn't. As a piece of fiction, this is a somewhat decent novel. I did warm up to the story after about 200 or so pages. I was a social worker for many years and had numerous clients who went to various treatment facilities. I can't speak for what actually happens since I was never a staff member or a client at a center, but some of the content of the book didn't ring true (double root canal without anesthetic? counselors disclosing confidential info about patients to other patients?). Out of all the clients at the treatment center, I actually found Frey himself to be the least interesting. I'd like to read some stories about Matty or Roy or The Bald Man. Also, Frey grated on my nerves. Fine. You create your own form of addicition treatment, and it works for you. Great. Hurrah. However, don't look down your nose at how other addicts choose to find their paths to recovery. And for the love of all that is holy, please stop trying to convince me that you are the ultimate Bad Dude. I did appreciate that Frey hammered home the fact that he alone made his choices to use drugs and to continue using. However, some insight into what motivated him to make these choices would perhaps have been interesting.
(Hmmmm, perhaps I'm a bit more put off by the book than I was able to admit after finishing it.)
I'm not interested in reading the Smoking Gun information because I suppose it ultimately doesn't matter if this is a true memoir or if most of it is fabricated. I hope that if Frey truly ever had/has an addiction that he did find successful treatment, and I wish him well. After trudging through this novel and needing so long to get used to the writing style, I can't see myself picking up another book of his. Still, I was curious about this one, and I appreciate the chance to read it.
I have PM'd moraelyn for an address and will ship the book as soon as I have that information.
Thanks for sharing!
UPDATE: Mailed via Media Mail to moraelyn on Nov. 4, 2006
Thought I had journaled this when I got it! I've got such a bad memory. I'm almost done with it, and I've pm'ed SqueakyChu for the next address. I'm enjoying this book so far.
