Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

Wanted to like this. Wanted to see this as a story for those struggling. It's not. It's mean and it's lacking in personal responsibility. the Keanu comments...wtf. Can I get my money back for a book that sucks?

This was more a story about addiction than the TV show Friends. I was engrossed in the story until the last hour or so when he repeated the same thing over and over again. Eh.

Loved it from start to finish.

Guttural. As a 20 year old that watched the pilot of Friends in 1994 and cried like a baby on the last episode, I was devoted to the entire cast. I too played the game, “Which ‘Friend’ would you want?” Answer: “Chandler.” I knew I wanted to hear what Matthew Perry had to say, but I’m the release of the book already started to get an inside idea. I knew through the press years ago that he had some challenges and left it there. Be careful meeting your hero’s, part of my take away. Matthew made choices I can not comprehend. I also can not imagine the pain he must have felt in his mind. If this book is a giant thank you to the hundreds of people who helped him over decades, it probably still isn’t enough. Does this book bring another magnifying glass to mental health, I hope so to those that listen. For me, I had to take this in 30-45 mins doses because I found it to be so painful and at times a little irritating. His story is his and his life has been very much a challenge. His gift is greater than his demons, I hope.

Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. I found it helpful to hear about your struggles and the power of addiction. I listened to it twice.

Not bad listen. I felt “I’m an addict” was very repetitive and over used. Interesting about the friends piece as they all knew and were supportive. The plane piece and descriptions used were great to paint the picture.

I just started to read it and so far good I recommend

This guy has huge ego. Sad he trash all rehabs his close friends leave him because he so selfish. The part that really took the cake. A very close friend who saved his life many times opened up rehab and Matt gave him 500 thousand - less that a weeks work. Pay at Friends. When the rehab did not do well— he asked for his money back. WTF. Needless to say all his friends abandoned him. He’s very ungrateful spoiled self centered He brags he helped people- but no stories to back it up. He to busy talking about how wonderful he is. I like watching him on friends but his life story is cycle selfishness big ego. I ended dislike him as a person Big time. Shame on you Matt- any person trying get sober would be so discouraged by the way you trash ALL rehabs

I too struggle with demons...while listening too Matty tell of his demons ...I was moved too tears for the pain and struggles he has survived...Keep working the Steps

A sad but inspiring listen. Opened by eyes to the disease of addiction. I hope 'matty' is able to stay clean and sober.

He is a great narrator! His comical delivery and charm are based on self loathing and is very well timed. I listened to this almost non stop. I had to take breaks to shake my head but very quick read. On a personal note, I find him to be a spoiled brat. I still don’t know what his mother did so wrong??? The life he felt he deserved is one that he should have given himself, not submerge into addiction because it wasn’t aligned perfectly. Holly-weird as they say…. Sigh. Love listening though. I’m very happy he is well!

I loved it. As someone who grew up watching Friends, it was amazing to me that we have no clue sometimes the struggles that are happening behind the scenes of anyone. It makes me realize we need to be kinder in this world and check in on everyone we love. We never know the back side to anyone or the demons they struggle with on a daily basis.

Great book and insight into his troubled life

Really really moving. The intricacies of his addictions and pain in his childhood and the deep wounds he carried helps the listeners understand addictions on a deeper level. I have so much compassion and sorrow and love for him and what he suffered with. It takes real bravery and vulnerability to share this, especially since he is so famous. Thank you Matthew, I hope you find your love and you continue to love a full life free from pull to escape. Xo, Angela

Thank you Matthew Perry.

Interesting poignant story told by a comedian about his very tortured life due to his drug/alcohol addiction. It’s practically impossible to believe that he survived all of his crashes but thank God he did. Such hope for so many out there who are fighting addiction! They are not bad people, they are addicted to the crutch. Easy to understand. Hope and pray you stay clean!!

Very open and honest. Proud of Matthew Perry for sharing his story.

Very good, interesting, sad, and funny.

The story was very good and interesting. It’s helpful by giving insight into what it’s like to live, fighting such strong addiction. Matthew doesn’t hold back so at times you wonder why anyone would want to be his friend. It’s likely his humor. He uses self deprecating yet honest humor as he tells about his life. It was a very interesting book and it was done before I knew it.

It was tough subject matter and i needed to take breaks, but I did appreciate his humor. He is an addict and therefore his behavior and mindset is that of an addict and can come off as entitled, when in fact he’s- an addict.

entertaining the way he describes things. so crazy to see the sad and hard life he has lived.

Totally awesome.

My heart goes out to Matthew Perry. Addiction is no joke, the fact that he overcame it should be celebrated!

If you are a Matthew Perry fan you will love this book. Glad that he finally got it together.

One of the best books I’ve listened to in a long time. Matthew is a great storyteller and incorporates his humor and sarcasm during the most intense parts. His raw honesty and desire to help others who struggle with addiction is inspiring. It will be a definite listen-again book for me!

Great book

I am amazed by your honesty and heartbroken of what your 30 years have brought you Matthew . My son is 25 and I’m devastated of what he is going through any guidance would be most grateful. Thank you Matthew for your beautiful journey! You are truly loved …Always, Lori Dean

I thought Matthew Perry's memoir was honest and brave, but most importunately much about love & compassion. I hope this memoir will continue to help him stay sober and live a healthy joyful life. It's never too late!

What a brave, honest and great memoir. As a huge fan of Matty’s I love him more now than ever. He is brutally honest about his struggles and owns it. He is just a genuine guy.

very good boom

Great memoir! Loved it!

I will never watch friends the same again!