Review by mattyvreads - Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

mattyvreads 's review for:

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

3.25

challenging emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed elements of this book. There was a lot of thoughtful, poignant moments of reflection about his life and about addiction, in general, that made for a really interesting and powerful read. In this way, the book really is quite informative, because it explores a personal relationship to some very heavy, deep topics.

Naturally, other parts of this book read more like a tabloid. I was frustrated with moments of the book where Perry's writing is vague, surface level, or seeming to purposefully obfuscate the full story, and as the reader, I sensed that there were half truths and omissions in some of his narratives. Whether purposeful or accidental, I felt that we weren't always getting what really went down with some of his relationships, friendships, or life choices. I am sure that it is hard to be objective when recounting one's own life, but then again, he included those stories for a reason....

I was craving a more satisfying resolution, or at least more thoughtful analysis. A lot of the book feels unfinished and somewhat shallow. I was struck by how he often came off as self-hating, but then other times egotistical, all within the same breath. It is fascinating.

I would not read this book again, but I am glad that I read it once. I was glad to learn more about his life.

Content Warnings