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A review by emilyisabel16
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

challenging dark emotional funny tense slow-paced

4.0

It's so hard for me to rate non-fiction books (in general), and one as serious as this one doesn't make it easier. Matthew Perry takes the reader through his personal thoughts on his struggles with addiction. True to the title, he discusses his time on Friends (and their on-going support) and various romantic relationships, but the vast majority of this book is on the Big Terrible Thing (aka addiction). While some people can become...temporarily addicted to drugs and/or alcohol (my oversimplification by using the word "temporary", not his)...Matthew really puts into words what it is like to be a true addict - something beyond control and cravings, but instead something that is deeply biological and psychological. It wouldn't be a work by Matthew Perry if it didn't have his unique speaking style (how could it be any different?) and some humor thrown in. Unfortunately, the somewhat time-hopping, chaotic storytelling confused me at times. I'm very glad I read it. I will watch the documentary I just learned is coming out Feb 2025. I feel incredibly sad for this man who had been through so much and released a memoir (not an autobiography) only to lose his life shortly thereafter. 
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