I manager a store of Waterstones in Essex, England and received (after begging my John Murray rep) a proof copy of James’ new fiction work. AMAZING!!

Such a talented writer and I’m so happy james didn’t disappear after the success of Million Little and Leonard. This book will be huge and I will do everything in my area as I can for it to receive the respect, sales and support that it truly deserves.

Bright Shiny Morning is brilliant! James Frey is such an interesting author and Bright Shiny Morning is another great accomplishment. His comment on LA is extreme and occasionally difficult to read but this just adds to the intense and powerful nature of the book.
I have no doubt that this book will cause as much of a stir as Frey’s previous efforts.

Just finished reading. Loved it, really loved it. Thought it was a crazy tapestry of life, truth, fiction, non. I’ve been a fan since Pieces…

Just finished…. just wonderful exciting writing interesting characters great stories sending you all my stars
especially liked the listing of hospitalized soldiers

Finished reading it a couple days ago and Mr. Frey, you are just an amazing story teller.

So many characters in one book.
James Frey is one talented man.

after living in LA and eventually having to get out of the day to day LA experience - i have to say, James Frey is so right on with hiw account of the places, characters and overall experience! only half way done and can’t wait to finish!

I’m so glad there is another book to look forward to. I can’t wait!!!

wow. ok so i loved the book. it was AMAZNG! the stories and the truth that you tell in uncanny. the story evokes all kinds of emotions and its sad but yet happy and kinda twisted. i loved it!

Also a Waterstone’s Manager. I was so looking forward to reading this proof as I really enjoyed Million and Leonard but I have to say its left me really miffed! I loved Esperanza, Joe, Dylan and Maddie but I kept being distracted away from them with all the stats and really had to fight to finish. Very disappointed hope the next ones better.

1. Donna Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 am

James
I haven’t been peaceful within myself since I left LA in 1994 until I read bright shiny M. You leave you remember the great times the high times the hot times, the rewards and in my case awards.
I’d forgotten that I was tormented the last 5 years I was there. Tormented by the rat wheel’s big and small, and my fellow rodents always spinning. I reached the top of my field was and still am successful if money counts but I roam the east coast trying to accept a quieter life and until now old ghosts were pulling. Thank you for the gut shaking reminder.
You are so entertaining I will get your other books.
All the best to you,and f— them, they’re only characters in the LA slideshow sideshow.
DW
Watercolor fills the sky
Golden heroes drive on by
Here in the land where a man can lose his heart
You got fame on one side and blame on the other
The rich run fast and the poor run for cover
There’s always a new face on the boulevard
Another moon is on the rise
Another soul has jumped the gun
A million alibis are burning in the sun
Out here where the earth moves beneath your feet
Here where you drown if you can’t compete
Here where they eat their children just for fun
But the sound of the city don’t hit so hard
When you’re out there looking for the missing card
Reaching for the brass ring
THE DANCE GOES ON
IS ANYBODY LISTENING
THE DANCE GOES ON
Bodies hard and glistening
THE DANCE GOES ON
AND WE JUST KEEP SPINNING…
ON AND ON AND ON
THE DANCE GOES ON
(c)1999 Donna Weiss Music Inc.BMI, Moonwindow musicBMI

Kim Carnes, Donna Weiss/the dance goes on

Could not put Morning down, read it over July 4th wkend. Pulitzer Prize perhaps - should be considered. Love that you write about real people involved in all the grit and humanity that is day to day real life. Was blown away by Pieces - not only its content but the way you broke all the rules on format: finally. Keep writing. I know whatever, it will be an adventure to read and worth every moment spent reading it.

James, I’m about halfway though my proof of Bright Shiny Morning and thouroughly loving it. It’s great to hear your voice again, and to be back in your company once more. I work for Waterstone’s bookstore in Liverpool and I was hoping to be in your company in real life at the end of July but I’ve heard today that you’ve had to cancel your visit - we don’t know why, but I hope all is well with you and yours. I pushed to get the event at our store, and had bagged the job of looking after you for the evening - really disappointed we don’t get to meet for real. Maybe another time, eh? I absolutley adored Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard and have taken no notice whatsoever of the Oprah nonsense. Yours is a clear, true voice that speaks to many and that’s the bit that comes through over everything. You did good. I wish you luck and I’ll hopefully get to tell you all this face to face at some point in the future - maybe when the paperback comes out…? Peace and love to you, Sarah x

Please keep writing, and I will continue to be one of your legion of fans. Bright Shiny Morning…awesome, just like the others. Just want to say ‘thanks’. Jay, British Columbia, Canada

Bright Shiny Morning was amazing. I love the way you write. I’ve never been interested in books until I read yours. I want to read more about the people in Bright Shiny Morning. More importantly I really want to read more stories to come. Thank you for being an amazing writer.

James,
I really liked “Bright Shiny Morning.” The characters were very believable even when displaying outlandish behavior. I loved the multiple layers of facts interspersed with fiction to truly depict your original writing style. Would love to know more about Eperanza, Dylan and Maddie and Amberton. (Not so much Amberton as the other three).
One other thing — there is a typo on page 55. Tammy and Earl, (should be Carl), like hundreds of thousands of people…

Why do I have to listen to an extract on this page? I want to read one.

My name is Stacey.

I just finished reading bright shiny morning. I was in the toilet at work with the door closed because i was down to my last 7 pages. You inspire me to be a better person; I am a better person because of you. I know who you are through My Friend Leonard and a million little pieces and I can’t thank you enough.

I have been lucky my whole life, great family, great job, popular with friends and couldn’t possibly want more. But every time I drink alcohol I feel the addiction creeping up on my uncontrollably. It runs through my family. Your books saved me before I needed to be saved. And to you I will always be forever grateful.

Im not religious in anyway but God bless you James Frey!

Stacey x

Thank you for Bright Shiny Morning

Fabulous read! And read again! This man is such an amazing storyteller. After reading this particular book one would imagine a much older person wrote it. But I think Mr. Frey has packed in a lot more years for his age than many of us.
When I read My Friend Leonard I was working as an RN on a busy heart unit. Never brought a book to work, no way! But I couldn’t put it down, brought it to work, grabbed any minute to spare to read, read it during lunch. First and last time I ever brought a book to work. That’s how compelling he is.
I’m tired of all the criticism of this guy. I was a little upset at first with the all the talk about his first book but my reason was because I was so emotionally invested in it, as I’m sure many others were. It was heart-wrenching. I cried for him all through the book. Bottom line for me- it doesn’t matter. We desperately need good writers! he’s brilliant. And I’m glad he’s young! Lots more stories to tell. Keep them coming, James!

I need to include two more VERY important thoughts. I believe his books have helped people with addictions, no matter which things were true or false in his books. And he writes with such raw emotion. He can describe the worst type of person( in our collective stereotype) with love, compassion, and humor. His characters are so multi-faceted. I love them all. And I love their creator

One of the worst books I have ever written.

Once I read the vignette about Perez Hilton (that hideous hack of a celeb blogger), I stopped reading the book.

I came to this site to email James Frey and ask for a refund.

I bought this book to see if Frey was a real author. I have since learned that he is not.

One of the worst books I have ever read.

Once I read the vignette about Perez Hilton (that hideous hack of a celeb blogger), I stopped reading the book.

I came to this site to email James Frey and ask for a refund.

I bought this book to see if Frey was a real author. I have since learned that he is not.

James Frey Is a Fucking genius. The only one who works this way with words in our time. He is a true artist, mastermind, and artist! He will be in english books, and teachers will be teaching about him!

James! Stop writing comments and putting other peoples names on them. lol

I have read all of Mr. Frey’s books. OMG what a literary light, what a genius. I own three book stores and read four classics an hour. Only Mr. Frey’s books give me the satisfaction I crave. James…stay off fake drugs please…keep that brilliant mind clear and pumping. Feed my need great and wonderful man.

Can anyone tell me which page I would find the vingette of the Perez Hilton character? Thanks!

James,
I have respect for you and consider you a fine writer. Living in LA, your lastest book helps me understand a city that I haven’t been able to get a handle on. And maybe never will. You are a talent, and just wanted to say keep on keeping on. Mike

I loved it….He is a vivid and extremely talented writer..Regardless of what else. While reading it I could not stop thinking that LA appears so human in this piece. LA appears to be written as if it was a women or a lover.

I just finished reading all of the stories about Maddie and Dylan and I have to say that you really upset me when you ended it like that and I would like you to send me an email regarding what happens to the couple

James thank you for writing. You are truly an inspiration and a million little pieces and my friend leonard were without doubt two of the best and most powerful books I have ever read! I just ordered the new one and I can’t wait!! I am aware that some of the story is embellished or perhaps even totally made up but what the hell… it is moving and not many books have made me cry. Thanks again!

Just finished today .
Wow, i love it . Another great read from you James. Please write more, more .. more.

I love you as an author.

Ill keep reading your books .

Ps. I hate what happened to Dylan and Maddie

So sad.

James I have just read Bright Shiny Morning and must say that its the most original book I have read in a long time and great stories - I read the book in about 2 days. I loved Dylan and Maddie’s story the best as well as Old Man Joe in terms of his humanity for others. Thank you for writing this book - you are a talented person. I am now reading Mr Friend Leonard!! Take care and all the best.

Just finished reading Bright Shiny Morning. I had to make myself quit reading and get some sleep at night. I truly enjoy your writing style and the depth of your characters. I loved all the story lines. As for Dylan and Maddie…although I had a gut feeling it would happen the way it did, I so didn’t want it to. I want him to be okay, and I found myself greiving as if I had known them. I wanted to help them.

I have read all of your books and will read all that you publish! Keep it up.

I’m currently reading bright shiny morning after I read million little pieces and ny friend Leonard , and I do think this is the best one yet ! Even with the number of characters in the book , I get the feeling that I never loose track of the sory wat so ever…

I just wanted to say I am half way through Bright Shiny Morning and am so pleased Frey hasn’t abandoned his writing. I’ve read all the books and funnily enough ended up in venice after battling my demons ten years ago. His assessment of the area is totally accurate to my point of view…..amazing characters live there with similar stories….all of them famous….if only I and the other thousand of us who really lived there…..anyways I digress…..Frey might have been lambasted and “damaged” for his creative liscence….but I think you’ll see a new genre has been created….
According to just a quick internet search the following memoirs were published in the year 2003 (the year a million pieces was copyrighted)- Shantaram and Running with Scissors
The thing about reading “biographies” is that you can say….”well I don’t like fiction….I like being grounded” (I’m a snob or like to appear to be and I secretely have a stack of trashy magazines under the bed)
The true thing about reading-real reading with pleasure and relish
is that you can consume the words and they nourish you-
either through their delivery
the story they convey
the challenge they present
and how they make you look at the world once you take your eyes off the page

thats all a good book has to do for me-
actually sometimes its only one or two of the criteria
I don’t care if you are writing about flying fish in the anartic
genre is important for study and after that just so you can have some organization in a book store

anyways loving the book

james… please can we have another book? a sequel to b. s. morning mayb? it would be good to know wat happened btwn esparenza and doug,dylan as well.. iknow we probably askin so much so soon but it ain’t our fault u got us hooked on yo storytelling!!! wen i read yo books i just cnt put them down and have read them all over and over at least 3 times each..!! does anyone else feel the same? talk to me people!!

Have just finished reading ‘Bright Shiny Morning’…. I loved it!!! Gorgeous, again.
Smacks, winks and tickles of Easton-Ellis too, we like… ‘Less Than Zero’ pales in comparison.
It’s less of an eyeball fisting than ‘A Million Pieces’… Loved the brutality of reading ‘A.M.P’… conveys the essence of addiction- how hard you go on yourself, with whatever mode of ruin…
Looking forward to more Frey shaped words.
Thankyou Mr Frey, please keep writing

Have only read Bright Shiny Morning - picked it up in a supermarket and loved it. It reminds me of everything I loved abour LA as a Brit when I was in my teens - I am now in my thirtys and teach english in the UK. Will definitely be seeking out Frey’s other work for pleasure and would consider teaching his work in future - keep developing this major talent - you are wonderful - big love!

I think you are one of the most inspirational writers of our time. I read My Friend Leonard first! Then I read a million little pieces and right now i’m a few chapters into bright shiny morning. Your books, in my opinion are unputdownable! The way you write makes me speed along and I’m always desperate to finish as much as I can, missing train stops and walking into things while I try to get just one more paragraph in before I have to close the book. I hope you have more books to come. I am so happy to have found a writer who has given me so much reading pleasure. I have read for years but recently found it difficult to find a book that gave me that ‘old friend’ feeling. you’ve done it! thanks again.
Clair, Dublin, Ireland

I have just finished “Bright Shiny Morning”. Found it as enticing as his first two books although I found a lot in there that wasn’t necessary and a few errors in names, etc. Otherwise good read.

I am obsessed with LA and its incongruity. Bright Shiny Morning captured this brilliantly and was absolutely perfect in every single way. I can’t wait to read it again.

Beautifully written. Thank you James for yet another moving piece of work. Personally, I loved all aspects of the book, even all of the weird facts and the chapters of the book devoted to topics other than the main characters. It really painted a fascinating picture of LA and created a well-rounded environment for the characters to exist in. While I felt for all of the characters in their struggles and their triumphs, I must say that I was especially taken by Dylan and Maddie’s story. I understand that it had to end the way it did, if only for the sake of realism. However, it broke my heart. I guess that goes to speak to the power of your writing. Please keep up the good work and I will try to “suck it up” and deal with whatever story you choose to tell next, whether it be happy, sad, exhilirating or heart breaking. Thanks again.

Bright Shiny Morning was the first Frey book that I read, and I have to say…it was amazing! No doubt about it. I blitzed through it over a weekend and I just felt utterly breathless when it was all over.

So…I read A Million Little Pieces, and regardless of what embellishments have been made within the narrative (something to do with the amount of jail time served and related criminal offences), I think the overall narrative and message it conveys still holds strong and can serve as an inspiration not only for those who are addicts, but simply for those who want to do things another way but are maybe too scared to do so. A book that will always be pride of place in my collection.

I recommend Frey to anyone…you may love him, you may hate him but such is life.

I read A Million Little Pieces this time last year when I was recovering from a severe bout of depression. It truly inspired me and played a huge part in my recovery. I have just finished Bright Shiny Morning and once again it has really moved me. I can’t wait for My Friend Leonard to arrive from amazon.

James - if you do read this - I thank you for making me feel like I am not alone in my struggle to live with mental health issues

I started and finished Bright Shiny Morning today.. I smiled, Laughed and Cried…. the ending had my heart racing and i do wish the young couple could have had a happy ending… But i am 17 and I LOVE all of James’ books!!!! they are absoutly amazing and i wish there were more books… I have read all of James’ books a million times and i never get sick of them…. amazing work

Hi James,

I finished Bright Shiny Morning today. Couldn’t put it down for more than an hour. I truly adore your style, especially the power and speed of your writing. It just kept on resonating in my mind and it brought me to tears of pure joy a couple of time while reading it. Man, keep on doing this and I will keep buying your books and enjoy reading them!!

Erik. Apeldoorn the Netherlands

After attending several OPEN AA meetings and THEN reading A Million Little Pieces, I found Frey to be a run of the mill,Narcissistic alcoholic. He held no shock value. Given his level of resentment and lack of gratitude at the end of A Million Little Pieces, I did not get caught up in the euphoria during his meteoric rise and therefore did not bash him on the way down.

Co-dependent women are attracted to his story, to their own downfall.

It is a miracle he is still alive. It sounds like he has changed. Maybe I will crack open his newest book.

loved it loved it!! That first ridiculous comment about this being a badly written book..total crap. Loved the way it built up and then scaled down..loved the form changes. Very funny and profound at the same time. Enjoyed the repetition..hope there will be more to come!! !

I am SO happy James Frey has written such a kick-ass book (Bright Shining Morning). I can’t stand Oprah. Hello!! a Million Little Pieces was just a book. Get over yourself Oprah! My 83 year old mother has read all of your books and agrees.

I just finished Bright Shiny Morning and loved every minute of it. I’m not sure if it’s a great American Novel or draws upon others. Old Joe echoes the bums on Cannery Row, Tiny of Thomson’s Angels (not just the name) and the pace reminded me of how every time I pick up Fear and Loathing I always end up racing from cover to cover and emerge slightly frazzled.

I loved the way all the small stories intersected each other and the background on LA. There were genuine moments of joy and hope and others where my heart was in my chest as I knew things inevitably had to turn sour.

I wondered if I was cheating by trying to work out who some of the characters might be based upon. Bruce and Demi? Perez Hilton?

About Bright Shiny Morning… a MUST for anyone living (or wanting to live) in the greater LA area. I was “one” in Germany to pack her things 6 years ago to head to the west coast because dreams of higher education, sun and love called to me. In LA, I felt more independent, self-confident and free as ever before, but with that came isolation, anonymity, and loneliness. I am now traveling the world trying to decide whether to move back to Germany or the U.S. I think I don’t want to live in the largest metropolitan area and the most polluted city in the U.S., so either way, it won’t be LA. Thanks, James!

I just read Bright Shiny Morning and I loved it. Love your style and was disappointed to find out that you only have two more books for me to read!

Also didn’t realize that you were the “Oprah guy” and am pleased that I had the opportunity to read it without bias. I have your other two on hold at the Edmonton Public Library in Canada and highly anticipate your fourth.

Congratulations on all your success. I recommend this book to everyone I know! Please keep writing please.

Just finished reading Bright Shiny Morning. Love the writing style and the way you intermingled the lives of the characters. I had previously read your two other books and look forward to your next.

Your ability to ‘be different’ in the writing field is refreshing. Thanks for the hours of entertainment. Take care. cj

James frey’s writing style is it’s own genre. When I pointed out all the run on sentences, etc…my son pointed out to me-that’s art. It reminds me of how David Koresh taught people to read the Bible. Ignore all the punctuation, read it all as a run-on sentence. it might make better sense that way. The thing was translated so many times over, to suit whoever was doing the translating. The meaning of each word has been lost. At some point,I am going to finish what am writing about the Branch Davidian survivors and those people who came to help them. But it’s hard to do.

I like the book and the basic writing style. I like the fact that his contradictions are open and he stands by them.

However I do think it is essentially a modern day remake of Doss Passos’s Manhatten Transfer.

An author I’ll continue to check.

Mary W: It’s also a technique Joyce used to some extent in Dubliners.

After reading The bright shiny morning, made afraid to visit LA. James Frey must have told the truth about the city’s history up to the present situation. Whatever it is I really admire his writing, it’s so lively and so different from the other authors.