Just read ‘Teeth’. I feel his pain… literally!

At the end of the day you wouldn’t bother reading a memoir if it wasn’t interesting. Essentially a reader wants a good story. James Frey wrote a good yarn with really striking descriptions which gripped a lot of people. ‘Truth’ is subjective.
People’s memories of real events are always dodgy because they are coloured by their own view of things. Plus as time goes by you remember and camp up the facts that you want to remember and forget others. So who could write a genuinely accurate account of what happens in their life?

I loved Million Little Pieces and Leonard, and must admit I am not bothered about what is true and what is not in the books - they are both fantastic pieces of writing, compelling and entertaining.

I’ve just finished reading an advance copy of Bright Shiny Morning and I think that it will shut his detractors up. It’s a wonderful love letter to LA and all its faults and glories, with a fantastic cast of characters taken from all strata of Californian society, with chapters on LA history threaded through the narrative - similar to the way Grapes of Wrath is structured. It’s a brilliant book.

So called James Frey hasn’t been put off with all the grief he got ovr A Million Little Pieces. True or not it’s a gripping book and a real eye-opener. How could anyone in that state remember anything anyway?! Can’t wait to read the next one.

This is one of my favourite books of all time - and I have always thought the debate about what is exaggerated and what is not is asurd. It is just an astonishing book by a major writer. Frey will be a defining voice in 21st century US writing.

I love James books. I would like to know whether or not the interviews in which James had with Oprah Winfrey can be posted here? I never saw them. I’m interested in what both of them had to say.
Thank you.

I absolutely loved the books. I found the story very interesting and loved the writting style James decided to use. The two books both captured me and I know i’ll be reading them again sometime soon.

This guy was a douche bag lieing bitchh

Hang on a cotton-picking minute. I couldn’t agree more with Ben. The fact is, whether wholly true or not, is it not the writer’s art, and in fact job, to transport the reader and give us a fantastic page-turning read? Yes! Which both Million Little Pieces and Leonard are. The tooth extraction without anaesthetics scene will forever remain in my head - ouch!, the voice, the pace - all these sent me reeling. Give me a skilful, memorable page-turner by someone who can write anyday. I think full marks to the guy, and thanks for bouncing back from the insipid Oprah to give us more. Bring on Bright Shiny Morning!

I love both of his books - what a brave man he is to share something so hard with the world.
My copy is permanantly on loan

if only everyone who shunned the book were as so factually stingent about their own lives as they were with the book this world would be a better place. all they did by shunning it was show how shallow and easily led they are demonstrating their antithisis to the message of the book and just how un worthy they are in receiving is message.
in short F?#$% em!
the people that need to know the book are the people that don’t care what others think about it
keep going James…its a pleasure and privilage every time

I think James Frey is a fantastic writer his style of writing reflects what is on the inside and he portrays his feelings in a fab way. who cares if it’s real or not real reading is reading and if you enjoyed it job done.

I am absolutely in love with the writing brilliance that flows out of James Frey. I just graduated with a degree in jornalism, and if given the chance to interview anyone, it would be you, James. You are an amazing writer. Nothing more about past issues needs to be said other than that. You have succeeded in what you have set out to do, and I for one, will forever be greatful to your work. You have a forever fan, James!!

I just finished A MILLION LITTLE PIECES last night. My daughter and son-in-law had told me it was brilliant and they are both alcholics and drug abusers, so I figured they knew what they were talking about. And as a mother I was amazed to hear the truth about how a son feels about his over protective mother, which I am to both my son and daughter. Our whole family abuses alchohol and drugs so the reality of his situation rang true. My daughter has been in rehab. She is currently in AA, but she falls off the wagon regularly. The TAO is the most true thing I have ever read also. I can see how James got so much comfort from it. I just ordered his other 2 books from Amazon.

I am a former ecstasy and alcohol addict.
I am a creative-writer.
I have also had similar re-constructive dental surgery to that described in ‘A Million Little Pieces.’

In my opinion, it does not matter what details of the story have been exaggerated. They were done for literary effect, and they add to a unique, compelling, work with a clear and distinct voice.

It is a piece of creative-writing after-all, and a writer should be allowed creative freedom.

The core of the story is real. That is obvious, that is what’s important.

It is a fantastic book, by a fantastic author.

don’t usually write to authors, but I just picked up the third book of yours that I’ve read. I’m only about 30 pages in and I already have the same feeling I had when I read Million Little Pieces (MLP). I don’t want it to end… I just realized that I didn’t pick the book up because of the story, it was because I of your writing style. The whole stream of consciousness thing with well-chosen descriptives of thoughts interspersed, no quote for dialog, just a carriage return. I admire you for that peice of art.

About MLP, which I’m sure you are SO tired of talking about, I have to say something. I had just finished the book when the whole oprah thing happened. I was in awe of the book and i didn’t care that people thought you were some evil person because you made something up. Those people were just pissed that your writing was so convincing that they were duped. Why can’t they see the merit in being able to write so well that they ARE convinced? They kinda overlooked that and I think it should be appreciated. I mean, most people embellish, they just don’t get caught… And fuck oprah on her high horse. I haven’t bought an oprah book club since then!

Anyway, I’m happy to see you back in style. Keep ‘em coming.

It doesn’t matter. Plain and simple, A Million Little Pieces probably changed lives for the better. If it helped one person, it is a worthwhile book. Also, memoirs historically contain exaggerations and half truths. Who cares really, except Oprah?

I wish I would have done this sooner. I read “A Million Little Pieces” way before Oprah even heard of it. I loved it. I could not care less what she would think about it, it was an amazing read, real or embelished, I dont care. The love story, the addiction, there are so many aspects to comment on that I wont to keep this shor. I am sure that it has helped many many people and THAT is what Ms. Winfrey should have cared about! “My Friend Leonard” brought me to tears.
I will be buying “Bright Shiny Morning” later today.
Thank you Mr. Frey for taking me on an incredible journey, that is what books do for me, and you most certainly are an author I will keep reading!!

James
Loved all 3 books - keep up the good work!
Kind regards
Janet

too much fuss made over your book..a million little pieces…everybody loved it including Oprah….and still do…only an idiot whould truly believe every word…lets get real..every writer puts their own interpretation into an event…do people actually believe every word in an autobiography…you need to keep readers attention and you did a great job…please please keep on writing and screw all those negitive idiots.

having just finished a million little pieces, i have for the first time felt compelled to find out more about the author. i was totally unaware of all the scandal surrounding the author. regardless of this, this book has to be one of the best i have read. i have two soon to be teenage children and will at the right time pass it on to them.this book lets you see and possibly get as close to the addicts state of mind as is possible, it lets you into the world of addiction.

I love how the people on here that have passed some cynical comments, are only passing judgement on the reason that some of the readings in James Freys books were slightly inaccurate or changed to add effect. I have read both Million little pieces and my friend leonard, and found them both exceptionally inspiring reads. Million little pieces, was bought just by chance for me, i had never heard of Frey and once i had read a page i was hooked. He has the ability to transport you into what his life was, make you feel it, empathise, and want to soothe, it makes you think about the people you love and need in life, along with my friend leonard.We need more of those things in life, even if it is from reading. I only offer my praise for Freys books!! He is an exceptional writer.

I have just finished reading the book. I haven’t been aware of the controversary since I don’t live in the USA. It does not seem to matter for me whether the details are true or fictional; I’m sure the feelings revealed in the book are truthful-they were truthful to me and that’s the only thing that matters for me in reading a book. I found the book very enlightening and it helped me acknowledge things about myself. The fact that Frey emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your actions and understanding that these actions are a choice made by you time and again is what matters-and there is nothing more truthful than that.

Just read A Million Little Pieces for the first time. Not heard about any of the controversy surrounding it and nor do I wish to. I have never read a book which moved me in this way; James you are a truly inspirational man and a fabulous writer. I was astounded by the strength of character you demonstrated throughout your rehab, and your courage to share your experience with the world. Cant wait to read your other books.

iv just finished reading A Million Little Pieces and if i could i would say thankyou to James.The thoughts,feelings and emotions James went through iv felt to and still are. Im fighting an addiction and reading his words as made me realise i can beat my demons. Thankyou James

Great writing, i want some more James.

I first ready Frey’s Bright Shiny Morning. I took in all 500+ pages as fast as I could. I gulped them down. I’ve never encountered such a modern voice. A voice of our time. I picked up A Million Little Pieces knowing full well that components of it were made up. I’m torn as to whether it is a high crime to embellish a memoir. Oprah’s indignation is a bunch of show business hype. I feel for those who have turned to the book for some kind of guidance or help. All that said I have two messages for the author. The first is profound thanks for sharing your considerable talents with the world. You are a supremely talented writer. The second is from Shakespeare’s Hamelet… “this above all, to thine own self be true…”

i am in love with A million Little Pieces. ive read it about 5 times. it upsets me that there are made up things in the book because i felt like i knew the people as you talked about them. i grew to love them or not like them. but you are a writer and that is what you do. im glad that i know what really happened and i dont regret reading and loving any of your work. all your books are fantastic but A Million little pieces just really hits home. i know people in terrible problems and someone i know better than anyone is a self injurer. you book just really gave them the courage to hold on when everything seems to be crashing down. thank you James. thank you. thank you

This is James Frey. Just want to thank everyone for reading my work, and for your support.

I have just finished reading A Million Little Pieces and was fascinated and moved by it. I think there is a lesson in there for everyone. I’m also halfway though Bright Shiny Morning and love the detail in the writing.

I have just finished reading through A Million Little Pieces, and I have to say that James Frey has become one of my top favorite authors. I have never heard of James Frey before, never heard about the book, and wasn’t even aware about the entire Oprah controversy. The main reason I chose is was because of the enticing cover and descriptive summary on the back. After I finished a million little pieces, I too did some of my own research about the whole ‘controversy’ mess; and I’ve gotta say: Who cares? Does it really matter if some of the details weren’t completely true? In my opinion, as long as you enjoyed the book, connected with the character, and are willing to read more of his work, what does it matter if some things weren’t true or not. It was an inspiring story nonetheless and I don’t understand the fuss people raised over the details in this book. If ever James Frey should read this comment, then I just want to say - You did an AMAZING job and regardless of those nosy critics I think you should continue writing and I admire your strength and preserverance in doing what you think is right. I highly recommend this book to anyone and it doesn’t matter if you’re a drug addict looking for inspiration, or a good church-going Christian, this book will touch your heart and make you realize just how much one person can do.

I don’t think Frey was that bad…he made a huge mistake and he just better not lie in the future, that’s all. i haven’t read A Million Little Pieces, and I’m starting it next week in class…but I loved My Friend Leonard.

Oprah can shove it up her ass.
I don’t care if the books are true or not. They are gripping tales of addiction and heart break. I couldn’t put either of them down.
James wrote amazing books.
I found “My Friend Leonard” at a bookstore on sale. It was bright pink with an ashtray on the front. It looked liked and sounded like something interesting. I read the book for a grade 11 English project and I could just not put it down. I loved it. I was laughing, crying and smiling all at once. I loved his book. Loved it. This book was about a struggle. I had heard of “A Million Little Pieces” but I had not read it. When James finds out that Lilly is dead, I felt over whelmed. I cried. Then as he journeys through life, and learns from Leonard, I fell in love with Leonard. He was so sweet, and I loved how well he took care of James. The ending came as a complete shock. I really felt for James. Losing Leonard would have been the end for me. The things Leonard left for him, also broke my heart. The very end was so sweet when him and Snapper spread his ashes on the course. I cried solid for the last 10 pages. From the very beginning I was drawn into his book. That to me shows that he is a gifted writer. Once I had put the book down, I recommended it to all my friends, and made them all read it. I actually just finished reading “A Million Little Pieces” today, and I knew that I needed to come on your site and just tell you that I think your absolutely brilliant. I loved every word you wrote, and every style you choose to write it. I am currently waiting to get your new book and I’m looking forward to read it.

James Frey, your books were the best I have ever read.

i love your books and hope to see more soon
regards
Jacob

I started A million pieces because of the reviews, and because I was surprised by this polemic around the book. American culture is an enigma for a European (sorry I am French)… this obsession about truth is impossible to understand for me. Nothing is never white or black… I do not know anything about drugs and alcohol addiction, but I must have some different kind of addiction and I do not even know it. Is it a memory book? A novel? I do not care. The point for me is the real pleasure I take reading it. I love to spend time with you James. I started to love my diary subway trip since I started reading you. I do not want to go down… I do not want to let you, lily and Leonard… I do not even want this book to finish. Strangely, you make me feel good because your world is so dark but so optimistic…
I do believe that this book is helping many people and I can understand why. Again for me more that the content, the important about this book is his quality. It is a masterpiece as a novel or as a biography… you can write the truth about yourself and some of us have probably a much worst story to tell but who can write like James Frey…
Thanks James, I forgot that reading could be such a pleasure.

Max

A Million Little Pieces

A Million Little Pieces was a very good book, a great read by a good writter. Thank god he stayed clean to be able to write this book. i am at present just starting my friend leonard and am looking forward to the read.
thats all i have to say really oh and that i don’t mind if some parts of the book are fiction shit happend but i hope most are true
andrea uk xxxxxx

I bought “A Million Little Pieces” in an American bookstore in Warsaw, Poland, along with a couple of other books to take on a short holiday. I had no idea what I was getting myself into
I have read great books in my life. Classics, masterpieces, bestsellers, novels shortlisted for the Booker Prize and books whose covers say NOBEL WINNER or PULITZER PRIZE in capital letters, books that actually won something serious and respectable. Whenever I read them I keep looking for one thing and I hardly ever find it. It’s something that got me hooked on reading when I was a kid - a compulsion to find out more and a recognition, a reflection, a resonance - there’s me in this story, and this story is in me, it’s already in me.
“A Million Little Pieces” rings true a million times. It’s a story I already know, a story I knew before I even started reading it. Like a piece of beautiful music that seems familiar even though you’re hearing it for the first time. However messed up and complicated his journey, James keeps looking for precisely this - for a recognition, a reflection, and a resonance of truth, whether it’s in Leonard, in Lilly, in the Tao book, or in a frozen lake. And I guess (to finally come back to the discussion on truth in memoirs) this is where the truth is in “A Million Little Pieces” - in Lilly’s eyes, in a frozen lake, in Hank’s jacket, in Joanne’s kindness.
I felt disappointed to find out not all facts in the book were true. But I hope that at least those little things I recognised as true, the things that resonated with me were real - really real.

James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces came to me 3rd hand from an aunt in Canada (I’m in Scotland). I had never heard of James or his work before I read the book and having just gone on line to see if he had written anything else I have been made aware over the controversy over his work. I just wanted to say this is one of the best books I have ever read regardless of whether parts are fact or fiction. A truly exceptional, inspirational piece of writing. Looking forward to reading more of his work
Kat (UK)

There’s a mistake on page 236. of Bright Shiny Morning He uses the word “falté” in spanish as if it meant “miss” which is a common mistake for a translator, the right word is “extrañé” unless of course he did it on purpose as if the character was mocking the people who speak spanglish, or inappropriate spanish. Did anybody else acknowledged this mistake- or writing strategy-