I just read both books in a weeks time.. they are both incredible and James has more in his lifetime already than most of us will ever have. And he survived and worked hard at the life he has now. If he did exagerate some of the story, don’t we all in our daily conversations???

I love the books don’t let anyone take away the pride you have for writing them and the pride in yourself for living them and surviving them.

i absolutely loved both A Million Little pieces and My Friend Leonard.

They were one of the few books that i’ve read all the way through.

i would recommend it to everyone, no matter who they are.

The book is a masterpiece. Im not really concerned if aspects were fabricated to enhance the storys impact. The story is so powerful and as somone who has had struggles myself I know that there is often temptation to play stories up a little bit, human nature? The book has helped many people with its rawness and i hope many more will pick it up

A million little peices and my friend leonard were both outstanding books, who cares what people think. james Frey is a genius.

Who cares if they are completely true or not…the message is what’s important – i’m sure a million little pieces and my friend leonard have made a difference to a great many people and I was both moved and inspired by both books.

Oprah is a bigot and the reason she was angry was not because some parts of James Frey’s books were dishonest, she didnt care about her readers being duped, she was mad because he lied to Oprah because she thinks shes hot shit cuz she donates money to people and gives away cars. It doesn’t matter wether parts of the book are fabricated or embellished the thing people overlook are that The majority of events are true and even if they arent, that doesnt mean it didnt happen to someone. Its true for someone and aside from that, James Frey has created his own unique style of writing and is more than capable of laying out a story anyone can relate to. Don’t let the media get you down Mr. Frey. You have surely affected the lives of millions (including me) and given people something they can relate to and no matter what certain people may think, that does in fact mean something.

I know you’ve received a lot of shit about A Million Little Pieces and I know you’ve received a lot of praise also, which makes it hard to know what to write in order to stand out. Personally, I think A Million Little Pieces is one of the best books I have ever read. It broke my heart over and over in the best possible way, if that makes any sense. Regardless of what is fact and what is fiction, its a wonderful story and I admire you so much for all that you’ve been through in your life and still came out standing. I have lost a lot of people in my life and at times felt like there was no way out, your books help people who feel these things over come those fears. You truly are a hero and a fantastic writer. Thank you for writing your books and continuing to do it despite all criticism and cynicism. You are an amazing person. x

I loved A Million Little Pieces. I could give a crap whether or not details have been fabricated. I am reading it for the second time, and it grips me each time I read it. I am in recovery as well, and after 10 years, reading the book brings me back to the same feelings about who I was and who I am now, the confusion, sadness, grief and loss about years wasted. You are and remain one of my favorite writers. I finished Bright Shiny Day in a little over 3 days. Brilliant writing. Thanks for doing what you do, and having the balls to stand up to Oprah and answer her questions…. kudos to you for remaining on the Best Seller’s list for more than 6 months AFTER the Oprah show. I’ll read anything you write. Keep it up.

The only thing your critics exposed was their ignorance. When I read The Bell Jar, I didn’t question whether every word written was fact. I don’t really care, but I can guess what I’d find if I did. I want to enjoy what I read and be engaged and if real experience can be translated into words that move and resonate then I am happy to be enthralled by fact mixed up with purposeful fiction. A Million Little Pieces is a brilliant piece of writing which could not have been written without the experiences of the life behind it. I dare them to question every newspaper article, scrutinize every autobiography, examine every documentary and I wonder how many flawless works they would find. What they ‘exposed’ is inherent in dramatic narrative, whatever its form. Anyone read Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars? Now there’s a man who knew how to dramatize his own life!

Fabulous! A million little pieces and my friend Leonard… fabulous! I loved the James Frey in the books as soon as I started to read the first one and I loved both you and Leonard in the next! Love your style, not just your writing but your style. Well don! Both my son and I are huge fans but it took me ten mins. to stop sobbing after the second one!

I borrowed this book from a friend. I have decided to but my own copy. Words cannot describe how I felt when I read this book. It truely pulled at my heart strings. The way the book has been written is fantastic. They style to me is original. James Frey you are an exceptional person.

It does not matter how much is true and how much fabrication it still opens one’s eyes to the horrors of addiction and how really underneath it all addicts are vulnerable people who are harshly judged. It also shows the pain that recovering addicts go through to try and stay sober and one should admire them. Oprah Winfry for all the good she might have done is sanctimonious and self-opnionated. She might condemn this book but she can’t do a simple thing like keeping her weight under control so she has no placing judging

I think the point is that this book would never had been published if it had been fiction.

Publishers would simply have rejected it. It was the fact that it was all a true story which made it appealing.

He could have made quite a bit of money from telling a few little porky pies!

I have just finished reading a million little pieces. What a GREAT read. I do not understand the aggro around whether it is all true or not. Frew challenges conventional thinking, whilst teasing our consciences about the way we view a lot of things in life. If any book achieves that for me, I really don’t care whether he “enlarged” the truth somewhat. I am now on my way to buy My friend Leornard. Thanks James

I was completly mesmerised by your book a million little pieces, I could not put it down and have recomended it to almost everyone!! I am currently reading My friend Lenoard and is proving to be just as good as a million little pieces!! I cannot wait to go and purchase Bright shiny morning…. your books are inspirational…. Just one question are you thinking of making your movies by any chance????? lol!!!!!!

Brilliant……. Keep it up!!!!!

Hi, I’m wondering if you really read the comments. I’m reading “A Million Little Pieces” and it’s beautiful. I’m still at school, and my English teacher had us choose a book to read from a list, and I picked yours. I love it, I’m hooked! Oh, and just so you know, my teacher once recommended the book to a woman through a website, and she read it and wanted to see my teacher in person. She told him that the story was so shocking that after she read it, she stopped smoking for good! It must be wonderful for someone to be able to do that to a person through writing. Your book is amazing and gripping, and I hope you read this because maybe you don’t read your comments. Congratulations, all the way from Lebanon.

What’s crazy to me about all the fuss is that the stuff that matters most in the book would be impossible to fabricate (i.e. your internal states). Fuck the haters, indeed.

The word is tiny compared to what you’ve done, but congratulations on your sobriety James. And thanks for an incredible book.

A Million Little Pieces was something that stood out for me. I will never in my whole life forget this book or the characters involved. The way you changed yourself, your determination, is unparalleled. This is one of the best books I have ever read, because I get it. I get it. More than anything else. I get it. If you ever read this, just know that some random kid in Ohio is proud of you and gets it. Thanks.

I am a nurse working with clients who misuse various substances including crack, heroin and alcohol. I just want to say “well done” for our books. I have a lot of empathy for my clients and consider myself to be on their side, if you like with regards to the way in which they are treated by various health professionals and the public. I have heard many horrible stories – not dissimilar to yours – but then I go home to my bed. I want to say thank you, because your books whether fabricated or simply embellished evoked such a variety of feelings in me, I could literally feel your pain, that this can only enhance the way in which I work with my clients. I think these books are a must for anyone who works with drug users and show with persistence, compassion and a little humanity that there is light at the end of the tunnel. x

“It’s the lies that make us human” is no comment on AMLP. It’s the name of a blog I created to relate my own journey with addiction. Anonymity reasons.

I picked up AMLP a couple of years ago and found it electrifying. Read it in a sitting.

“Just hang on” rang true and as I continued my 19 years of heroin addiction, the phrase stuck.

Just bought it to read it again as I’ve taken the cure and gotten through.
I have 11 clean days.

I’m going to just hang on through the hard times, embrace the pain and grow.

I just finished reading A million Little Pieces and regardless of the controversy surrounding its contents, was blown away by the simplicity with which the complexness of the situations facing James were presented. This is an exhillerating read which grabs you by the guts and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.

Thankyou James for sharing this brilliant piece of literature and obviously being passionate about your art!

CHeers.

My brother died from an alcohol related epileptic fit at age 26.
A million little pieces taught me some of how much he must have been suffering in that last awful year of his life and also taught me that some people are not strong enough to just hold on.
Fictional or factual a million little pieces is an incredible, powerful, shockening, saddening and very very helpful book to understand addiction in a more honest way.Loved it loved it loved it….always will x

A Million Little Pieces is probably one of the best books I have ever read. This book really taught me to count my blessings. Thank you so much for writing this book. I think it will really inspire and influence a lot of readers. I’m currently working on a thesis for my english paper on A Million Little Pieces. I’m having a little bit of trouble with it but I think i’ll be able to pull it off in the end. I’m so glad that I decided to choose your book to read because A Million Little Pieces has influenced me greatly. I’ll definitely read your other books as soon as possible!

I have not watched Oprah since the day she used her show to slice you. I hate this behavior……it was not about you, it was about her. I can still see her swingy straight hair & get sick. Personally I think, you told a great story!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!

Dear James,

I first became interested in your book after you appeared on the Oprah show – probably an edited version here in sunny Cape Town, South Africa. That was about three years ago. I remember this clearly as this was the time when my brother came out and admitted his meth addiction which he had for the past 5 years. Here in South Africa its called “TIK” (typing) and is turning the youngsters into zombies day and night.
I bought my brother your first book when he decided to go in to rehab. Whether it helped him, I don’t know but it surely helped me to understand a lot of things. I had all my siblings read it as well and when we went for our family counselling sessions at the centre, it really helped us to open up and support him where he needed it most. I don’t care if the story is true or not. I have just finished the book about Leonard and if true, I really admire how you coped with your Fury. My brother’s Fury is eating him alive and he does not want any of us to help him. Instead he blames us for the situation that he is in and does not want to go to rehab again or do the “twelve steps”. As he says: “I am an addict… for life.”

It has been three years since he was in rehab and he has started again in full swing. Well, actually he never stopped using.

So thank you for a great book.

Your lying diminishes the experiences of everyone who has gone through what you claim to have. Can any part of your work be believed after a fraud of the size you conducted?

I seriously don’t care what Oprah has to say. Frey’s writing is the most refreshing and the best writing i have read in a long time. My suggestion is put the controversy behind you, pick up Frey’s books, read, get hooked on it, and fall in love with the characters.

I think James is an AMAZING writer and people need to get a life if they’re all distraught over a book not being true. The point of the book is that it’s inspirational from the message it gives you and James is just a damn good writer.

James, you are an amazing writer! I have read A Million… and My Friend….and just finished A Bright Shiny Morning. I will follow your writings and buy them as soon as they’re on Amazon for my Kindle! I am originally from the LA Area so know these stomping grounds. It was an awesome journey for me. Thanks for the ride!

hey james, for some reason, i remembered your book todaay and remembered reading about this “oprah” incident.
it didn’t matter to me, i didn’t look into it, but it was because i knew it didn’t matter if it was true or not, it was great writing.
and i can appreciate a great writer.
coming from one, to another.

James Frey,
your book rocks! your style of writing is simply amazing, it feels as if I am in your soul, I can feel what you have felt, the pain and all. I love the honesty, the absolute brutal honesty you deal with everything and everybody around you.I am a confirmed book lover , I don’t know how I have missed your books for so long a time. But now since I have read’a million little pieces’ I am going to read every line you write, every word you write, every expression you make.you are REAL, in the real sense of the word.
I never write back to the authors of the books I read, even if I had wanted to , but this time I’ve broken the wall of anonymity, you are that good.
James Frey I will take insipration from you , because so far I have not come across a person more HUMAN than you.
Mallika

Just finished reading million pieces & then leonard….wish the end of million pieces did not note that Leonard dies of Aids as I would rather have not know that prior to reading ‘my friend…’ The only other disappointing part of ‘million’ was the authors note at front – I personally would rather have not known that certain parts of the book were embellished – it kind of took away from it & had me thinking – well did this bit really happen or not?? esp as I prefer to read only non fiction – anyway loved both books – just got on the site to search for the next one!
Pamela x

I have just finished reading AMLP and GOD BLESS YOU for writing this. GOD BLESS YOU. Though i have never been close to addictions but i can feel what you were saying the message you put accross, the strength, the inspiration, the support is beyond the words of appreciation. I cant wait to read your other books. All i pray to God is that we never lose you. You are an inspiration, a support and a lifeline

James,I have just finished reading A Million Little Pieces and also My Friend Leonard which my daughter bought back from London and wow what a good read almost addictive I have just sat and read for the past few days having had a daughter gone through the drug addiction it certainly was very real .You are a very strong young man Keep strong and I look forward to reading anything else you write
Jackie 2-08-2009 New Zealand

James, I think A Million Little Pieces is just OK. I know how junkies are. They lie and they always make themselves out to be heroes. In that respect, you did an excellent sell. But I just didn’t want to read it while I was reading it. I did, but I read all kinds of crap. Trust me I have read worse. I don’t like the way you were treated on Oprah. I was intrigued to read it however in spite of that. I am personally very happy that you have taken giant leaps in recovery. So, I hope you keep writing. I also hope you adhere to some mechanics, like quotation marks for example. The most wonderful thing about reading a book is being in your own head, but also being in the protaganist’s head. Without those directions, it was difficult to tell when you were just thinking something smart ass to say but didn’t. I re-wrote a lot of it in my head as I read it. The Lilly rescue was the last straw for me. of course an addict painting himself as too tough but a hero, it’s as obvious as the boy meets girl formula. It’s always somebody else’s fault or there is always something egotistical about the addict. I was raised by drug addicts and whores, I know how they operate.
I hope you get rich and do some good. That would be fabulous! Writer loses Oprah, gets Oprah back.

wow! wonderful book i’ve read in a long time. As a habit of stopping by to a nearby bookstore, i happened to eye on it, first the very cover of it had so big a crush on me, i couldnt resist the temptation to caress it and then i read on the fourth page!!! i approached for my wallet and handed Rs. 440( equivalent $5.5 apprx) at the counter. i didnt have patience to waste a single second, i took a seat on the public bus,and then i finished reading 27 pages till i got off for my office!!

its unfortunate that people who should read this book will always try to shun and criticise it coz it exposes what they are always trying to hide.i read it in two days, like never before i finished a million little pieces in 48 hours!!!

My Grandmother killed herself through alcoholism. All my Mom’s family have substance abuse issues, except for my mom, who closed herself off from the world with a mental wall. I am suffering in life, and have reverted to food abuse, which I thought I had left behind years ago. Reading your book was a magnificent experience for me, reminding me of the universal struggle of addiction. Its not just me. I don’t want to be like my Grandmother, or my auntie who weighs 500 pounds. OOps–I just exaggerated, not much, my auntie probably weighs around 400 lbs, but there you see its easy to embellish or exagerate when telling a story. What story has ever been straight facts? Even encyclopedias report ancient oral histories as facts, and they surely are not. Our “best” newspapers are full of exaggeration and inuendo. In truth, the whole contraversy is a mirror on the addictive personality and its struggles. I thought the book was fantastic and what idiot would think every word was 100% accurate anyway.Thank you for writing it, although I spent a day I really needed to work on a project reading it–your book was addictive and I was caught!
Keep on writing,
Carolyn

Hello James,

Personally, I don’t really care how much of what you wrote was the truth and how much was embellishment. A Million Little Pieces was a great read. I couldn’t put it down. I work with many people who live with multiple addictions. Your story resonated deeply within me. I can’t wait to read “My Friend Leonard”. Keep it up!

James,

You are a great writer and I for one owe you gratitude for writing what helped initiate a life changing realization after reading your work, “A Million Little Pieces”. I feel quite sure that the influence of your words allowed me to form the critical thoughts that changed my life for the better. Change is often painful, but also often worth the discomfort. Thank you.

I absolutely love your books. I have read them over about 10 times each, they are starting to fall apart! You have opened my eyes to how much of a problem drugs & alcohol is in society. I’m going out to buy bright shiny morning tomorrow, I can’t wait! You are truely an inspiration & a very raw but true writer! Happy 2010, may the year bring you many new things to write about!

James,
I have been out of rehab for 4 months now and A Million Little Pieces took me right back there. This book hits an addict between the eyes and gives a fantastic version of what I beleive is how most addicts think about the 12 step program but dont have the courage to stand alone in front of the mirror and say harden the fuck up and no matter what happens just dont pick up, just dont pick up, just dont fucking pick up. The fear of failue is too big so they, including me – will sit in a hall and listen to a whole fucking group of people feel sorry for themselves. Your message is simple but geez a good read mate. Im just grateful the rock is not as good in Australia otherwise i would be dead.
Keep being good old mate.
Byron(2010 January)

I personally am incredibly grateful to Oprah. If it were not for her I would not have heard of you or read your first book. I went straight out and bought the second, which I am reading right now (had to have a break from all the tears!!) and have the pleasure of your third book waiting for me on my bookshelf. Words cannot describe how you get to me Love your work!

Erg oprah. how does she not get it? it makes perfect sense! he wasnt lieing, he was keeping things confidential. i understand that some names should be changed. if i wrote a biography i prob wouldnt even use real names for the sake of the people i know. and if he changed a way his friend dies so the whole world doesnt know whats wrong with that? OPRAH NEEDS TO GET HER HEAD OUT OF HER ASS

Hello to whoever’s reading this.
I finished reading “My Friend Leonard” a minute ago, I thouroughly, sincerely and utterly loved it. I didn’t read “A Million Little Pieces” first, because I have not been able to get a copy. But I will read it. From being on this website I’ve just got a good idea of the controversy surrounding the books. I’m from England so I don’t know much about Oprah Winfrey, just that she has some shitty chat show I would never watch. Maybe she should have done some research before picking Frey’s book, I don’t know.
I’m assuming most writers would embellish their writing somehow, but the point of writing is to get something out of your mind, to deal with something, and if it helps you to make sense of the world around you to write, then so be it. Your writing doesn’t have to be enjoyed by everyone.
Don’t you think it is the message within a book that matters, not whether everything inside it is true? I don’t care if what I am going to read in Frey’s first book is true or not, I find his writing moving and I would like to form an opinion on it.
Oh, and one more thing. There are worse books out there, written by celebrities nobody cares about, trying to revive their careers. Miley Cyrus wrote a fucking autobiography. What next?

I haven’t read your book and I am going to. But I agree with you to a certain degree. An artist is an artist is an artist. It is your freedom to write what you want. There have been worse things that happen in this world. After I read the book I might have more to say. Think of the million of artists who “make stuff up” all the time. When they are on stage they are another person..they don’t get called out for it..so yeah..keep writing!

i have read all three of james books i wish he contunied writing books they were amazing i love true storey books i found with his books i couldn put them down i went back looking for more i sadly learned there were only the three he wrote i was very dissapointed now i am having a hard time finding a good book to read cuz no one writes like she does!!!!

James,
No book has ever had the impact “A Million Little Pieces” had in my life. I was hooked and never wanted it to end. I am not an addict, but I love your writing style and fell in love with all of your characters. I could not wait to read “My friend Leonard”. I made new friends just talking about your book. It all seems “a million years ago”, but I will never forget it. It is still one of the best books I’ve ever read and I continue to recommend it. I was floored to find out you once lived in St Joe Michigan. I am also from St Joe, but attended Lakeshore High School and graduated in the 80′s. I can’t help but wonder if we ever crossed paths. I remember that train crash too and was also knew one of the girls that died. I wish you the best of luck and cannot wait to sink my teeth into your new books. I will relish every second I am sure. Best of luck to you and your family. May you find the peace you so deserve.

Judy

I DON’T CARE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU OR YOUR BOOKS… I LOVE THEM AND I RESPECT YOU FOR YOUR WRITING… KEEP WRITING AND KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!

As a writer of two novels (one is a fictionalized memoir – and i grapple with what genre it is at times, myself), and a seasoned editor and writer for a local newspaper, I am confused as to why James Frey has been made out to be a literary pariah.

He mis-labeled his written work as a different genre then what it was. He did not plagiarize.

What exactly is so scandalous … and why is it becuase Oprah Winfrey says so, we must all feel Frey is a terrible person and artist.

He is a gifted writer and made a small mistake in the literary world.

I would focus more on his talent and entertainment to readers than the fact that he called his novel a memoir.

If i’m totally off-base and have this whole thing wrong, please let me know!

Thanks!!

James,

I was sitting up last night with my sick mum (she’s 92) and wound up watching the two-parter Oprah interview of you which I’d DVRed. Surprisingly (for me), it turned out to be one of the best television programs I have seen in years.

You were GREAT. I realize that you were saying as best you could what you think / believe / guess / imagine and that all of that is much more complicated than the words that fell from your tongue. Your words and you take on many topics were good to hear. But I also want you to know how much I admired your ability to manage the social politics and psychological and spiritual elements of that situation. I don’t know if you know that you’re good at that stuff. But you really are.

I didn’t see your first show with Oprah. Nor have I read any of your books. However, I’ve certainly read about YOU and your big fat early sin of success. What I’d read was nothing like the person I met last night. You really rocked, James. Extraordinarily so.

I now plan to read your work and follow your publishing company’s shenanigans. I found your collaborative creative model fascinating. Very different though. Wouldn’t have thought of it myself. But upon hearing of it it seems incredibly obvious. Good luck to you all.

Very best,

Ann

Ignorance mixed with arrogance is a fatal combination. Watching Oprah Winfrey interview you reminded me of what happens when someone has both of these character flaws. As a physician with an interest in addiction medicine, I believe that Oprah Winfrey has no idea what A Million Little Pieces is really about.

She has never seen the hundreds of lost souls in an alcohol, drug, or other addiction rehabilitation facility who have embraced your book as their path to recovery. Many of these people are angry with God and feel betrayed by Him. These addicts have experienced abuse that is unimaginable. They have experienced loss that is impossible to truly comprehend. Instead of suicide, they have chosen to survive using whatever means of escape possible including, drugs, alcohol, sex, food, gambling. Escape allows these people to tolerate their horrid realities. However, this form of survival only turns their already turbulent lives into chaos and a worse hell on earth.

To over come addiction, people are taught to embrace and live according to a 12-step based recovery method – AA, NA, CA, GA, and OEA. They are told that “turning their lives and will over to a ‘higher-power’ of their understanding” will rid them of their addiction. That higher power is often referred to as “God” – the one these people have seemingly been let down by and rage against. Therefore, in order to get better, an addict or alcoholic must turn their life over to their nemesis – God.

James Frey, your book provides an alternate path to freedom from addiction and a window into how to live life on life’s terms. It saved my life and the life of my mother and brother.

I believe your book has nothing to do with whether certain events in the book really happened or were made up. Having said that, all of the events and details in his book are probably true. The details are a compilation of many addicts’ and alcoholics’ stories. For this reason, any person suffering from the disease of addiction easily relates to the characters and events in the book. They see themselves in your stories and come to believe that there is another way out – a way that does not involve the most touted recipe of salvation from addiction, a 12-step “God” based recovery.

Oprah Winfrey has never walked in the shoes of a person who has completely lost themselves to drugs and alcohol. She has no right to refer to your book as fiction. A Million Little Pieces is the most accurate portrayal of addiction ever written. If Oprah was just a little less arrogant, and a whole lot less ignorant on the topic of addiction and recovery, she might have realized the genius on every page of a “Million Little Pieces”. A million totally true pieces, merged together to create one giant truth.

Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really know what you’re speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We can have a hyperlink exchange agreement among us!

James!

I just finished reading your book today and the brutal truth behind it, especially the list of what happens to all of those in the clinic left me in ore. I loved your honesty that filled the pages and as the book went on I felt as if I knew you because your amazing ability to write manages to captivate the reader and draw them in and take them along your journey. Lily sounds like a beautiful person I think why I loved her so much is that she reminded me of my cousin who beyond the service of her ruins in life is such an amazing person.Your relationship together you could feel was filled with more love then many people are ever able to experience in their lives, married or not!Thank you for giving me the experience of delving a little into you journey.

I have been close to sufferers of alcohol dependency twice.Seen the destruction,lives ripped apart.This book is the only book I have ever read that fully captures the pain and suffering of all the people that are affected by addiction.What a terrifying ride you have taken me on James but one I wouldn’t have missed for the world.Fiction or faction,I don’t give a fuck.

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