Q&A
In March 2009, we interviewed and videoed James Frey sourcing all our questions from twitter and this website. Below are the three videos of James’ answers and also a general Q&A.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Soundtrack to a documentary called American Hardcore. Some Bob Dylan. Some AC/DC.
Do you like living in New York?
Most of the time. New York is an amazing city, certainly the cultural center of America, and maybe the world. There is great art, great food, great music, great people. Only things I dislike about it are the winters and certain aspects of living there as a public figure.
How do you feel about the drinking and drug culture there?
I don’t really think about it. People drink and do drugs everywhere. I don’t judge people for doing either, and I neither seek out people who drink and do drugs, nor avoid them.
How did you vote in the last election?
I voted for the guy who lost.
What are you reading at the moment?
Just read the final Harry Potter. Before that, Clockers by Richard Price. Before that, Freedomland by Richard Price. Before that Falling Man by Don DeLillo.
If you could do one thing in your life differently what would it be?
I’m fine with my life. Wouldn’t change a fucking thing.
What are you most proud of?
My wife and my daughter.
Do you consider yourself to be happy?
Yeah, I am. I have a great family, great friends, I love what I do.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
If you care about what other people think, you will always be their prisoner.
How do you feel about your work being described as inspirational?
My goal was to create literature. If the work inspires people or helps them in some way, I think it’s a beautiful thing.
Do you prefer writing books to screenplays?
Absolutely. I just wrote a film for director Tony Scott about the Hell’s Angels. It is most likely the last screenplay I will ever write. The only reason I even did it was because it was him, and I dig his work, and because I got to hang out with the Hell’s Angels. Tony was great, but usually the process is too collaborative, in a destructive, unproductive way. With books, I do what I want, how I want, and they either succeed or fail because of what I do.
What has been your worst job so far?
Worst is a relative term. Being a writer has been incredible, and at times very difficult, very trying.
How do you feel about being famous?
Fame is also a relative term. I’m really happy that I’m widely read, published in thirty-one languages, millions of books sold. The goal has always been to write books that have enough power to continue to be read long after I’m gone, to become part of history in some way. I could care less about fame in the manner of celebrity.
You made your position of AA and twelve step programmes very clear in A Million Little Pieces, do you still feel this way?
AA and the twelve steps do an immense amount of good in the world. I think they’re great. As far as applying them to my own life, or living by their tenants, I absolutely still feel the same way.
Do you think some are more susceptible to addiction than others?
Yeah, though why that is is a subject of debate. There is certainly some genetic component, but I believe there are also environmental factors.
What do you spend your money on?
Lawyers.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Art.
What do you think about the way addiction is portrayed in literature?
Sometimes really well, sometimes really bad, sometimes really silly. All depends on who is doing it.
Which contemporary writers do you admire?
Many, but Norman Mailer and Brett Easton Ellis are probably the two I most admire.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
Probably Henry Miller, or Lao Tsu.
How do you feel about your child reading your books?
When she’s old enough, and if she has any interest in reading them, I’m all for it.
Ha! Very telling answer to ‘what he spends his money on’ …
Hi James, I think you’re a wonderfully talented author and recently i have become disheartened and shallow after a milestone in my reckless drug use. I wanted to ask if you ever overdosed or faced severe respiratory depression when you started using depressants? and if you ever teased mortality in one of these scenarios.
James, you probably dont respond to the forum often if at all but I just wanted to say the last book I read that gripped me as much as your first was Dave Peltzer A child called it. A totally different subject in many respects but many similar aspects in writing. Gripping and seemingly from the soul. I read alot but I read that years ago and like yours it sticks in the mind and I recommend it to friends as a harrowing but amazing read. My best friend bought me your first book as a xmas present a few years ago(maybe trying to teach me something)but whatever the bad press you get please keep going.
Hey James, I am from Surrey in England. I have been reading about you being a fraud etc. Just wanted to say even if that is true it doesnt bother me. I have read the first 3 books and on the 4th. I could not put them down. They are brilliantly written. My girlfriend read the final testament in 2 days having never read anything from you before. Cracking reading and if it is fictional fair play. If it is true and you are in hiding, come to England and I would be glad to put you up and show you the area. To be fair having talked to friends who dont read as much as me you would be safe in the knowledge you would not be recognised. Keep up the great, wierd,harsh but wonderful writing. A big fan of what I have had the pleasure to read so far. thankyou
James, your writing has inspired me (as countless others) to confront some addictions. The Tao Tse Ching has been particularly inspirational, thanks to your references in AMLP. No doubt, battling these demons are a bitch. I’ve gone back and forth, but recently finding out that I am going to be a father feels like it will be the catalyst to conquer this shit for good.
What was it for you?
Were the characters of Lilly and Leonard and everyone in the Unit in A million little pieces real? the relationship with Lilly affected me very deeply….
I overheard a conversation yesterday WITH THE SAME DAMN QUESTION about frey.s book was it REAL OR NOT! Here it is again! Unless you.re in the business of filing books who gives a shit? OPRAH revealed the frenzied mob mentality of our society. Get a rope & hang em! Stupid people. It.s all REAL in the mind of the reader. Where exactly is your mind by the way? Can.t be proven. Is it REAL? Shame on OPRAH for every self endulgent magazine cover NONE OF THEM REAL.At leaat Frey.s got some honest guts. Thank God.
I am an American living for the 20 years in China. I found BSM in a local bookstore. I had no idea that you were the same guy who caused such a controversy with Oprah until after reading BSM. I found BSM brilliant, entertaining and a down right page turner. Frankly, I do not care about what you made up or didn’t in the previous book. After discovering who you were by going to amazon to see what else you might have written, it does not change the fact that I found the writing brilliant. I read 2-3 books a week. Your style was refreshing, the information (whether accurate or not) interesting and the characters compelling. Thank you for writing BSM. I am passing this cherished copy along to friends here in Shanghai.
Charles
I love James Frey’s style of writing….to hell with the critics, to hell with Oprah…your style is unique and refreshing…thank you for another fantastic book in Bright Shiny Morning…when is the next?
Kelly
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU KELLY…I LOVED THE BOOK AND WHO IS SHE?? LIKE SHE’S MISS PERFECT.
When I picked up A Million Little Pieces in the shop, I didn’t realise it was a true story, let alone a memoir. By the time I realised, I was SO into it. I read it constantly for a while, heartbroken by the fact that it was truth. I can honestly say that I’ve never been so affected by a book before – I was crushed, mind-blown, devastated and sad. Then I came to the ending, and I pretty much started crying on the bus. I was absolutely devastated. All the people that surrounded James in his time of need were gone, all tragically. By this point, I felt like I knew them too. It stung. But what I feel most of all is relief that at least one person can get through all the bad and come out of it good. It gives me nothing but hope that James got through what he did and emerges as nothing short of an inspiration for people everywhere, whether they are an addict, know an addict or have never touched drugs. I feel like I know James, and that feeling feels privileged. Thank you for opening my eyes and my world.
IT WASN’T A TRUE STORY.
Even if it is noy a true story it was still f@#king awesome… Harry Potter is not a real story and yet people love it so please get over it. All the books were amazing… I never read any books before James Frey. So thank you dude your books have kept me busy and I loved them all… They were brilliant!!!
-Mel
hey F@#K you. the book was awesome and if u dont like it or find it false then F@#K off and go complain to your parents… little FU#ker
I understand it wasn’t a true story, however, it was based on some of his life experiences. He wrote A riveting story, had readers drawn in, feeling his words, experiencing it right off the page into another world, which is exactly what a GREAT writer does.
Well, done Mr. Frey. Like Marianne Williamson, I thought Oprah was all ego in the “drag Frey across the coals” follow up to her initial interview.
Since the “big reveal”, I have wondered why Frey didn’t promote the book as “based on his life story”, as opposed to a memoir.
Oprah gets a little (little!) messed up when it comes to her integrity being messed up. I don’t think that is what happened. I think she read a great book, and did what she always does, tells the world.
Opps James, on the pressure to sell and promote your book the way it happened. They say, there is no such thing as bad publicity in Hollywood if it brings attention to your work.
I think the only thing missing that James needed at that time, was a better adviser/lawyer/agent. Where were they?
Again, well done Mr. Frey.
James:
You may remember me. You wrote my girlfriend, who is now my wife, when she had cancer and you told her to kick it’s ass. She did. She carried that note around with her. That’s why I wasn’t and never will be mad at you for the Oprah debauchle. She’s terrible anyway. Just wanted to say hello and tell you that Jamie and I loved loved loved the new book. Obviously, we were upset about Dylan and Maddie, but oh well. It was a brilliant read.
James:
I just got out of detox an hour ago i’d say. I spent all of my free time reading a million little pieces. I read the whole book while I was in there. I was amazed with your honesty. People need to hear more truth when it comes to addiction. I seen alot of myself in you and the actions you took while you were on drugs and alcohol. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you.
James, just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your three books. I sat down and read all three just recently and I’m sorry I waited so long. You truly are one of my favourite authors now and I wish I had have picked you up long ago. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Extraordinary……
Hey james
Im 14 years old and I have read all your books. I have laughed, cried, dreamed all from reading your books. A milllion little pices was the first ever story I have read and the only reason I read it was because everyone else had and they all liked it. I couldnt put the book down it was my drug and i was addicted. but then it finished and I felt empty so I made my mum go and get me my friend leonard which I loved. Leonard is so funny his such a character and I didnt like him dying it made me so sad I couldnt stop crying. Then I read bright shinny morning I liked it but there were parts were I was like come on I dont really care about all this crap. and I hated maddies and dylans ending did he live or die? I love your style of writting.
keep up the good work. I need anouther book to read
what inspired you to start writing? big fan of your books and work
James Frey, I love your books so much! I have read A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard. They were both amazing. Now I have started Bright Shiny Morning, and it is very interesting. However, I just wanted to say that your style of writing I absoultely love. I can never just put your books down after lik 20 or 30 pages. I have to just keep reading. They have made such an impact on me and I hope that you just keep on writing because I will keep buying all of your books
thank you james for making the world a better place with your novels. all your books had a big impact on me, especially my friend leonard. thanks. i cant wait for your next book to come out.
My friends
I’m drunk, for the first time in a while, I’m smoking a cigarette, for the first time in a month, and I feel compelled to write to you, and thank you, for sending me that book.
For the first time in a long, long while I have read a book from beginning to end. Last night Liam woke at half two, I woke up as did Suzy. I couldn’t sleep, I went downstairs. I picked up the book you sent me, read the first page and devoured the entire thing in one sitting, completely unable to stop reading, making tea with the book in one hand, burning my fingers on the hot teabags without noticing, immersed completely, hypnotized, addicted you could say.
Al, what you wrote in the front cover – you’re right bud, and how strangely fitting also. For me, to go from consuming, mindlessly, drugs at first, then booze, then to become a dad and a partner, and go from one ‘bible’ to another – it’s so cliched but yet so very true. I’ve read a few books in my time, but I must say that is without a doubt, not a shred, the most powerful and incredible story I’ve ever read. I talked about it at work, recommended it to people who will never read a book in their lifetimes, but still I enthused like a kid reading the fucking Hobbit for the first time. Bloody hell. Shit, I even cried while finishing the book, half because of Lilly’s suicide, half because I’d finished it and couldn’t read it ‘virginally’.
Sorry if I sound ridiculous, I’m just overjoyed to find the, well, joy a book can bring again. It’s been a long time of steel and dirt up on the site surrounded by hardbooted men and their harsh words, you’ve helped me find the simple pleasures I used to have, reading and losing myself in a story.
Thankyou.
Have a great Christmas guys, I can’t wait to see you both again.
Pedro.
That’s my reaction to the very good friend who sent me this bbook – can’t dress it up any more than that – tbh I don’t want to dress it up any more. This thing took me by surprise , blindsided me, smashed my face in and robbed me of coherent thought for some early morning hours. I loved it, cried, laughed more than cried, read, drank tea, loved it. Thankyou man, thankyou.
Reading your book as the love of my life was spending his time in rehab- opened my eyes to see what it must be like for him and everyone else. Everyperson has a diffren’t view and they experiance didn’t things, but when he came back eighteen months later, he told me things i dreaded hearing because of the book. Because what I thought was writen in the book was a false statement, but it’s just like that. The friends he made and fear he felt some nights, he said it was indescribable. I don’t know what my perspective on life would be if I never read the book a million little peices and I did so by fluke. I liked the cover so I grabbed it for english. I never thought I’d fall in love with your writing style and how open you are with it. I give your work more then five stars. And I hope a movie comes from it. It would be an amazing tale of how heroic an ordinary person can be.
I DON’T KNOW IF YOU WILL EVEN GET THIS EMAIL…BUT JUST WANTED TO TELL U I READ A MILLION LITTLE PIECES,,,,IT WAS RAW AND REAL, IT HELD MY ATTENTION FROM START TO FINISH, I COULD RELATE ESPECIALLY BECAUSE AT THAT TIME I LOVED A MAN VERY MUCH WHO WAS ON CRACK.
I WAS APPALED THE WAY OPRAH TREATED U ON HER SHOW AND AFTER THAT I KNOW LONGER WATCH HER. WHAT SHE’S PERFECT?? I SAY “WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES” MS. WINFRY AND THEN YOU JUDGE ME….HAVEN’T READ YOUR LATEST BOOK YET BUT DEFINITELY PLAN ON IT I SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION AND GET IN THESE SLUMPS…ANYWAY
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR WIFE AND DAUGHTER.
This is the 1st time I have ever looked at this page. I am going to buy both books today and read them.
Hi James, just found out that that you have cancelled coming to waterstones in liverpool. i was looking forward to talking to you about your amazing well written addictive book! These thing’s happen i suppose keep up the good work.
Regards.
James B
jamesybeck@hotmail.co.uk
thank you
Does James Frey plan on writing any more books? They are AMAZING!
Great taste in music James. Just saw AcDc in Dublin the other night they were amazing, 2nd best gig ever just behind Robert Plant and just ahead of Macca!
I am reading A Million Little Pieces at the moment – I am not even finished yet but this is without a doubt the best book I have ever read. Ok, so I’m only 27, but honestly, I am in love. I have a had a pretty rough year and have been lower than I ever thought I could be and because of that people suggested for me not to read it right now but I am and am so so glad I did. I has really helped me in many ways. Thanks James. Eva x
Also, I don’t care if its exaggerated or fabricated – its just really fucking good.
James, i have just now finished reading A Million Little Pieces. I wish this were a more private email, but it is not. My 18 year old sister knew of this: i just discovered this 3 days ago, and I wanted to thank you. After reading this, I looked up the info, to mail you, and saw all the drama that followed around you and i think its all bullshit. whether all this stuff is true or not, who cares? you have touched alot of people, addicts, bad asses, alcoholics–whoever. You have touched my soul and mind and heart, and if i ever chose to read the 12 step book, it would be this instead, and that is all there is to it. I am quite sure that the people who have responded negatively to this book, or any of your life stories, whether fake or real, are just afraid of the truth, and cannot look them self in the eye. Simple. I admire all of your sadness, your feelings, your hurts, but mostly the fact that you are man enough to write a book about these things.
Hi there,
My name is Mary Anne Parker and I went to see James at The Miller’s academy last month. He signed a copy of a book for me and I was half way through reading it when…
A Hollywood actor took me on a date. Got very drunk and said he needed to pop home for his credit card as he had left it there. His flat was across from the restaurant in Notting Hill and low and behold when I arrived he locked me in and wouldn’t let me leave – verbatim. I had to escape through a window I left a shoe, a jacket…but most importantly my book Bright Shiny Morning had fallen from my bag in the climb down the drain pipe.
I am happy to pay for another copy but I really need James to sign it again as he referred to me moving to LA in a personal message and then signed it.
Please let me know if this is possible? As for the book well this story is living proof of the truth behind those glistening Hollywood stars
Hello james. I am a 42 year old los angeles native that is enjoying your take on la life in your book bright shiny morning.
I am currently on page 141, and although I found your general disgust of the 10 fwy strange, your failure to list the 405 as the
truly evil piece of shit that it is 24 hours a day was strange. Alas, it must be due to your lack of wasting 42 years of your own life
in traffic on the 405 as I have.
Ok, on to my beef. Pch has never and will never ever be known as “the pch”.
It is simply pch. Period. How this got by you, I do not know. Ask anyone here, no
one calls pch “the pch”. Nope. Doesn’t happen,
I applaud your lack of puncuation in bright shiny morning, as you can see I
am a fan of just saying fuck it and writing however I choose.
I think you are a very talented man.
i just finished reading A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard. i cant wait to read Bright Shiny Morning and any other books you write. I dont usually like reading but once i started i couldnt put the books down!! and now i’ve got a lot of my friends reading them to. I was devastated when Lilly died, i was reading at work and i actually cried lol. They were great books, i didnt want them to end. Your a great writer!
Hey James,
Can’t wait to meet you this coming Thursday in Pasadena! I’m a huge fan and will be driving up from San Diego to show my support.
With gratitude,
Liza
Hi james
I just wanted to let you know that after reading A Million Little Pieces two years ago, I was inspired to write a song about it. At the time I was greatly moved and it seemed a natural response to the emotions you made me feel. If you would like to, you can listen to it at http://www.thespeedwellinvention/myspace.com and maybe even honour us by letting us know if you liked it.
Thanks
Adam
I very much enjoyed reading ‘A Million Little Pieces’ a few years ago.
Something I tried to obtain is: Which translation of the ‘Tao Te King’ does Frey cite (in the book he describes, that he got it as a present from his brother)
I read a lot of translations to english and german, but never came across one which made as much sense as the one Frey cites in his book.
If anybody can help me with this, please mail!
THX a lot
Mercurio
Stephen Mitchell is the translation used.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tao-Te-Ching-Persona/Stephen-Mitchell/e/9780060812454
I have just finished Bright Shiny Morning last night and all I can say is AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! I’ve never been more sad to finish a book because all I wanted was more. I completed A Million Little Pieces & My Friend Leonard in one sitting each and BSM was everything I hoped it would be and more. Your writing is phenomenal and I will wait patiently for the next one.
Regardless of what might be true or false, a good book is a good book. I feel sorry for people that let what they hear in the media get in the way of experiencing your work.
Best wishes to you and your family!
the only book I ever finished reading in a week, it’s beautifully poetical+philosophical having experience with my son who was addicted, now I understand more abt the addicts. I feel like writing the pains of parents who went thru it. I was wondering did James Frey scribbled something before the tittle page and also at page 427, did they mean something? The scribbles are similiar,the last one is bigger than the first one. Please tell me
I am in the middle of reading A Million little Pieces, I do not care if it is exaggerated , to me it is not , as you see I am the mom of a herion and crack addict, I know how I felt and how my son felt when he was in rehab, when we had to go to see the private conseler, he was so nervous, ashamed, guilty, he could not look at me , I would do anything for my son to help his addiction, he is now in jail but is part of a MAP program and was just transfered to Newark , I fear that he might mess up again, as he has before, but I can not see anyone saying that your book was not all real, no one could possibly know all that you wrote unless they have been there , what you write is how it is , the get up and job, the guys, the no talking to woman, how you struggled, thank you for writing this it helps me understand and cry at the smae time, my son does not feel comfortable with AA or NA, it makes him feel like using, so I do not think it is for everyne
Dear James- Twenty years ago I was a drunk and an addict. Every day FELT like having a root canal without anesthesia. I read AMLP before Oprah-and I said this guy writes the way it feels! Memoir? Autobiography? Who cares? I am so proud and happy that you stayed sober after that. I hope your Mom is doing well-I felt so bad for her. Sunday morning and I am saving the last 50 pages of Bright Shiny Morning. I dont want it to end.
james frey, i do not want to carry on about how i’m your biggest fan or what fucking ever. i want you to know obviously i love your writing and all the rest but i really just admire you, so fucking much. i want you to know that though i’m not an addict i have been through the most unbelieveable things in the last six months and i’m sixteen for god’s sake, but all the things your books have taught me, to just fucking take it by the balls, and “deal with it, and hope some day you don’t have to.” james i would really like to get to know you and i know that’s probably impossible because you probably get it a lot but james you are beyond words of admiration, you are infinitely greater.
I respect how you’ve handled the situation and how you’ve moved on. It is inline with your core strength – believing in yourself. It is one of the answers to life that works. Some are luckier than others finding self reliance. Regardless of the outcome pursuing self acceptance is a solid goal. If you are ever lucky enough to meet me I will certainly shake your hand and say thank you for the three great reads you’ve produced. I’ll look forward to the next.
James, AMLP is a great book and who cares if it is the subject of some embelishment, it brings home the real challenges that some face.
It is of general consencus however that the final page denoting the outcome of the characters lives should be removed. I was left at the end with many thoughts in my own mind of how James had made it and how he would take things from there on only to be instantly crushed by the death and failure of others. This also means that reading My Friend Leonard is not now so appealing as I know the future of some of the characters. I hope you take this positively and consider removing the page.
All the best.
Hey…i’m a huge fan of those books…after devouring a million little pieces and my friend leonard, crying, laughing, crying a bit more, being overwelmed..i just finished bright shiny morning and was not disapointed…those are the best fucking books i’ve read so far…have you read flash by charles duchaussois? you’ll love it…when are we going to see you in france???!!!?….
take care
I have a story to tell and I am not an author. I would love for YOU to write my story.
Joan in Dallas, Texas
James, I read A Million Pieces & Leonard, both were the best books ever. I fired off at Oprah in her way of welcoming a guest on her show. Shame on her!! Anyway, I recently came across your books in my home and passed them on to my daughter-in-law. She too loved the books and so we were wondering if you were still writing. Promise you’ll never stop writing. You do it soooo well. You have the gift of telling a story with such feeling in a way that keeps the reader glued to the book. I wish you all the very best!
I lost my 27 year old son to crack less than a year ago. I have just finished reading your two books, A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard. My son and I were best friends and we fought his battles together for a long time. In my mind I understood his demons, but since reading AMLP, I understood them in my heart. I had no idea of the controversy surrounding your story until just now, but being an intelligent, well read individual, I understand the need for a certain amount of artistic licence to sell a book. I don’t care – no one could have described the awful realities of addiction like you did unless you had faced them. I know this because I recognised aspects of my son in your words. He spoke of the fury – you could see it in his eyes. And the gorging on food – he took a picture on his phone of a huge steak dinner he had cooked for himself, the walking in the freezing cold for miles with no particular destination. I still have my son’s boots with holes in the soles. He didn’t have your strength, or enough friends, but he had your sensitivity and intelligence. You broke my heart several times with your story because I felt your pain, as I felt my son’s pain. I miss him. If you embellished the details in order to sell the books, thank you – because I might not have had the privelege of reading them otherwise. And it truly helped me – it would have helped my son too.
Im so sorry to have read this about your son. When reading this book it truly moved me in understanding the struggle an addict goes through. It was so honest and so real. Your comment on Mr.Frey’s book only strengthens my empathy to this issue. With all my heart & prayers, please take care.
Dude,
What the F is up? It feels like yesterday that I had my bitch spying at the Palace Kitchen looking for a philandering c-bag. Look me up bitch. I need some advice on how to make a grilled cheese sandwich with the proper amount of hairy fiber in it. I’m working in New Mexico and Sun Valley, Idaho every other week but am back in the great Northwest every week for a few days.
Signing off, ya fuck,
C.W. Jahnston
Wow. I’m only fifteen years old, and I am reading your story right now. I’m almost done, and let me tell you, even though you made most of the story up, you are very inspirational. So what you made some of it up, most people like fantasy more than reality
I knew that you made the story up before I started reading “A Million Little Pieces.” You really told me how Alcholics and Addicts really feel and go through. I had non idea. My step-dad was an alcholic and I’m not sure if he still his, but I totally see what he went through. Thankyou for this story James, I’m recommending this to all the friends and family I know. (:
Sincerely,
Megan
Hey James,
I’m 16 and I have read all your books and I’m actually writing a speech about you and your life and also your fantastic writing ability. If you have some input, please let me know.
(kkyette@yahoo.com)
*I fucking love your books, write another!*
=D
Bright Shiny Morning is the first book of yours that I’ve read. I love it, but because of your use of punctuation I had to re-read some of the sentences; was your intention to make certain parts confusing or was it just your way of saying fuck the rules, or both?
I love your books. Completely and utterly. A Million Little Pieces is my favourite and the style you write in is captivating. You are a huge influence on me and I just wanted to let you know.
Amy
Mr. Frey
I have a unique story to tell but not sure how to do that. I was an upperclass white girl, very smart, been totally shamed and abused my whole life. I have recently spent 8 months in Work Release program. During my time there, I was ridiculed by the white girls, taken in by the black girls, and a wonderful relationship has formed with us. I have also made a huge connection, as well as my black sisters whom I adore, with one particular officer. I have gotten the characters written and so far anyone who reads about the characters laugh really hard. I don’t know where to go from here. I am from Gainesville, Georgia. My story is totally unique as it brings two totally different backgrounds but find so much in common. The name of my story is “Confessions from the Laundry lady”. You see when I got to Work Release, I was given the job of Laundry lady, that’s where the name came from. You will never believe what I witnessed while doing my job. I have learned so much, including how to make the best turnip greens, and cried so often. Now that I am home, I miss the girls, feel as though part of my heart is missing, but looking forward to having my sisters get out and move forward with their lives. I also want to make a way for these girls to make it when they do. This is such a great story to tell but I need your help. I could hire a Ghostwriter I know, but for some reason, God always points me to you. One thing I have learned for sure, no human being should be about color, only about love. I love everything you’ve ever written. Our Country should feel so blessed by having you as a mentor to relationships. I have lost it all, but gained so much more than materialism could ever mean to me.
With much love to you.
Kerrie Kilburn
Kerrie if you write your book I would read it. Just wanted to let you know!
dear james.
My family, myself included, are going through what most would say the worse possible situation (not just the divorce of my parents) and i feel as if i am acting in the same way you felt about the twelve step deal in a million little pieces. Also everyone thinks im going crazy inside, so im glad to know they are wrong.
I just finished your book Mr. Frey and I needed to come and tell you what I thought. I read A Million Little Pieces about two years ago and then read MY Friend Lenard as soon as i finished it. Now I have read a Bright Shiny Morning. I find you to be very easy to admire. I write short stories for fun and I HATE following the tradition sense of writing. I want to write my way and not be told other wise. You do that and you do it so well. Through our writing I became very attached to your characters (mostly Dilan and Maddie). I started to care about the outcome of what happened to them and how it would end.
I just want to say thank you for writing another great story and making a huge impact on my life and the way I view writing. You truly have had an effect on me and in a very good way.
I heard that you have a new book coming out called I Am Number Four, and i was wondering if your able to say the the characters names? And how many main characters there are in the book, i heard there are NINE.
Dear James,
I have just finished reading A Million Little Pieces – I picked up the book as it was in my local bookstore, as soon as I started reading I could not put it down such an inspirational read and I cannot wait to buy My Friend Leonard. I really wanted to send you my best wishes as it has broken my heart to read at the back of the book that Lilly has not made it to be wth you today. The fact that you have not relapsed is amazing and I cannot wait to read how your time after this 1st book has turned out.
I have never written to an author of a book before – but this book has touched me in so many ways.
Love to you and all around you that you care for.
Teri x
love you james frey
Your book made me turn my life around. Thankyou x
you’re my hero
Hi dear, I´m an alchoolic and a drug addict and I´ve been clean for almost 4 years. I never went to a hospital in my reahb and I menage it all by myself at first and latter with the AA help. Reading your book I realized it was the first time ever I´ve heard about a person who is in rehab and stil goes to the same place with the same friends. I mean, you go to bars all the time with friends who do drugs and alchool… I´m amazed and I think that doctors should study your case!! Congratz!!
love these books<3 they really moved me but it kind of breaks my heart that its not all truth. is lillian grace sanders real?
I am battling my demonds, my disease… it taunts me day in and day out. When I began reading your book it made me sick. I almost stopped reading it, but I had to keep reading I was drawn to the book. I kept reading, and I’m glad I did. FUCKER, I HATE IT. I JUST WANT IT TO LEAVE ME ALONE, BUT IT’S THERE. ALWAYS THERE WHISPERING IN MY EAR AND I AM POWERLESS. AA SUCKS, I went to rehab, I went to meetings my sponser dumped me. I just want it to leave me ALONE. Thank you for sharing your courage, your strength…. I’m sorry about Lilly, and all of your other friends… hangin by a thread… thank you
HELLO MR FREY,
JUST FINISHED READING A MILLION PIECES,EXCEPTIONAL,I AM CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE ,LOSING THE LOVE OF MY LIFE DUE TO INFIDELITY ON MY PART,I HAVE LONG AGO ACCEPTED THAT I HAVE AN ADDICTIVE PERSONALITY,AND I HAVE ISSUES WITH SEX,DRUGS,ALCHOL,AFTER READING YOUR BOOK JUST GAVE ME CONFIRMATION THAT I STILL HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY OWN ACTIONS, ITS EASY TO BLAME OTHERS AS I HAVE WANTED TO,YOU HAVE SHOWN THAT I HAVE TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF MYSELF UNTILL THAT HAPPENS I CAN NEVER REALLY RECOVER,3 YEARS AGO I WAS GOING NO WHERE I AM NOW STUDYING AT UNI IN BRISTOL FINE ART,IT WAS ALL GOOD,BUT ISTILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO SABOTAGE AREAS IN MY LIFE ,IN READING THE BOOK I RELISE THAT I SHALL SEEK MORE THERAPY IN ORDER FOR ME TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL PERSONNEL LIFE.
ONE DAY AT A TIME AND FIGHT THE UNHEALTHY WANTS AND NEEDS TO NUMB THE PAIN .
KIND REGARDS
MISS DIANA AHMED
The best writer today…I read your books and have to stop myself so I don’t finish in one day and leave some for the next…..
Whats next?
I wasn’t aware of all the controversy over the book. It just looked interesting, and that it was. It kept me captivated and I couldn’t put the book down. Really, that’s all I ask. I think I will read the next book about Leanor
i am overwelmed by your book, i feel like you mirror everything i am going through. i see no end to it. how on earth did you pull through it. does it get better? you are a true insperation to all. i have given the book to all my family as i feel they do not understand me. i hope this gives them an insight. thankyou james.
You inspire me.
I read A Million little pieces and my friend Lenoard in 5 days I finished today. I don’t know really what to say, my sister is the one who told me to read them, Our brother is a drug addict my sister gave up on him a long time ago and I never have I still believe in him but after she read the books she actually started to talk to him again so I knew there had to be something good about them. Your books are wonderful and sadly my brother was sentenced to 2 years in prison in Ohio and I want to send him the books, just for hope that maybe one day he can turn it around he is 23 years old and has been a drug addict since 12 he reminds me of you James in so many ways it is scary, we come from such a good family but shit happens. Thank you for sharing your stories, I hope someday to meet you and I would love to see you come out with another book about how you got to where you are now, about your wive your daughter etc…
Much Love,
Megan
James have you ever read The Book of One series? or anything regarding Guardian dimensional beings, or believe in channelling? The reason I ask is because the story behind “I am Number Four” is sort of reminiscing of things happening now, with new awakenings in consciousness, Reptillian Agendas, and world prohecies. Just passin through and wanted to throw that out there! Looks pretty interesting.
James, your book changed my life for the better, I was in a co-dependent relationship with a drug addict for several years and ended up addicted to drugs myself. After reading your book I saw the only way this descrution would lead to and although many of the situations you had been in were far removed from my own the emotions were largely similar. I believe your honnest account of addiction and your refusal to believe that addiction is an illness rather a choice was particully poinient. I have read and re read your book and have been clean for many years. I thank you for your book.
I want to tell you my story and you write it. please brandon wallace 706 457 2911
I don’t think he’ll write your story Brandon. Why don’t you write your story?
I read A Million Little Pieces months ago but had to have a break before reading My Friend Leonard as I was emotionally exhausted. What amazing books. Your writing has genuinely changed my outlook on life. Thank you,.
Michelle, UK
Hi James
I’m writing from Poland so sorry for lame english.
I just want to thank you cos your books give me inspiration and happiness.
hold on
Pawe?
Hi James (hope u will see it)
I just finished to read “Milion Little Peaces” now, and want to say that it’s was amazing story, it’s really touch me, influenced me, and make me feel a lot of different amotions by the time I read and after, and I think it’s amazing how book can make you feel like that. I also think you had need incredible courage to expose yourself like that (and I fucking don’t care which part was true or just good for the story), I think most of the world can’t admit and stand against there wrong decisions and there acts and said “I’m the responsible to all of that” and I admire your abbility to said that and to write about it to all the world.
Thank you very much. Hope you always will be strong to continue this way.
Moriya, from Israel
hey james ,
my name is christy and im a 17 year old girl from canada . i currently live in france because i ran into some problems back home involving drugs and needed to start over . im completely alone here and i know no one so i have lots of time for reading . my teachers back home assigned me some work to do while i was gone and one of my assignments was to read a million little pieces . at first , i didnt want to read it because the majority of books im assigned are usually bullshit , haha . but i started reading it on the plane and couldnt put it down . your story absolutely saved me and made me realize that my life doesnt have to be this way . ive been clean since february 16th , which i guess isnt that long , but for me it is . and thanks to you , im going home may 11th to see my family and start over with my boyfriend and school . thank you so much for sharing your story . it has absolutely changed me and made me want to change for myself , for my family , for my friends and for my boyfriend . i hope you email me back . i would deffinetly love to hear from you . thanks again . i think this is one assignment that i might actually end up finishing .
I just read A Million Little Peices, and I just wanted to say that as a parent of an Alcoholic/Polysubstance abuser, it really hit home. I feel like I saw my son in many of those pages, but he did not sink as low as you did, and as a result, is still more or less in a semi-dysfunctional state. What I really wanted to say was that I 100% agreed with your take on the whole 12-step AA philosophy. While it may work wonders for some, I feel that it absolutely does replace one addiction for another. That was why I could not relate to Alanon or any other of the “wring our hands and give up our power to the Higher one”, etc BS. As a long time student of many types of Eastern philosophy, I was impressed but not at all surprised that it was the Tao Te Ching which ultimately came to your rescue.
hello Mr.Frey
i have read a million little pieces and now have decided to write my author report about you and your book..and i would really love to know how, why and what inspired you to write a million little pieces i could really use this info on my report.
Thank-You:)
Thank you James. Thank you for writing this amazing and inspiring story. Thank you for writing about Leonard, who not only changed your life – but mine too.
I can never say thank you enough for these books, you taught me when to say “fuck you” and when to accept others with open arms.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I have waited my whole life for a book to speak to in the way yours did. Not only did it happen once, but three times. You write in a way my mind speaks.
I doubt you’ll ever bother to read this, but I hope you found happiness with your wife, daughter and dog. I hope you’ve forgotten the fury, i hope it doesn’t speak to you anymore.
I hope you’ve become the man you wanted to be when you were sat in rehab all those years ago.
I love all of your books. There is a line quoted in a million little pieces that i recite to myself and my children constantly, “don’t compare, don’t compete, just be”. YEARS later and it still sticks with me as the truth. I loved Bright Shiny Morning, and have a question about it that no one seems to be able to answer: everything in it is fiction, but I don’t think it is. I think everything in it is the absolute truth, written as fiction, in response to the ridiculous outrage over a million little pieces. Am I right?
I want to ask James Frey if his publishing firm will ever publish poetry. It’s the long forgotten stepchild of literature yet it can be the crack of lit – a quick emotional or intellectual high but it can leave you with something to think about. It’s perfect reading for this fast paced world.
I saw the Oprah interview (recent and past) and did not agree that other people who write memoirs are lying or making things up. They are writing the truth to the best of their ability. I remember many things that others might question because they do not like what I have to say but does that mean it’s not the truth? Maybe they have their point of view but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong. Maybe they just don’t like what they are hearing or reading.
Just my opinion and objection when I write memoirs.
James,
I really appreciate your attitude and your entire philosophy. I am an addict/alcoholic as well. I’m also a paraplegic. I was paralyzed in a drunk driving accident. I ran into 3 trees, a telephone pole and a house. I was thrown out of the car and onto the roof of the house. I rolled off the other side of the house and landed on the porch. You’d think that would be enough to get me to stop using….nope. I didn’t realize I had a problem until I started using $1,000 a week crack habit. Five years ago I filmed a documentary, “Forever Changed: A True Story That May Save Your Life” and I also began speaking in schools around the United States and Canada. Your writing is actually what inspired me. Whether “A Million Little Pieces” was the absolute truth or not makes no difference to me. Personally, I think anyone that allows a book ‘ruin’ their lives to the point where they file a lawsuit against the writer has a lot more issues than any book can fix. Now that being said, I think you can get some guidance or inspiration from books and that is what I did. I would LOVE to write a book with you. I have people tell me all the time that I should write a book. I watched you on Oprah all three times but this last time was something different. I saw something in you that made me sit back and say “wow”. When you said that you wanted to write but didn’t want to be like everyone else, that’s when I knew that if I ever worked with anyone on a book, it would be you. I would absolutely love to have input from you on a book. I realize that will probably never happen but if you ever have a little ‘down time’ I’d love some guidance. If that ever happens, please feel free to contact me. My web address is; http://www.ForeverChangedLLC.com. All of my contact information is on there. Like I said, I realize that will probably never happen but just in case you do ever want to help an aspiring writer get a start I’d love that opportunity. My idea is a book on, not just my life but on what I hear in schools. When I speak in these schools, I stay all day and speak to kids on a personal level. They trust me, which is what tells me I’m doing what I was meant to do. I hear some of the most horrific stories but, like I said, it shows me that I’m doing what I was meant to do. I just watch this cycle of addiction and I want to stop it. I think that if people could read how their actions affect their children they may think twice about what they choose to do. I think your input could be invaluable on something like this. I’ll stop babbling now….lol. I just wanted to tell you how you’ve influenced me and what I do now. Also, I wanted you to know that you are helping people in ways that you may have never thought about.
Please keep doing your own work and in your own way. You are an inspiration and a gift to the world. Thank you for the inspiration, for everything you are and for everything you will be.
I???m not that much of the on-line reader to be honest but your web sites actually good, maintain it up! I???ll go forward and bookmark your site to arrive back again later on. Cheers
Hello James,
Do you read, interested in poetry. Will you publish poetry?
Dear James,
Your are one of the greatest living writers in English, up there with Paul Auster in my opinion. Your work is an inspiration to me as a person and a writer.
I wish I’d met you when you came to the UK this year. Hope you come back soon. I would have told you to ignore the small-minded critics but you seem to be doing that anyway. The same people who have been telling us to get into post-modern relativism where nothing is real or unreal are the ones who suddenly need written affidavits that every word is true. Humbug.
It was all going great until I saw the music you’re into. What the fuck, James? Check out something that would match the intensity of your own work, and its commitment to not being a copy of someone else. So for example, These New Puritans ‘Hidden’ album (I have nothing to do with the band, have never met them).
I look forward to the next book and hope to meet you some day.
Cheers,
Dan
Your wonderful!! passionate!! And I <3 you without even knowing you.(hope thats all right) I wish you total happiness. Thanks so much for writing.
love ya, insert here.
Clever name, and diddo Insert here. I dont know him but he means the world to me. A million little pieces was un-fucking believable and I cant wait to read the sequal.
Though I know the ending because my sister doesnt know the meaning of, “dont tell me the ending or you’ll fuck it over for me.
It is unfortunate that only now come across to this page. If I had known earlier about the existence of this site is definitely more I looked here.
Your original take on this topic has me thinking about many of the points you shared in this article. This is great content with substance.
I would be interested in more content like this from you. I think a lot like you on this subject and your perspective is interesting. Will there be more soon?
Hi James. I’ve spent the first half of my summer holidays reading A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard and, to be honest, I’m hooked. Although I’m not an addict or an alcoholic, I can still really relate to all the emotions and thoughts you’ve put into both stories. I know that some of content in the books is based on real life, but how much so? It’s all so emotive, and just so hard to stop reading! Oh, and please come to Liverpool (UK) for a tour soon please! x
Dear James,
A million little pieces is in my opinion, awesome. And I just ordered The final Testament. Looking forward to seeing what you have to say about that. your a very interesting guy, Frey. I hazer to say, we are very similar creatures.
I have something I’d like to give you. I heard you say you always wanted to write an updated version of it. I’ve done all the research I can do on it in the last 50 yrs. and finally started writing May 25th of last year. My title for it is Herd Worthy, but You can call it what you want if you choose to accept this gift.
Please take the time to check me out and make sure I’m worthy of your trust. I can give you plenty of references. there is no monetary value on this book. so no it comes with no strings attached. Sincerely, Peggy Johnson.
Waterford California.
I HAVE JUST FINISHED A MILLION LITTLE PIECES I HONESTLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN I WAS JUST HOPING AND PRAYING THAT YOU WOULD BE STRONG AND HANG IN THERE. I ALSO WAS VERY SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT LILLY DIDN’T MAKE IT. I REALLY THOUGHT SHE WOULD HANG IN THERE WAITING ON YOU BUT IT WAS NOT TO BE.
I AM NOW READY TO PURCHASE THE NEXT ONE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HOW YOU HANDLE ALL OF THE OBSTACLES FANTASTIC BOOK WELL DONE JAMES. CHEERS RO AUSTRALIA
Hi James,
You need to write more books! Honestly I have read A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard 4 or 5 times and I still can’t put them down. You are my favourite author!
Heather
Ontario, Canada
Hi James
I have read A milllion little pices n i loved it. It was the first book which I couldnt put down it was my drug and i was addicted to it
Hi,James
I have not read any of your book but pls dont stop writing becuz it inspires people,but it doesnt inspires me,soooooooorry
Keep on writing and waste your own time:) THANK U……..
I like how he didn’t mention Leonard in who most impacted his life, I think Leonard had a very huge impact on his life, the thing I liked about this book was he implied by those people giving those lectures didn’t have strong addictions and they were all fabricated and they said they ‘got better’, like the part where the guy was speaking saying he smoked marijuana then drank and he stopped and never touched it again by attending AA meetings, I think they were put in there to show you can overcome any addiction, but in reality those who actually have strong addictions have trouble doing so, just read the back of the book on what happend to his friends he made at the rehab. I was very dissappointed to know that some of these events were fabricated, but in the end it was all tied up and made a really great Novel. I give this dude props because he got addiction, he understood it and he lauighed at those who lied about their addictions.
I haven’t checked in right here for some time since I thought it was receiving boring, but the last handful of posts are truly great top quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend.
I went to the library to buy any book in English, in order to improve my english language.
I checked some books, I start browsing…the stories was not exciting.
I grabbed A million little pieces, I open, I found fragments as has been from my life.
I bought it, I have read till page no. 327.
Its fucking amazing.
I stare at the book and i ask myself if my lifestyle can affect my future.
I think your story enthralled me and I’m only paranoia.
Thank you,once done i will go for your next book.
Cheers.
Hello James, look i have read the Lorien legacies, all of your (i mean Pittacus’) three books. Believe me, they were awesome!!! But suddenly i have a story of the next one in mind, well, not exactly the whole story, but the main part of it, about Number Five! I want to tell you about this, but i dont know how the hell to do that!!! Please let me tell you that story, its really awesome one.
I am from Europe and I live in Beijing for almost 5 years. Being from Europe and being liberal, I never understood how such a person (Oprah) can influence so many millions of Americans. I feel happy that we do not have an European version of Oprah. I do not understand how people can even listen what she says about Frey. It is like to compare Michelangelo (the creative genious) with Hitler, judging and condemning people.