Ha! Very telling answer to ‘what he spends his money on’ …

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 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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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