Kristen asked for this book ("Million Little Pieces" by James Frey) for Christmas, so I went to store after store after store looking for it. Everywhere it was sold out. After I finally found it I'm not too ashamed to admit that I started reading it before I wrapped it up to give to her. Before I knew it I was 50 or so pages in with little chance of stopping. Luckily I realized my deception would be discovered in the form of a broken spine (the book's, not mine) had I not stopped. So I did, but not before knowing that I would pick this book up again. While I have not yet done so (I've been busy watching "Stargate SG-1") I thought those of you that have read it, or even those of you that have not, might be interested in all the news lately that's surrounding this little book.
For starters, this book is about the author (it's an autobiographical novel) and his journey through rehab, after waking up on a plane, clueless of where was, how he got there, or how he came to be bloodied and bruised. That's the part that I read. Apparently it goes on to tell of his involvement in various nefarious plots and federal investigations and such. According to CNN, someone (The Smoking Gun)thinks he's lying. Or, at least, exaggerating. While Oprah and her book club (a good crew to have on your side) may back him, his publisher, Random House, is offering a refund to those that purchased the book directly through them.
So the question is, would you feel ripped off if you read what is apparently a life-altering novel based on someone's life if you found out they lied, or exaggerated the facts? Would it alter your enjoyment of the book, or the benefit you gained from reading it, knowing this? And would you pick the book up now, not having read it before, but knowing that it is full of lies?
Isn't a book just a book? At least, isn't this book just a book? We're not talking about a history book claiming that France was responsible for winning World War II. We're talking about some guy making his life out to be more that it really was. Don't we all do that anyway to some degree or another? My bottom line: I'll read it, even if I have to pick it up from the fiction section of the book store. And perhaps that's where it belongs anyway.
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So the guy embellished a police report or two? That's it? Okay- for the sake of argument- let's say pieces of his story are exaggerated. So what? Even if Smoking Gun is dead on (and I don't believe they are) his life story and the details of his addiction and recovery are nothing short of amazing and awe inspiring. And I'd say that even if only a fraction were true! In any world of an alcoholic/drug abuser the success rate of life long sobriety is 8% at best. Recovery is based on following 12 steps and in many ways, laying blame on others for the problems in their lives. James Frey has managed sobriety for 16+ years blaming NO ONE but himself and has taken complete responsability for his actions no matter how big or small they may have actually been. On HIS terms. I read the Smoking Gun excerpt and I saw the interview on CNN and it comes to this- It's a sad, sad day when a website has nothing better to do than piss and moan about an embellishment here and there. I mean- please God tell me we as people aren't this thick and ignorant! What a shame as I believe the bad press that is now attached to this book will prevent a potential reader from picking up this find and perhaps truly reaping a benefit. (Nice job Smoking Gun)! And for those who have read it may now fail to see the big picture which is this- This a TRUE story of love, strength, weakness, inspiration, and above all hope. If the author wants to add a little spice for dramatic effect- I'd say he's earned that right. Hell- while we're at it, why don't we revisit the Lance Armstrong saga? Piss all over his accomplishments again? Get a life- I say!!
Now I'll climb off my soap box and thank Jason- I think it's safe to say- I loved my gift! Now RUN out and buy this book!
Thought you guys might want to check out the author's note to the reader that will now go in the front of all copies of the book.
http://www.randomhouse.com/trade/publicity/pdfs/AMLP020106.pdf
Oprah was really pissed with this dude, especially after she backed him.
I saw the Oprah show when she had James Frey back to answer for himself. To say I felt disappointed would be an understatement. That being said, after the dust settles a little, I do hope that people can look beyond this and grasp the basic message of this book. I think it could stand to help many people indeed. I still stand behind his accomplishments as a recovering alcoholic and drug abuser. For those who are afflicted, this is an everyday battle with no cure- just the willpower to stay sober. Anyone who has been exposed to the life of an addict or is an addict themselves can attest, it's no walk in the park no matter what the circumstances. Next!
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