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Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

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Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

By: Matthew Perry
Narrated by: Matthew Perry
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About this listen

 'There's never been a more honest or raw memoir . . . and it may just save lives' Daily Mail

'Funny, fascinating, compelling . . . also a wonderful read for fans of Friends' The Times

'HI, MY NAME IS MATTHEW, although you may know me by my full name. My friends call me Matty.'

So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who travelled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us . . . and so much more.

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell - and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it - Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he's found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humour, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fuelled it despite seemingly having it all.

'An unflinching and often harrowing must-read for 90s pop culture fans' Guardian

'Written with Chandler's trademark sarcasm and self-deprecation' Telegraph

'A hopeful read . . . I started to think of [it] not as a celebrity memoir about addiction, but as an addiction memoir written by a man who understands his own history through the prism of showbiz' Independent©2022 Matthew Perry (P)2022 Macmillan Audio Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Comedy Funny Inspiring Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Witty Stand-Up

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All stars
Most relevant  
Honestly, I never liked Matthew Perry and didn't want to buy this book at all. But since his passing, I was interested to hear what he had gone through and now I feel humbled. Yes, he was egotistical, selfish, self pitying and so on BUT if you can listen to the undercurrent in this book you will hear how afraid, lonely, desperate and out of control he was. It will open eyes about addiction and dispel the myth that money can fix everything. It is also funny and scathing in parts, particularly about detox programmes. Even more powerful listening to him read it. I would highly recommend.

This book will save lives

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I liked all of it - highly recommend! It documents the rollercoaster struggle Matthew has been on & it is life affirming to hear, especially read by Matthew himself

A moving memoir

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Storytelling with shocking honesty. What a great shame that hi story ends as it does

Honesty and lucidity

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Matty narrates this with honesty and uber openess! Factual with references to a YoutTube Friends and the BBC interviews
I ended the book with a 'Keep fighting Matty' BIG HUG attitude, Its not over yet I fear!
Matty has faith and obviousl very talented.
Finished in 3 days, Loved it!

A brittle man in gods hands!

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I had no idea the struggles that Matthew suffered and feel guilty that I didn't notice when watching Friends. I have addicts in my life and this gave me perspective on their outlooks so I am grateful for the compassion I now feel. This is no light read and sometimes meanders but I found the narration and 'story line' good, interesting, and harrowing. I hope Matthew finds his peace, with or without someone by his side.

Sad and honest

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Very insightful
And very emotional . A brave true story .
A must read and inspiring . Great

Excellent

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Great book, so sad but so interesting and honest. I finished it for 1 day and it was captivating!

Great book!

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Loved this book, great insight into the fact that not all rich and famous people lead the life you think, and they do have problems (some very major ones). I also love the fact he narrated it himself it really brings you into the story

Great work

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Although slightly confusing timeline a very honest insight to his addiction and life. I hope he finds peace

Honest and raw

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Wanted so hard for Matthew to come through this, he did ♡ Amazing life story

A journey ♡

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