May 1, 2008

Update on James Frey

Anyone who knows me or has read my blog from the beginning, knows I'm a James Frey (A Million Little Pieces, My Friend Leonard) fan and supporter. His book, A Million Little Pieces, gave me a look into a world I didn't want to see as a parent of an adult child who was submerged in the very dark world of drugs and alcohol. Through his writing, whether you classify it as memoir, fiction, or non-fiction, he touched me and opened my mind to understand that my only role in my daughter's struggle was to love her unconditionally and support her emotionally. Her struggle was hers alone. (I'm very proud to say she is on the other side of that dark period, and a truly successful person and terrific mother.)

I read Frey's book years before "O" picked it up or put it on her Book Club list, though I was happy for Jim when O announced her choice, as I knew this would make him an overnight success and millionaire. I won't again go into what I think of O now.

However, for any other fan of A Million Little Pieces and/or James Frey, you owe it to yourself to read an article coming out in the new issue of Vanity Fair, said to be Jim's last interview of any kind. You can read it here.

James has a new book, Bright Shiny Morning coming out on May 13th. I pre-ordered it on Amazon as soon as I heard about it. This is my birthday present to myself, as well as my own small way to pay homage to an author whom I personally think ranks with the likes of Jack Kerouack and John Steinbeck. I'm sure O won't be reading his book, but luckily I am still intelligent enough to form my own opinions about authors I do and do not like to read and do not need her to form an opinion for me.

Whether you're a nay-sayer or a fan, do yourself a favor and read the Vanity Fair article.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good morning -- I have not read the book yet (must be like one of the very few) but it is on my list (long). Your blog has put it closer to the top. My daughter read both of his books so I printed the Vanity Fair article to read and pass on to her. Keep up the blogging. I do enjoy reading them. Thank you. Have a good weekend, finding something fun to do for yourself. Pamela

Tipper said...

I loved the book A Million Little Pieces. I didn't even know it was an O book. When someone told me about it-I said "I don't care I thought it was a super book". I will admit parts of it were hard to read-but still I couldn't put it down. Now I want to read his new one! Thanks for letting me know about it!

Ruth said...

I haven't read Frey's book yet, but one I did read along similar lines is alive! by Eileen DeClemente. She has chronicled not only the story of her addiction, but also her recovery and how she and her family dealt with everything. It really touched my heart.