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Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing - by Matthew Perry

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing - by Matthew Perry - image 1 of 1
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing - by Matthew Perry - image 1 of 1
$17.00 sale price when purchased online
$29.99 list price
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Description



Book Synopsis



The beloved star of Friends takes us behind the scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this candid, funny, and revelatory memoir that delivers a powerful message of hope and persistence.

"Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead."

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 traveled 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 humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening--as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.



Review Quotes




Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing is a raw, unflinching memoir that took courage to write. As it turns out, Matthew Perry has a lot of courage. He takes us through his addiction, his illness and his paralyzing loneliness. Somehow, during the course of his life, Matthew was able to turn his pain into comedic joy for others, but, he tells us, it was at a cost. Matthew takes us through his "hell" but doesn't wallow. Ultimately, this book is filled with hope for the future. If you want to know about who Matthew Perry is, stay away from the rags and read this. --Marta Kauffman, co-creator of the NBC sitcom Friends



About the Author



Matthew Perry is a Canadian American actor, executive producer, and comedian.
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 272
Genre: Biography + Autobiography
Sub-Genre: Personal Memoirs
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Format: Hardcover
Author: Matthew Perry
Language: English
Street Date: November 1, 2022
TCIN: 85292990
UPC: 9781250866448
Item Number (DPCI): 059-01-9133
Origin: Made in the USA
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 6 inches length x 1 inches width x 9 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds
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4.9 out of 5 stars with 151 reviews
96% would recommend
29 recommendations

beautiful & vulnerable

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lenny - 5 months ago, Verified purchaser
The book is a beautiful and vulnerable exploration of addiction. This Friend has crafted a narrative that not only tells a story but also provides a deep understanding of addiction's complexities. For anyone looking to gain a better understanding of addiction—whether it’s for personal reasons or to better empathize with those who suffer—this book is an invaluable resource. I highly recommend the audio since he reads it but having the book was a must for me too.
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Book

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Ipad - 7 months ago, Verified purchaser
I like that my product was what I wanted. In addition, I like that it came in on time.
Did you find this review helpful?

Best book ever

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Car - 8 months ago
Great very interesting and makes you worry at sometimes but is so good
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MP/CB

4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Jean - 9 months ago, Verified purchaser
It’s very real and heartbreaking but also a little hard to follow at times.
Did you find this review helpful?

Great book!

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Friieennddss - 10 months ago
I just started reading this book and it is so goodA. Matthew Perry over came so much his story is incredible
Did you find this review helpful?

He had so many ups and downs, and yet he was afraid of his own shadow. People perceived him to be outgoing, funny, and a conversationalist. Inside he was just a lonely person.

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Cool Vee - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
This book was an amazing read. I must've cried about three or four times while reading the book as I close the book and finish the book I cried, and webbed of tears of sadness. How does one man who have everything can't get the right type of help that he truly needs, at one point he was taking 55 Vicodin today just not to get sick and go through withdrawal. There's a lot more details in the book he was so happy to working with big big Hollywood actors and actresses. He was a kind man he was very nervous he been to rehab I think over 50 times, I believe it was 56 or 46 times. His addiction was so bad that his colon blew up and they had him use a bag that was attached to his colon for quite some time. At that point in his life, he became very shy. He had many friends, but not friends from the TV series. Jennifer Anderson mentioned Maddie, have you been drinking? Well, I know you are because we all smell it you need to get yourself out and that was the end of that conversation. The only one I could say that was really there for him was Lisa Kudrow, to my acknowledgment she helped break the book. He will remain forever in my heart, and all the good things he did for people even though he wasn't at peace with himself, he found peace helping people. It is so sad that this book was written, and he passed away not long afterwards. You could always tell when he was high because he rambled 1,000,000 miles a minute. My belief is taking illegal drug substances is a disease, especially if it carries on for quite some time he had to take his first Percocet, because of an injured leg or ankle. That was a little later in life, he said to himself this is what life is supposed to feel like. Before that he was maybe 11, 12 or 13 and he took some liquor out of the liquor cabinet with his friends. One of them threw up and the other one left and Matthew was laying in the grass and said this is how the world should feel . Why don't I feel like that all the time. He was also diagnosed with many issues. I don't know if it was ADD or ADHD or OCD I believe but I know he had a couple of issues. It's a great fast read even though it looks like it's not just give it a little patience , I just feel really bad. He gave that Malibu home for treatment for people that can't afford helping and housing. But that isn't all completely true because the man he went into business with did not give him money that was owed back. You'll have to read the rest my heart goes out to him and his family! Here's a fun fact about Matthew Perry. His father was the original man who did the commercials for old spice. He was a very good looking man, and a lot of women really thought he was attractive. Believe it or not, Matthew's father never wore old spice lol!!!! And his mom won many beauty competitions. They were in their 18 I believe and that's how they met each other and eventually got married. He hit a lot of demons, but yet he really did want to get help. At the end of the day he would cry and cry and cry in his, dressing room, without any help or reason why things were the way they were with him and he couldn't just be normal. Awesome read please read this book. It will touch you in many ways.
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Enjoyed

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Moke - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
Interesting story; many ups and downs
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?

Worth the wait

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Pinky506 - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
I was on backorder but was kept informed. Good read, brave, worth the wait. RIP MATTHEW
3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

RIP Matthew

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
A Friend - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
Even though I haven't started reading this yet, I'm thrilled to have it as a keepsake. I've read excellent reviews about it & Matthew Perry was my favorite on the TV show. He'll be forever missed...
3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Your next book

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Loki Skarsgard - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's so relatable as far as my struggle with addiction as well. Rest in peace Matthew Perry ❤️
5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Amazing book

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Cookie - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
I purchased this book for my sister who was devastated by his loss it brought some comfort
7 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Love this book!

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
cmharrison70 - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
Great read~ very interesting to read about the root of his addiction along with his heartwarming humor
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

The One Where We Lost a Friend

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
txgrl832 - 1 year ago, Verified purchaser
I knew about this book, when it released, but never got it or got to read it. I was up late Saturday/Sunday and ordered it. Came in today and I’m so glad, cause now I see it’s sold out. Just started, chapter one and can’t wait to finish it. I’ve heard great things about it. So sad that he has passed on. Rest easy Matthew Perry.
11 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Awesome book! Go read it!!

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Itachi79 - 2 years ago
Matthew is not a professional author and/or writer, but he does a great job in this book. I rarely read books but I happened to actually open this one and read past the first couple of pages and haven't stopped. He goes into stories of his personal life and experiences. I know there are some people out there that feel and think like: they are alone, the only one feeling how they feel, or no one understands them. I felt the same way, while this book does not guarantee a cure lol, it can guarantee you hope and the assurance that you not alone. Very good book, HIGHLY recommend.
17 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Loved This Autobiography

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
ceegee - 2 years ago, Verified purchaser
I am a big fan of Matthew Perry. I would highly recommend this autobiography that dives deep into the life, struggles, and triumphs of Matthew Perry. it was well worth the purchase!
8 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

100% read this.

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Madison - 2 years ago, Verified purchaser
Loved loved loved. Love him even more now. Great read. Very interesting. And it really opened my eyes to what addicts actually go through. Crazy to think he was going through so much while he was on the show friends. The only thing I didn’t like is that he jumped around (time frame)
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Love Matthew Perry

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Kayla - 2 years ago, Verified purchaser
Great read! A must for any Friends fan. I love Matthew, he has been through a lot and details it in the book in an honest way. It would be a great gift to anyone struggling with addiction.
5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Excellent!

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Grandma - 2 years ago
I found the book well-written, easy to read, funny, sad, and enlightening, and hope the words written within the pages will help others in similar situations. It takes courage to bare one's soul....
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Must read!

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
CeCeT - 2 years ago, Verified purchaser
Absolutely wonderful! The truth behind the pain is moving and shows how courageous Matthew is and the strong man that he is now and during his entire life. Very moving and motivating! His vulnerability is amazing and I am so glad he was able to share his story with all of us! His “Friends” from our own living space. Would love to meet him and shake his hand and tell him he should be so proud of himself. His story will probably help more than he realizes!
8 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

Could this BE anymore of a must read?

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Heather - 2 years ago, Verified purchaser
I am a HUGE fan of Friends, I watched from day 1, I own every DVD, and more collectibles. When I saw Matthew Perry was putting out an autobiography, I immediately wanted it. I received a copy for Christmas. We all watched Matthew go through the stages during Friends, physically seeing the weight differences from Season to Season. In this book, Matthew lays it all out. Every single demon he was fighting. All the rehabs. All the horrible things he went through and survived as an addict. And honestly, none of it was his fault in my opinion. Early in the story you will find out he was given drugs by a doctor bc he was a colicky baby. This is surely to blame for his addiction. So sad. Your heart will break over and over as he tells his story. But, if you were a Friends fan, or an addict, or know an addict, then I think this is a book for you. And if I ever get to meet Matthew Perry, I hope he will let me give him a hug. He surely needs one!
14 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

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