There are some books you want to look through the reviews before you decide if you want to pick it up or not, then there are others you just want to read for yourself. Matthew's book was one that I wanted to read for myself. Though in looking through the reviews now that I have finished it, I realize either someone loves it or does not, there is no in-between it seems.
Before I write any more of my review - I want to point out that I am 99.9% certain I read a Kindle version that was edited to remove whatever there was about Keanu. So if someone is reading my review wondering why I don't mention it, I cannot comment on what I did not read. --- One more observation, from the reviews I did look through, it seems that most people who *listened* to the book disliked it more than those who *read* it. Seems listening to it make it more difficult to follow the already jumping timeline. Again, just my observation.
From the beginning Matthew tells us how this story is going to be written/told. How? you ask? "Groundhog Day" is his favorite movie, do I really need to say anything more? If you do not understand this reference, please take the time (1 hour and 40 minutes) to watch the 1993 classic movie with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. Then perhaps more things will make sense for you.
Thankfully I have never been an alcoholic or an addict, however, I have known several in my life. For them every day is groundhog day. Every morning the question of, "How will I get through today without a drink/pill/smoke/etc." makes every 24 hours the same. Matthew shows that in spades with his repetition throughout his story. Many of the reviews I saw complained about the repetition; if they don't understand it, perhaps they should count themselves lucky not to. To have never known someone who lives every day like this; or to not be that person themselves.
Matthew's story didn't end all sunshine-and-rainbows with a happily every after. Not everyone's does. I appreciated the fact that he kept it real. That he kept it honest. That he shows his faults to us just as much as he shows us the goodness. Life isn't always polished and pretty no matter who you are or how much money you have. Matthew proves that. No matter how bad things seemed to be for him, Matthew always looked to his future, he always wanted to be there. Perhaps not always for the right reasons, but reasons that kept him moving forward nonetheless. There is something to be admired about that.
Interestingly, one of my favorite lines reads, "God looked down on me, just waiting it out. He's got all the time in the world. F*<k, he invented time." There is something raw and honest and scary and funny in those words that just made me stop reading and literally highlight it in my Kindle book. Follow that with another line I highlighted that reads, "It was an amazing moment and a terrible moment all at at the same time." Talk about defining life most days. Perhaps not Pulitzer winning writing, but powerful and truthful just the same.
I have to say my all-time favorite sentence is this one - "God is everywhere - you just have to clear your channel, or you'll miss it." Doesn't matter what version of God you believe in, that sentence has a profound truth to it. (That one got highlighted in pink) Not something I would have expected from Matthew. But I am grateful he wrote it.
I am easily giving this book all five stars for it's raw honesty, it's openness, it's imperfectness. Just like Matthew.
Yes, I finally read his story after his sudden death on October 28, 2023. As I'm writing this on November 24, 2023, his cause of death still has not been determined nor released. Which makes one last sentence stand out for me in a premonition kind of way as I wonder what COD will turn out to be... Matthew himself wrote, "I could have a cigarette right now, have a heart attack, and if no one was around to call 911, I was a goner." Well, he was home alone, and he did try to call 911 himself, but he was unable to save himself this time. Oh, Matthew.
I wonder if you have finally found peace and all the deep, full Love you have always desired. Thank You for leaving a light on for us with your story. I pray it helps more people so that you may continue helping people even after you've gone on ahead of us in death.
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Amazon editors say...
A juicy memoir of on-set antics and celebrity make-outs, as well as a tell-all of the insidious nature of addiction.
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7 Million Dollars on Rehab. Matthew Perry's Memoir.
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Hope for those going through hard times.
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A beautiful story of trial to triumph!
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A good listen and heart breaking truth
Before finishing the show f.r.i.e.n.d.s I decided to either read or listen to his book after, I don't usually buy audiobooks but it was more special to listen to since Matthew read his own.I am so glad I finished the show because if I would have read this first then finished it, I wouldn't have looked at his character in the same way, after hearing everything he has gone through with addiction, abandonment issues and loneliness ( just to name a few), I hope he found peace after writing his book, even for a little while.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
A raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of one of television’s most beloved actors.
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
Matthew Perry’s memoir is a compelling read that goes beyond the glitz of Hollywood to reveal the human side of a beloved actor. It’s a story of pain, redemption, and the enduring quest for peace, told with the authenticity and humor that only Perry can provide. This book is a worthy addition to your reading list. I absolutely could not put it down.
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
Henrique Epstein
O retrato de um viciado. História triste, mas incrível!
Reviewed in Brazil on December 4, 2023
