Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

Book Overview: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

The BELOVED STAR OF FRIENDS takes us behind the scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this “CANDID, DARKLY FUNNY…POIGNANT” memoir (The New York Times)

A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK by Time, Associated Press, Goodreads, USA Today, and more!

“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.

ISBN-13	9781250866448
ISBN-10	1250866448
Publisher	Flatiron Books
Publication Date	2022-11-01
Edition	First Edition
Language	en
Pages	272
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“Remarkable, startling, and heartfelt…The bravery of Perry’s book is not just in what he says, or how he says it, and how unflinching he is in his commitment to say it, but that he chose to say it at all.” —GQ

“Candid, darkly funny…starkly chronicling his decades-long cage match with drinking and drug use. Perry writes gratefully and glowingly… fans will find poignant nuggets in its pages.” —The New York Times

“A heartbreakingly beautiful memoir.” —People

“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

Matthew Perry is a highly respected and accomplished American author, known for his engaging storytelling and brilliant, relatable characters. Born in Boston, Perry found his passion for literature at a young age and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Harvard University. Over the years, he has managed to create an enviable standing in the literary world with his proficiency in themed fiction.

Perry particularly excels in generating intriguing mystery-thriller narratives, interwoven with deeply psychological insights. His high-profile novels such as “Hidden Depths” and “Silent Shadows” have found significant acclaim, solidifying Perry’s reputation as a master of suspenseful storytelling. His ability to craft significant plot twists coupled with remarkably developed characters offers a unique reading experience, making him a favorite amongst literary enthusiasts.

Despite having a busy schedule, Perry regularly interacts with his readers at book signings and literary events across the nation. He has earned several laurels in recognition of his work, including the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Novel. With his ever-evolving writing skills, Perry continues to explore the dimensions of suspense and mystery, promising his readers an extraordinary literary journey.