A Million Things to Love

I remember hearing the hype on the news about the Oprah author who lied about his life in an attempt to sell one of his books. A private detective unearthed the gritty falsifications Mr. Frey used in his book which was supposed to be an autobiographical account. Now I don’t join book clubs so Oprah’s is also out of the question. I appreciate feedback on books, but too many book clubs a geared towards specific topics for discussions and I just like to read and process a book by myself. I have read books off of Oprah’s book club, but tend to find literature on my own. When A Million Little Pieces was at its peak, I steered clear of it altogether. Once it blew up in the media however, I was all over it. I heard that the former shining star of Oprah’s book club was being shunned by the masses at an alarming rate. The same day it was in my hands.

After reading James’ story I was touched. This was not only a compelling story, but an amazing book. He brings a new and refreshing voice to the literary world. The text is much different from most books having very few paragraphs, just sentences one right after the other. Mr. Frey also does not use traditional tags at the end of his speaking lines. That is to say, no he said, she exclaimed after someone utters a phrase. This brings the reader right into the story in a unique and fun way. Aside from the superior writing, the story was what really drew me in. Though this story was a sad one, it was one worth telling and left me feeling inspired. I wondered about the infamy the book had passed into and could not make it fit in my mind. One by one the media was breaking this book into what it is called, a million little pieces. Do I care if this was a step by step recount of this author’s life? No, not one bit. I hate when bad things happen to good books. If you have read this book I hope you know what I mean. I recommend it to anyone I happen to cross paths with.

And on the topic of lying…THIS IS A FICTIONAL BOOK! Not one place on any page does this book claim to be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me god. James Frey was not on trial when he wrote this book. It’s called good writing. Sure he had Novocain, so what? Would that scene have been nearly as powerful is he were drugged up? Grow up and realize that we are not all celebrities and politicians; we don’t owe you the truth and do not look kindly on those who go snooping around our lives. As far as I’m concerned what he wrote, was what happened. It’s his story, who are we to write it for him?

I was glad to find out that Mr. Frey wrote a second book, a sequel to his lie of a life, My Friend Leonard. I have also read that and it was just as good as the first. Well not as good, but very good. I actually cried at the end. What can I say? The man writes beautiful stuff. The disclaimer at the beginning of the book is perhaps the funniest thing I have ever read.

“As has been accurately revealed by two journalists at the investigative website The Smoking Gun, significant portions of this book are fictional. I did not spend ninety days in jail, and Porterhouse is a fictional character. Many of the other characters’ names and identifying characteristics have been altered or fictionalized, as have major events in their lives. To call this book pure nonfiction would be inaccurate. It is a combination of fact and fiction, real and imagined events.”

At least he has a sense of humor about the whole thing.

Rock on James. Rock on.