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Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

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Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

By: Matthew Perry
Narrated by: Matthew Perry
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About this listen

 'There's never been a more honest or raw memoir . . . and it may just save lives' Daily Mail

'Funny, fascinating, compelling . . . also a wonderful read for fans of Friends' The Times

'HI, MY NAME IS MATTHEW, although you may know me by my full name. My friends call me Matty.'

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 travelled 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 humour, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fuelled it despite seemingly having it all.

'An unflinching and often harrowing must-read for 90s pop culture fans' Guardian

'Written with Chandler's trademark sarcasm and self-deprecation' Telegraph

'A hopeful read . . . I started to think of [it] not as a celebrity memoir about addiction, but as an addiction memoir written by a man who understands his own history through the prism of showbiz' Independent©2022 Matthew Perry (P)2022 Macmillan Audio Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Comedy Inspiring Emotionally Gripping Funny Heartfelt Witty
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These type of memoirs always serve as a solid reminder that no one’s life is perfect, no amount of fame and fortune can truly buy happiness. Was really insightful and I learnt a lot about addiction and Matthew Perry.

Sad look behind the facade

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Matty where to Start OMFG you have brought so much happiness into everyone's lives, yet struggled behind the scenes all through your life.
thank you for your honesty, your humour,your will to keep going.
when life knocks you down you have proven beyond all demons to get up and keep going.
never give up and thank you for sharing your story

thank you

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I recommend this book to those who have friends or family or ones they love who are struggling with addiction. The view looks different now.

Goodbye Mattman 💔

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What a story
Told so beautifully
I hope he was happy in the end
RIP Matthew Perry

Must read

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I have to say he shows no remorse for what he put onto his so called friends and family. he gives the listeners a real insight into how he became completely shut down in his heart very early on.. His gratitude at the end did not feel sincere, I hope he finds God and becomes grateful for the many miracles he's had throughout his life. Sadly though he just comes of totally narcissistic. At the beginning of this book I thought he was actually drunk his words sounded slurred. He certainly has given insight into the rise and fall of being famous and for that I'm greatful for that insight.

Sad, and over indulgent

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Can’t stop listening.
Matthew Perry does not come across overly likeable but the story intrigues and you want more and more and more.
Despite his repeat comment on others not being the cause of his problems he seems to blame many others.
His treatment of women is not to be admired.
Still I wanted to hear more and more.
My friend described it as a car crash you can’t stop listening too.

Loving to hate it

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Matthew does a great job of telling this long and complex story about his career, his struggle with addiction and his life, both family and romantic. Didn't press pause once and listened straight through. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Must listen for Friends fans and addicts alike

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Incredible! Couldn't stop listening. So insightful and inspiring. Well done for not giving up

Incredible

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what an honest insight into to a very complicated life. there is no doubt this will help other addicts and those close to them. amazing, simply amazing.

Amazing

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Well worth the listen, Friends fan or not. He tells an incredible and utterly real story of resilience.

Very moving story

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