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

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry is a candid and revelatory memoir about the actor’s life, his struggles with addiction, and his time on the hit sitcom Friends.

Perry begins by recounting his childhood, which was marked by his parents’ divorce and his own struggles with self-esteem. He then discusses his teenage years as a nationally ranked tennis player, and his transition to acting.

Perry’s rise to fame on Friends was meteoric, but his success came at a price. He quickly developed a dependency on alcohol and prescription drugs, and he spent many years in and out of rehab.

In the book, Perry shares the most intimate details of his addiction, including his darkest days and his greatest fears. He also talks about the support he received from his friends and family, and the strength he found to overcome his addiction.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an honest and inspiring memoir that offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. It is also a hopeful message for anyone struggling with addiction, showing that it is possible to recover and live a happy and fulfilling life.

Key takeaways from the book:

• Addiction is a complex disease that can affect anyone, regardless of their success or wealth.
• Recovery is possible, but it takes hard work and dedication.
• It is important to have a strong support system in place when you are trying to recover.
• There is no shame in asking for help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help. Please reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or contact a professional addiction treatment center.

Publisher Description

This program is read by the author. A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK BY TIME, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, GOODREADS,  AND MORE! 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 telland in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell itMatthew 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 hes 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-openingas well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the audiobook fans have been waiting for. A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books. Download and start listening now!

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 doesnt 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