"Million Little Pieces" Controversy

Has anyone else read this book? Whats your take on this?

If you havent read the book, and you're interested, its a almost true (hence the controversy) story about the author, James Frey, and his time in rehab. If there's anybody interested in non-AA recovery, his is an inspiring story. Without AA he's stayed sober 13 years.

Great book, I believe the story's true, but The Smoking Gun's documents dont lie. Maybe he did stretch the truth in some places, and it doesnt affect the main part of the story, but it does affect other things in the book.

Oh well, believe what you like..

Kay

I think the controversy is over how he presented his story as a personal memoir and now can't back up his supposed truths with documentation.

I don't think anyone is questioning that he was an addict, it's just that if your going to write non-fiction you better be able back up the facts.

There is a genre of literature called creative non-fiction which would have been better suited. It's a hybrid of literature and non-fiction which is exactly what he wrote.

Powerful personal stories sell better as memoirs though, so I'm sure that's why he marketed it that way.

He won't lose out. If anything, this will make the curious who would not have read it otherwise, run out and buy it.

It's the future of his writing that is in jeopardy now.

yes i have read the book and i thought it was amazing......i am now reading his next book."my friend leonard".....and finding it equally engaging

I haven't read this book yet! I saw him on Oprah and I was totally intrigued but haven't picked up the book. I heard something about the controversy but didn't hear exactly what it was. I think he is amazing!!! What he battled through is such an inspiration and I can't wait to read the book. The people who understand him, like us, will understand his book, those who don't will make a fuss. It'll pass hopefully.

I've only just heard about this today...so I do not think I am well-versed In the topic. However the book is listed as non-fiction? I believe. It comes to this-is "embellishing...lying! How does it sit with our own moral compasses? If the author did indeed "embellish" he then is a lyer..and I would not want to buy this book. Especially one sold in this manner.

My Mom told me countless times that embellishing was not lying. My own mother who was to quide me truthfully in this life.. did quite a bit of it while here in this world.I have seen the damage embellishing has caused. My Mother was wrong.
~D

I know what the controversy was about. I dont doubt that he was in treatment. He has the release papers and all. The controversy is over the legal aspect about it though. But if you look at it, if he really wasnt in jail for 3 months, then where was he until Lily died? I can see how he can forget three months. He's lucky to remember what he does, with the help of papers. I dont remember so much of anything anymore. I think we all know how it is just to lose time.

But maybe a reprint? With a warning? Like, hey I was a drunk, I dont necessarily remember things as they actually were. I dont know, his choice.

But yes, his sales will rise for the curiosity of the people wanting to know what the fuss is about. He does have the second book, and he has two more coming, and is currently writing a third. I dont think his career will be in trouble, he just says that he wont write about his life ever again.

Its a great book. Its not that I think that well he lied about one thing, what else did he lie about. Its not that, its just that the one thing they are concerned about twists other things too. Oh well. I was just upset about his appearance on Larry King live last night, and had to find some way to vent. Just curious how others felt..ty..

Kay