memoir, friends, addiction
Review:
“It’s very odd to live in a world where if you died it would shock people but surprise no one.”
This book was a hard read. As someone who grew up watching Friends and being in love with Matthew Perry, hearing how much he struggled and still struggles was heartbreaking. His story is proof that money and fame do not fix things, it just gives you easier access to your vices.
While Friends was just a small portion of the book, I clung to every mention of it. He worked so hard for the role of Chandler because he knew he was right for it. I never realized how much of his own personality he channeled into the character. It was beautiful to hear how Friends gave him hope and a safe space when everything else in his life was going to shit. He mentioned how while filming Friends, it was the only time of the day that he wouldn’t be high because he cared about the show, his cast-mates, and everyone who worked on it so much.
I will say it wasn’t the most concise book with the easiest to follow timeline, but the audiobook made it a little easier. There were certainly slow parts and times when I can see his humor wouldn’t come across on the page, but his narration made all the difference.
If you’ve been following Matthew Perry over the years and plan on reading his story, I would suggest the audiobook!
I’ll leave you with this quote that resonated with me: “There is light in the darkness you just have to look hard enough for it.”
Rating:
NR