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Cover of Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
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Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

by Matthew Perry

Rated 4 out of 5Alison's rating

Matthew Perry's brutally honest memoir about his struggles with addiction � a heartbreaking and significant read whether you're a Friends fan or not.

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The Messy Reader verdict

Heartbreaking, honest and highly significant

Reviewed 8 January 2023 messyreaderby messyreader Spoiler free

I wanted to read Matthew Perry's memoir as a Friends fan, but also to learn more about his challenges with addiction. Perry is beyond honest in this book — brutal at times — and it makes for a heartbreaking read.

Everyone knew in the 90s that "Chandler was in rehab", but the book explores so much more than that. It's an uncomfortable read at times due to Perry's transparency. I still can't fully articulate my feelings. I do know I want to reach out and hug Matthew Perry at all moments of his life and tell him to be more compassionate towards himself.

I have no critique. I think this book is highly significant whether you're a fan of Friends or whether you want more understanding into addiction.

Rating: 4/5