Million Little Pieces by James Frey (2003, Abridged, Compact Disc)

I bought this book and read it through before any of the current controvery surrounding the factuality of the story came about.

When I read it, assuming it was all a very true account of one man's life and trials with drug addiction, it seemed very gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. It was enough to make me cry, especially at the epilogue when it described what the future held for all the other characters in the book. Very descriptive, written from (and using language of) the perspective of the very developed main character. It's a story that really sheds light on addiction, especially helping to illustrate ideas, feelings, and behaviors of those who are addicted. For someone who has never tried drugs or been addicted, this book can help you share compassion and empathy for those who are, rather than simply looking down upon them.

Then, after I was thoroughly impressed with this book, it came out in investigation that James Frey may not have been telling the whole truth about many things within the book. Has he lied? Is this book truly just a work of fiction? Smokinggun.com revealed their investigation, and it does seem that perhaps this book could just be full of half-truths and great elaborations. I'm sure that after knowing the story may be partly false, it will not have as great an impact on the reader as it had on me when I read and believed every word.

Still, it is a very good read, and if you're like me, you'll have trouble putting it down.

What I absolutely loved about this book was the narration and intensity of the story. I initially bought the book out of curiousity. I wanted to see what the big deal was. What was so compelling about this book, that Oprah defended the author without knowing the facts? I have a long drive to work and I listen to audiobooks as away to make the long drive seem less dreadful. This book had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. James Frey's way of weaving this tale was absolutely addicting! The complex story behind every addiction was finally told in a such a way that anyone can comprehend or even wrapped their minds around the way things can get out of control. I've personally witnessed and lived with a drug addict for the most part of my childhood. My grandmother was addicted to heroine and til this day the government suppliments her addiction with methodone. This book has lifted that resentment and bitternes I had towards her. I now have an open mind and an open heart regarding her situation because of this book. I'm completely against drug use, but I finally understand and recognize the strength it takes to be released from the hold of drug addiction.

I decided to buy A Million Little Pieces because I heard a lot about it and read a lot about how good the book is. I know it's not 100% nonfiction but I still love reading or listening to a good book. It's a long book and haven't finished listening to it. I'm a potter and when I'm in my basement throwing pots I listen to books~~I would rather read them but you do what "you gotta do".
So far, I'm enjoying the book very much. I prefer to read non-fiction and I know that at first it was known as that....I can't really give you an accurate review on the entire book because I've yet to finish listening to the entire book...So far, I'm impressed at the honesty of someone dealing with a drug addiction.

This is a poorly written piece of FICTION. After I read it (barely had enough in me to) I looked on Amazon at the reviews. Turns out, this is the bozo that was busted and confronted by Oprah. All I wanted to do was punch the writer in the mouth while reading. There are sooooo many incredibly UNBELIEVABLE parts in this book, I began to wonder if any of it actually happened. At one point, Frey claims to have had two teeth capped and two root canals, drum roll please...with NO anesthetics, novocain, laughing gas, and no painkillers. That is but one of dozens of outlandish claims. Only reason I kept reading is because that is just one of my pet peeves. I should have ignored it and tossed it in the garbage, so that no one else would have to be subjected to the agony and waste of time!

i decided to buy it because i started reading it in my High School English class and thought was a great book that i can actually read and listen to.