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

Matthew Perry

Nov 2022 · Macmillan Audio · Narrated by Matthew Perry

About this audiobook

"Going into his "why," Perry's audiobook is a fascinating listen."- AudioFile

This program is read by the author.

A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK BY TIME, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, GOODREADS, USA TODAY, 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 tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew 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 he’s 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-opening—as 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.

Ratings and reviews

Narcissistic and self involved drivel. To quote the book: "Why is it that the original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger die, but Keanu Reeves still walks among us? River was a better actor than me; I was funnier. But I certainly held my own in our scenes — no small feat, when I look back decades later.” It has vibes of a self-aggrandizing uncle at Thanksgiving telling stories trying to get everyone to either admire him or feel sorry for him. In this case, it's both simultaneously

this book just turned out to be a reminder of how weak and egocentric actors are. I love the hubris of thinking there's a God because you never stop making bad decisions and are still lucky enough to survive. most of us do everything right and still live from one tragedy to the next. get over yourself.

A raw, honest way of telling your life stories to the audience. Some people might read this book with the expectation of liking and sympathizing with Matt, but that will probably lead them to disappointment. Do not read this book expecting to know about Chandler Bing - you are really learning about Matthew Perry. It's brave how he shares so much of his life in this book, knowing that it would shatter many people's illusions of him, including me. The more the book goes on, the more I realize he's just pretty much messed up like the rest of us. And even when you can outwardly admit your problems, those problems will still find a way to manifest themselves in the very words you are speaking. I do believe that Matt is trying really hard, so best of luck out there. I do hope you overcome your additions, your selfishness and your narcissism. They say "Never meet your hero", and I can see why after listening to this book, but I do think it's worth it.

About the author

Matthew Perry is a Canadian American actor, executive producer, and playwright.