Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir by Matthew Perry

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing begins with a now haunting set of sentences: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.” But this is just the kick-off of a tragic, beautifully written, and engaging memoir. 

Matthew Perry wrote of his whole life from when he was an unaccompanied minor on a plane, going to visit his father, the Old Spice guy, to his first dabbles in acting in school, to the role that almost stopped him from being Chandler Bing, to his wonderful and rewarding experience on Friends, and, through it all, his grappling with what he refers to as "the big terrible thing" or, as many would call it, "addiction." Interspersed through Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing are Perry's experiences with relationships of all kinds, including how fear got in the way of so many, but how he was ultimately grateful for each and every one.

While there are sparks of humor throughout, it is difficult to drown out the grim reality that this generous, hilarious, and troubled actor, writer, friend, brother, and son is no longer with us. Readers will hope that wherever he is now, it has an impeccable view.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
by Matthew Perry, Flatiron Books


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