James Frey’s Latest Memoir My Friend Leonard
James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces, has become a topic of controversy over the past year. According to many who knew Frey, reported that his memior was actually more of a fiction novel than an account of his troubled past. While I stay neutral to these accusations, I had looked forward to the release of his second memoir, My Friend Leonard. As those of you who have read A Million Little Pieces know, Leonard was a friend met in rehab. Not your typical middle aged drug addicted man, but a wealthy organized crime member bent on changing his ways.
My Friend Leonard is the story of what happens after rehab. What happened to those people we met in A Million Little Pieces? Saddenly, many did not make it. In fact more than half did not. However James focuses on his life with three people out of rehab, how they effected him and the strengths and weaknesses that kept them together.
Frey once again finds himself dealing with life’s harsh realities. He is racked with guilt for his past life, mistakes he’s making in his current life and the unbearable pressure to relapse. That is where Leonard comes in. A man who has it all, but could care less about monetary possessions. When Leonard is not “working”, he’s enjoying life, feeding his most ridiculous desires and taking his “son” James for the ride. Leonard goes beyond being the “good time” friend, he teaches James how to live, grieve and love.
Many think that rehab is the difficult part, when really the difficulty begins when stepping into the unstable world. It’s when one must make tough decisions and deal with daily uncertainties that sobriety is challenged. Leonard and James become each others support, throughout most of the book however, it is Leonard who is the supportive friend in which Frey leans on. It is not until the end that Leonard allows James to see his true self and reaches out for support. Their friendship is more like a father and son relationship and that makes Leonards news to James all the more devistating.
Frey’s story, whether true or fiction is a heart wrenching story. I for one, fell in love with Leonard, and the ending brought me to tears. It’s a story of survival. A story of facing personal pain and not allowing it to take you under. James Frey has lived a life of chaos which readers will find intense. Frey’s writing is refreshing, his style allows his emotions to jump of the page. A great book both inspirational and entertaining.
