Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing

Goodreads Choice Award - Nominee for Best Memoir & Autobiography (2022).

“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.” Thus kicks off the gripping tale of renowned actor Matthew Perry, inviting us into the rollercoaster ride of his life from childhood aspirations to stardom, grappling with addiction, and emerging triumphant after a near-fatal health scare. Before the hospital stays and rehab sessions became routine, there was young Matthew, shuttling between his divorced parents from Montreal to Los Angeles; teenage Matthew, making waves as a top-ranked tennis player in Canada; and twenty-something Matthew, landing the breakout role on what would become the iconic show, initially titled Friends Like Us. But that's just the beginning.

In a narrative uniquely his own, Matthew Perry lays bare the complexities of his upbringing in a fractured family, the relentless pursuit of fame, and the emptiness that persisted even as his wildest dreams materialized. Yet, amidst the struggles, he shares the solace found in sobriety and reflects on the enduring legacy of Friends, offering insights into his relationships with co-stars and fellow celebrities. With candor, wit, and his unmistakable charm, Perry chronicles his lifelong battle with addiction and the underlying forces that fueled it despite external success.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is a memoir that resonates with raw honesty and humor, offering a glimpse into the depths of addiction and the path to recovery. Equal parts intimate and enlightening, this book serves as both a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope for those navigating their own journey to sobriety. With sincerity and laughter, Perry delivers the story fans have been eager to hear.