lyoness913's Full Review: James Frey - My Friend Leonard
After reading A Million Little Pieceshttp://www.epinions.com/content_208795897476 by James Frey, I wanted to know more about Frey's life after rehab. Frey was an extreme junkie/alcoholic and he remains successful after going through rehab without following the usual 12 step program. I wanted to know more about the people he met in rehab, and what happened to him once he got out. At the end of A Million Little Pieces there is a short blurb on what happened to the others and it made me wonder. My Friend Leonard picks up at the point where Frey left off in 'Pieces.'
The Story
James has finished rehab and he's going to jail to serve time for outstanding warrants. He knows that he has to do this time, and he's just waiting to be set free so that he can be with his girlfriend, Lilly. He met Lilly in rehab and they've promised one another that they will be together when they are out. Unfortunately Lilly's grandmother dies and Lilly decides to end her life instead of dealing with the pain. My Friend Leonard then begins.
James has a choice. He can get plastered and high and give up on his rehabilitation, which he wants to do more than anything. Otherwise, he can choose to try to remain sober and live as best he can.
He decides on the latter with his friend Leonard's help. Leonard is a very rich, older man who is very involved with Organized Crime. He's decided that because he has no children of his own, he would like James to becomes his son. When they part in rehab, he gives James several numbers to reach him.
Leonard and James have an odd relationship. It goes from James doing some work for Leonard to James not wanting anything to do with what Leonard does for a living. However, both of them remain best of friends and always love and respect one another. Leonard is James' protector and James involves him in all facets of his life.
James begins to become less depressed over Lilly. He begins dating, trying to heal his broken heart. His life is pretty interesting and sometimes I wonder if all he wrote was true. Just like 'Pieces,' James tells us everything, no holds barred. He opens his heart about his feelings. He is always honest. He comes to terms with his past and tries to live the best he can. He moves to different states. He ends up in California writing screen plays and selling them. He wants to write a book. He falls in love. He continues seeing his friend Leonard and they continue celebrating sobriety and life together. I won't spoil it, but I will say the ending of this novel overwhelmed me with emotion.
My Thoughts
My Friend Leonard quenched my thirst to find what happened to James after rehab. Leonard is a very unique individual and he makes James' life very interesting. As I mentioned, I wonder if this account of Leonard is true because some of the stories we hear are just unreal. Getting to know Rock Stars, going to fabulous parties with Hollywood executives, having all of the money in the world... it just seems that this type of person choosing someone for a son is just too good to be true. I'd like to see Frey on Oprah again, answering questions about this book.
I love Frey's writing style. It's just so honest, to the point and true. He cusses an awful lot but after awhile, we just accept him for that. I loved reading about how he held his life together after rehab. His relationship with his family gets better. His relationship with himself becomes better. The best part about the book is that although things get better for James, he still deals with the things in life that are hard, and sometimes terrible.
I read this in two nights. I think anyone who liked A Million Little Pieces would really enjoy My Friend Leonard as well. Frey is inspirational.
5 Stars
**Since reading this book and writing this review, information has surfaced which proves what Frey's stories in 'A Million Little Pieces' have been wildly exaggerated. As I mentioned in this review, I found some of what Frey said to be unbelieveable. If 'Pieces' was filled with lies, I am sure this book is too. Shame on you, Mr, Frey!
Perhaps the most unconventional and literally breathtaking father-son story you'll ever read, My Friend Leonard pulls you immediately and deeply into ...More at HotBookSale
From the author of the bestselling A Million Little Pieces comes the story of his friendship with a highly unorthodox father figure--a high-living, re...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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