Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

A Memoir

By: Matthew Perry

Narrated by: Matthew Perry

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Matthew Perry (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

2022, Amazon.com Best Books of the Year: Long-listed

2022, Chapters Indigo Best of the Year: Long-listed

2022, Audible.com Best of the Year: Long-listed

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

"Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing is a raw, unflinching memoir that took courage to write. As it turns out, Matthew Perry has a lot of courage. He takes us through his addiction, his illness and his paralyzing loneliness. Somehow, during the course of his life, Matthew was able to turn his pain into comedic joy for others, but, he tells us, it was at a cost. Matthew takes us through his 'hell' but doesn’t wallow. Ultimately, this book is filled with hope for the future. If you want to know about who Matthew Perry is, stay away from the rags and read this." —Marta Kauffman, co-creator of the NBC sitcom Friends

Mind blown

What an incredible story! Heart wrenching, baffling, hilarious and vulnerable. Many shocking tales that give a window in to the human soul. I never understood addiction in this tragic way. I do hope Mathew Perry can stay sober, I know he’s worked so hard for it. Feels like a rare privilege to know the private thoughts and experiences or such a brilliant mind. Good luck Matt 💞 ps. give some money to that broke ass friend of yours lol

Sweat dreams Batman!

I listened to your audio book again after your passing. WOW, it came across so different. I am so happy to hear your voice and listen to your amazing and raw tale. You will always be Chandler Bing but you are also a person who people has been in the trenches and came up for air. That has never gone unnoticed!! Batman would be proud MP. Enjoy the big beautiful light.

Couldn't Put It Down!

Loved it from Beginning to End. Thank You for Sharing your story Matthew Perry! -CCR

Amazing and heartwarming yet sad

It gave us a glimpse into the hardship he endured in his lifetime but I’m sure there was so so much more. I listened after his death but it gave me peace. Peace for the person who comforted so many of us without ever knowing us. Hopefully he’s pain free now and is making a lot of people laugh every single day.

honest

an honest view into surviving addiction. Important and valuable for people struggling to see there's hope no matter how bad it gets. this book is about hope and survival. the only way out is through. Go Matthew!

Amy S

I’m grateful for his sharing his story. I relate. He really inspired me. Thank you. RIP

Could this book be any sadder?

I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved that it was narrated by Matthew. It made me laugh at times and cry at others. The way he described his battles with both alcohol and drug addictions really made me see things differently. Knowing several people who struggle with both alcohol and drug addictions, this book really opened my eyes to what it is like to be in their shoes, except they are not high-profile actors.

After watching the Friends Reunion on HBOmax last year and seeing him talk about some of the things he wrote about in his book, it confirmed thoughts that I had been having for the past year, and even for many years.

Especially when I recently re-watched the series and saw the finale, particularly the scenes where Rachel was saying her goodbyes to everyone, and when Chandler said he wanted to go first and expressed his love for her. That scene, I knew it was coming from Matthew, not a script. Then, when he reveals what he feels about her in his book, I was blown away. I won't spoil it for you, so buy the book to find out about that. I also loved how they got Julia Roberts to appear on the show. I thought that was sweet.

In conclusion, do not believe all the media hype about how his life ended. I truly believe they are trying to make it look worse than it actually was. You will understand what I mean when you read the book.

Sad

Very sad to read this after his death. Gripping and impacting to listen to. Great talent.

Tortured by addiction

I love Matthew Perry. His story is sad. He lived a life with a big secret. He passed away too soon. ❤️

Recovery.

His pain thru it all. And I listened to this after his death. Rest in eternal peace Matty!