Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

Written by Matthew Perry

Narrated by Matthew Perry

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

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781250867070

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry is a Canadian American actor, executive producer, and playwright.

Reviews for Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

[Sheri Ferrell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was good. A narrative of his life. It gave me a different perspective on addiction.

[Stephanie Warmink · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So very brave to tell it all. Thank you for sharing your story and struggles. May you find success and peace through your challenges.

[pat hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being an alcoholic in recovery, I could totally relate to Matt’s story. What courage it took to continue to fight. And we addicts know you never stop the fight.
I read the book in one day, could not put it down.
Thank you for opening yourself up and giving others hope.
Guess it truly shows that all that glitters is not gold.

[LMW · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartfelt and honest. It takes a soul with stamina to walk through trauma and addiction. I’m glad Matthew made it to the other side and has shared his story. A good listen.

[Donna Attfield · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very uplifting who would have known he hid it so well

[Dawn Herrmann · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW, what an open and honest account of a very dark and scary journey! It is at once heartbreaking and heartwarming. Matty leaves nothing out about his addictions, the paths he traveled through those addictions and how he miraculously came out the other side.
Well done, sir. Keep living your best life - you deserve it!

[Chelsea Hayner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was so enlightening. Matthew Perry was so brutally honest with his personal story raw and emotional. It really opens the door up to understanding a little of what people with addiction go through. I had no idea. I also think it will help many who struggle and feel they are alone with their struggles. A great listen.

[Steve Paul · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anyone who has suffered through addiction will be able to relate to Matthew Perry's story, whether or not it was to the extreme of the challenges that he had. Anybody who knows someone who has faced the challenges of addiction, and that person sought help, didn't seek help, made excuses, hurt people, hurt themselves - will likely gain a better understanding of how terrible the disease of addiction is. Perry offers fascinating insights, and while his challenges are nothing to laugh at, the prose still includes a fair amount of the Matthew Perry humor and anecdotes we might expect on occasion. I thought it was a fascinating, eye opening read. You may never look at Chandler the same again, but maybe you shouldn't. Everybody has their challenges, and I think that was part of the point.

[Judy Anne Torkin Landry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book. Learned lots about him. Hes too funny. Was remarkable.

[stephanie wanamaker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very unflinchingly honest it took a lot of courage and he's a naturally gifted writer

[Julisa DuBois · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very real and humble. Enjoyed this very much. Highly recommend.

[Dianne Dollarhide · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Being a fan of FRIENDS, and have watched some of Matthew Perry’s movies & TV shows, I knew that I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to listen to his book. What I like about memoirs is that it’s narrated by its author — can there BE any more interesting than to listen to Matthew Perry’s voice himself?! Okay, kidding aside, I do have now more respect and compassion on what he has been through and how he looks at his future. Addiction is such a frightening demon that he dealt with (and perhaps an ongoing process) so he can finally achieve his longtime hopes& dreams aside from fame. He did say the book is not for the audience to feel sorry for him, and while I felt that over the course of reading this book, it instantaneously changed to being purely hopeful for him. Worth the read, go grab this book! Let’s give all the love to Matthew Perry, everyone!:)

[betsy3temple3preston · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I've ever listened to, Matthew Perry's story touched me deeper than I expected. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Friends forever!

[Ellen Widom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brutal, raw and honest. Matthew Perry for all of his brushes with death, shows incredible insight into his personal demons. Not to be missed.

[Karen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. What an honest portrayal of addiction at its absolute most terrifying. Thank you Matthew for telling this story as a way to help others. I for one am so glad you are still here with us. You ARE enough...you are more than enough. The proof is in these pages.

[Alex Houchens · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pretty good memoir detailing Mathew Perry’s life and struggles. Never realized he had so many struggles and addictions throughout his career. Clearly, Perry is mostly know for Friends. However, you don’t have to be a Friends fan to read this. I’m not a Friends fan, but I could really appreciate this memoir.

[Kristina Munson Hawkins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you MP for sharing your heartfelt struggles with us. Addiction is a miserable journey. God loved you before, during and after, and your fans appreciate your honesty.

[Stephanie Mitchell Flynn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. What an honest telling of the absolute hell that is addiction, and doing it in the public eye adds a whole new level of pressure. Extremely well written and gut level, stripped down honesty. By the end I felt like I was listening to a dear friend (no pun intended).

[mariela0carretero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's very hard to admit and very hard to open up. Thank you for sharing your story. It was inspiring. You are an amazing human being. Lots of love and thank you again.

[Fortune Investors · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Raw, honest and somewhat inspiring look at the life of someone famous that I never suspected has gone through so much.

[RachelJalbert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I could not stop listening to this audiobook So good

[Jalissa Tauscher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An incredible story of Matthew Perry’s life. Well written, eye opening, and entertaining. Loved it

[vittorriya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

His voice, his story, his soul will remain in so many hearts to cherish! Thank you, Matty! ❤️

[lisa connolly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bless his heart. ?
Who knew how much he struggled, and yet he remained brilliant throughout.

[bfriggi93 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredible life changing story! Absolutely a must read/listen ? wow

[Susan Larara · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good book! I encourage people to read this book! Great book!

[Maritza Norrell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing story. So glad I got to listen to this!!!!!

[Charles Wanish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very emotional, interesting perception of an addiction. He was open and raw..would recommend to listen to..haunted by his words how he fights his demons in all different directions.

[toddmorrissey24 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

How anyone after listening to Perry speak his "truth"(at times so obviously slurring his words it's insulting) can come away with anything other than the sad fact that Perry was spoiled all of his life, enabled, entitled, snobbish -and worst of all- lying about having any type of sobriety and was unfortunately destined for the eventual outcome of all of that, is beyond me. One thing became patently clear as the book wore on: Perry thought HE knew what he needed to stay sober. He used his money and celebrity to always find an easier, softer way of getting sober than actually doing to painful self-examination and daily work that is the basis of 12 step programs. His best thinking literally killed him. And it didn't have to be that way. Worth reading or listening if for no other reason than an example of the depths to which anyone can sink within the throes of addiction.

[Jim Husen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent memoir, I learned a lot from Matty. Interesting, inspiring.