January 08, 2006
James Frey: The Man Who Conned Oprah
From The Smoking Gun:
Three months ago, in what the talk show host termed a "radical departure," Winfrey announced that "A Million Little Pieces," author James Frey's nonfiction memoir of his vomit-caked years as an alcoholic, drug addict, and criminal, was her latest selection for the world's most powerful book club.
In an October 26 show entitled "The Man Who Kept Oprah Awake At Night," Winfrey hailed Frey's graphic and coarse book as "like nothing you've ever read before. Everybody at Harpo is reading it. When we were staying up late at night reading it, we'd come in the next morning saying, 'What page are you on?'" In emotional filmed testimonials, employees of Winfrey's Harpo Productions lauded the book as revelatory, with some choking back tears. When the camera then returned to a damp-eyed Winfrey, she said, "I'm crying 'cause these are all my Harpo family so, and we all loved the book so much."
But a six-week investigation by The Smoking Gun reveals that there may be a lot less to love about Frey's runaway hit, which has sold more than 3.5 million copies and, thanks to Winfrey, has sat atop The New York Times nonfiction paperback best seller list for the past 15 weeks.
More here. [Thanks to Steven Anker.]
UPDATE: More on Frey here.
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» James Frey's A Million Little Pieces fiction? from kottke.org
The Smoking Gun just published a long article alleging that James Frey's memoir, A Million Little Pieces, is not as non-fictional as he's claimed on Oprah and in countless other interviews. Police reports, court records, interviews with law enforcement... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 8, 2006 11:31:38 PM
» James Frey's A Million Little Pieces fiction? from kottke.org
The Smoking Gun just published a long article alleging that James Frey's memoir, A Million Little Pieces, is not as non-fictional as he's claimed on Oprah and in countless other interviews. Police reports, court records, interviews with law enforcement... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 8, 2006 11:36:23 PM
» James Frey's A Million Little Pieces fiction? from kottke.org
The Smoking Gun just published a long article (via 3qd) alleging that James Frey's memoir, A Million Little Pieces, is not as non-fictional as he's claimed on Oprah and in countless other interviews. From A Million Little Lies: Police reports, court re... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 8, 2006 11:41:52 PM
» Are You Buying the Book or the Author? from The Beiderbecke Affair
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Tracked on Jan 9, 2006 3:15:08 PM
» James Frey's A Million Little Pieces fiction? from kottke.org
The Smoking Gun just published a long article (via 3qd) alleging that James Frey's memoir, A Million Little Pieces, is not as non-fictional as he's claimed on Oprah and in countless other interviews. From A Million Little Lies: Police reports, court re... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 9, 2006 10:29:38 PM
» James Frey's A Million Little Pieces fiction? from kottke.org
The Smoking Gun just published a long article (via 3qd) alleging that James Frey's memoir, A Million Little Pieces, is not as non-fictional as he's claimed on Oprah and in countless other interviews. From A Million Little Lies: Police reports, court re... [Read More]
Tracked on Jan 16, 2006 12:07:43 AM
Comments
I wish the TSG had done research about the fabled root canal without anaesthesia. That scene is crucial for the book and absolutely fictional. The worst thing Frey ever did in his career as an Alcoholic a Drug Addict and a Criminal was to add "writer" to the mix. what he really is is a Joke.
TD
Posted by: Thomas Dubio | Jan 8, 2006 6:11:46 PM
This really is a prize-worthy story. I hope TSG gets some recognition for it. As for Mr. Frey -- well, he has in fact brought a much larger catastrophe down upon himself than his fictional persona ever did. In fact, I find this story much more interesting than his novels. Perhaps he should write about it.
Posted by: verbatim | Jan 8, 2006 6:48:08 PM
What a brilliant article! I know that alcoholics are often prone to blackouts and lapses of memory, but it doesn't seem like he even got drunk enough for that.
The part about the train wreck is particularly creepy. What an insult to the girl's memory. Ick.
Posted by: Michele | Jan 8, 2006 9:38:14 PM
What is interesting is that no one wanted to publish it as fiction, he was pressured to turn it into non-fiction. How could all these people fall for it?
As a former drug enthusiast myself, I find it sad that the one person who gets some recognition for being against the grain as far as treatment (AA/12 steps) goes is a complete fraud. Even if he did do boat-loads of drugs and stopped without vigorous prayer to god, any merit his thinking on addiction may have will be wiped out.
Why do we like our addicts so fucked up? Mr. Frey wanted to show the dark belly of the beast... Hey man, smoking crack with Albanian twins can be loads of fun. No mention of all the help cocaine played in helping him study and finish college. Ungrateful brat.
I think the article and the book reflect the deep confusion about addiction in society at large.
Posted by: Steve | Jan 9, 2006 9:02:07 AM
One of the characteristics of an alocholic or drug addict is they are compulsive liars, cheaters and manipulators. They do not "get well" in 28 days in a treatment center. It takes years of serious recovery to overcome the characteristics that get them into recovery. I have never met an alocholic or addict early in recovery who is without imperfections.
I read Mr. Frey's book and easily saw what I saw as untruths however the basis of the book I feel can help some in early recover.. 15 Years ago I was in a recovery center much like Mr. Freys and I know early on I still had some of those old characteristics. I disagreed with the book as I feel number one a person is never cured (as he alluded to AA) and number two, I feel a strong spiritual base and a corner stone of riqorous honesty is mandatory for recovery of lasting significance
Posted by: steve k | Jan 9, 2006 9:04:34 PM
I read the book and loved it. I felt so emotionally inspired by the book that I quit smoking crack and shooting heroin. And then I read the smoking gun article, and realized I'd been scammed. I felt so depressed that I started smoking crack and shooting heroin again.
OK, I made that up. James Frey - you are my drama queen role model.
Posted by: Jeff | Jan 10, 2006 6:18:41 PM
Jeff, you made me do a spit take all over my monitor. Frey is a liar, and he needs help, but his blind supporters will just continue rewarding him for being a liar, and that means he'll continue BEING a liar. Wanna take bets on Oprah saying "Even if it's not all true, the inspiration his message brings is real, and we should take that to heart. So we can all change our lives. Sniff."
Posted by: Sausage | Jan 11, 2006 3:25:30 AM
The part about the dentist is absurd. Having two root canals and two other crowns can't be done in a day. Molds have to be made, then sent out to be manufactured. Temporary teeth can sometimes be put in place if there is enough tooth left. For Frey to imply that he went back to the rehap center and everyone was complimenting him about his new teeth is ridiculous; not to mention no dentist could ever do two root canals without novacain. Its inhuman. I would love TSG to find this dentist. Freys teeth probably aren't even fake. Just his book!!!!
Posted by: Douglas Lang | Jan 11, 2006 8:35:46 AM
It is now obvious that the only non-fiction part of Frey's book is his name (i think).
The larger question is why Random House failed to fact check and whether there will be accountability to the reading public and internally within Random House.
Frey's lawyer threaten to sue The Smoking Gun. Actually, Frey better ask his lawyer to get ready to defend him in the likely defamation lawsuits from the cops Frey claimed "beat him" and then "tried to have him beaten up in prison", from Opra Winfrey who was conned into misrepresenting to her public and for the resultant harm to her name and business, and, eventually, from the really big lawsuit from Random House when they demand their advances,costs, and profit sharing back.
Posted by: Jon | Jan 11, 2006 7:11:52 PM
You guys gotta be joking me. He exaggerated minor detail that he most likely couldn't remember. What does it matter that the cut in his cheek was really a hole in his lip? Can you blame him for not remembering some details, seeing as what he's gone through? There are some ridiculous comments on here. As if going through rehab and staying sober for thirteen years isn't hard enough, he's getting all this BS about him making stuff up? Come on.
Posted by: sheems | Jan 11, 2006 11:12:12 PM
Sheems .. did you LISTEN to Frey on Larry King? It's not that he couldn't remember he'd cut his lip instead of his cheek. He said it was easier to say cheek in the book. Easier. It was embarrasing to hear him try to explain his choice of "facts." And this now from Oprah today:
"I am disappointed by this controversy surrounding 'A Million Little Pieces,' because I rely on the publishers to define the category that a book falls within, and also the authenticity of the work," Winfrey said.
"But the underlying message of redemption in James Frey's memoir still resonates with me, and I know it resonates with millions of other people who have read this book."
Look back at my earlier comment above ... I think I should go to the nearest casino, if this psychic streak continues.
Posted by: Sausage | Jan 12, 2006 12:35:59 AM
It's funny that the lawyer he hired is the most expensive in town. It's something like a million to hear him breathe.
Because it's all so true.
Sausage, go that casino...
Posted by: Steve | Jan 12, 2006 1:44:01 AM
I had a hard time swollowing much of the book, particularly the dentist scene. Literally! I am a recoverying Alcoholic. The whole time I was reading this story I was screaming inside, "Would you (James) just take the first step and surrender". The first step is "We admitted we where alcoholics and our lives had become unmanagable". The principle being HONESTY.
The book is a great piece of fiction, and I wish it had been sold as such, but according to TSG he couldn't sell it as such.
Mr. Frey this is between you and your higher power. I hope that you can learn to practice the principles of the 12 Steps in your daily life. I might suggest tradition 6, which ends with: "...Least issues of Money, power, and prestige divert us from our primary purpous." That is, if your primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics and addicts achieve sobriety.
Now I need to get ready for my Al-anon meeting!
Posted by: DHP | Jan 12, 2006 9:09:26 AM
I have not read the book. If iread the book and think of it as fiction will enjoy it.
Posted by: adam | Jan 12, 2006 9:42:06 AM
BIG DEAL!!!!!!!!!!
THE BOOK WAS ABOUT ADDICTION NOT CRIMINAL RECORDS---WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE- AND MORE IMPORTANT GET A LIFE AND LOOK IN THE MIRROR--
I BELIEVE YOU'RE ALL JEALOUS THAT HE WAS SUCCESSFUL WITH HIS ADDICTION AND MORE TO THE POINT YOU CAN'T STAND HIS SUCCESS FOR HIS TRAGIC MEMOIR---
STUFF IT--ALL OF YOU AND MAYBE SOMEDAY SOMEONE YOU LOVE WILL BECOME AN ADDICT THEN LET'S HEAR YOUR BIG MOUTH
Posted by: Carolyn | Jan 12, 2006 10:44:29 AM
I have not read this book myself, but I think I may just read it to see how true it rings because for a time being I lived in a world riddled with drugs and crime, and I know that world intimately. I have heard from other people who have pasts as drug users and addicts and have read the book, that even his drug use in the book did not ring true at all for them.
There are drug users, and drug addicts. I was a drug user. I did drugs, lots of drugs, many different kinds of drugs. I snorted, shot up, smoked, and swallowed them. I had fun doing drugs, and the next day, I never had more than a hangover, and I never had more than a passing desire to do them again. Most of the time I did drugs because they were free, and I was bored. Drugs were just another way of killing the boredom. Because I was not addicted, I was able to quit drugs with no more will power than deciding that I did not want to do them again, and avoiding the social circumstances that lead me to use drugs until I knew that those social situations would not tempt me to do the drugs. It has been about 8 years since I last did drugs. I will not do them again, I have no desire to do them again, and to be honest I rarely even think about them. Cigarettes though - damn I am hooked!
A drug addict requires more than that to recover. There is physical addiction, and a deeper psychological addiction, then there is learning to live your life with out drugs, and every day from the moment you quit, that there will be wanting and temptation, and knowing that if you as so much snort one line, have one drink, or whatever - that you are back on the drug train.
It is known that he spent time in rehab, but I suspect that James was a user, not an addict. And I have heard others say this as well.
As The Smoking Gun website says - Many of those who could address the veracity of his tale have "committed suicide, been murdered, died of AIDS, been sentenced to life in prison, gone missing, landed in an institution for the criminally insane, or fell off a fishing boat never to be seen again."
In my world, I have lost a lot of people too, but although some major characters of his tale are gone, in any group, especially the underground of addiction, there are many people in your circle. Among people I have known, many are gone, but just as many remain - he should still have acquaintances that can verify his information, even if many friends are gone.
He claims he doesn't want to be a poster boy, but he spoke at clinics to inspire people, and has said "If I can do it, you can do it," but he has rejected 12 step programs and even said that addiction is a weakness not a disease. He cites the unorthodox treatment he received, and his own will power, no support, no program, nothing, and he is relapse free. This to me does not sound like an addict.
It doesn't bug me that he conned Oprah and a bunch of her suburban book of the month club members, after all to those who have never been addicts or even used drugs, this was akin to a novel, there is no risk in their lives for taking the story on face value.
It scares me deeply that even one addict may have eschewed AA or NA because of James Frey and his book. How many people have been harmed by this man's lies?
As for Carolyn(in all CAPS), Most of my friends are recovering addicts and luckily they go to NA & AA. I know people who have gone from living on the streets from the time they were 12 until 25, to running successful companies - and I am not envious at all. I am appaulled that James' words could be taken by a naive person and used as a plan of recovery, and that this could kill people.
And by the way, if you have a son or daughter who is hooked (especially if they are counter culture and mistrustful of authority), get them a copy of Chris Walter's biographical books. I know him, and I can verify the veracity of his biographies.
Go to http://www.punkbooks.com and pick up, "Mosquitoes and Whiskey", "I was a punk before you were a punk", and "I'm on the Guest List".
The truth of these tales and Chris's road in excess, and his road back out will be more helpful to an addict than James Frey's myths.
Posted by: nicole | Jan 12, 2006 2:28:10 PM
I went to school in St. Joseph, MI with James Frey and I read the book. As I read the book, I kept thinking to myself, "Why don't I remember this?" "This just doesn't seem like the way things happened"
Well, hello, he made it all up. He was never unpopular, in fact, he was one of the rich snobbies!
"Michelle" was Melissa Sanders who was killed in a car/train wreck. Frey leaves out the other girl, Janie Hall, and Dean Sperlik WAS blamed for the accident. Dean got heavy bad publicity for the accident! Frey was never mentioned in ANY newspaper article about the train wreck or mentioned in any gossip of the accident.
The whole time I read the book, I thought many of the scenes just seemed too fake. Like when he saved Lily at the Crackhouse. Like Leonard being a ganster. Like him beating a priest. The only 1 percent of the book that probably is true is that he went to a rehab center.
Very pathetic. Sad that this was sold as a memoir. My copy went out with the trash this morning!
Posted by: scoops | Jan 12, 2006 2:40:20 PM
Whats Most Important About Mr. Frey? He Is Recovered! In Society We Are Always Looking For Small Negative Points! When We Should Look At The Big Picture. Words Can Be Damaging, Rotten And Empty! God Has Blessed Mr Frey To Look Pass All These Things Keep On Your Journey! So Will I
Posted by: raquel c | Jan 12, 2006 2:46:56 PM
TSG deserves an award. Frey is a fraud. Oh yeah, and Oprah sucks.
Posted by: Matt | Jan 12, 2006 3:18:53 PM
I finished the book a couple days ago and told my friend who lent it to me that it just didn't sound real. It had the basis of a good non-fiction, but sounded too embellished. She was a bit bent at the thought, but then googled his name and found this stuff. She emailed me and almost everything everyone has said were also doubts that I had in my mind about the validity of this non-fiction account.
I hope TSG never investigates my past. Hahaha.
Posted by: Annie | Jan 12, 2006 5:43:42 PM
I read the book shortly after it came out. At that time no one was saying it was partly fictional. I found some of the scenes pretty hard to swallow, chiefly the root canal without novocaine. In fact, I tried to look that up, wondering if AA really was that strict about drug usage. I found no evidence that AA or NA ban the use of novocaine.
As for people saying that the emotional truth of the memoir remains--I just don't see it. Frey may be a recovering addict, but if there was no Lilly, no Leonard, no criminal past, and no un-medicated dentistry then there is just a contrived story full of holes.
I suggest you read Seth Mnookin's piece in Slate today. His take on the story comes from the viewpoint of a former addict, and is well worth a look. He wrote a piece on his recovery for Slate last year that is linked from today's story. Mary Karr also has some interesting comments today. She wrote the addiction memoir, Liar's Club.
http://www.slate.com/id/2134203/
Posted by: booked4life | Jan 12, 2006 5:58:39 PM
I believe that some of us have mised the point James is trying to make because we are to busy tring to prove something wrong with the memoir. I am sure, we would have all done the same if our publisher had suggested any embellishments. However, the real diaster of his addictions are the real story. People, how petty are we. I am sure that I am not alone when I make this statement: who of you are perfect!!!? Who of you have told No lies, passed no judgement or broken any of the Ten Commandments or if not religious who of you have NEVER broken a law. I want to remind all of you that the Bible says GOD is the only Judge. So IF James has lied, which I do not think he has, he will have to deal with his maker, not us!!!! I want to know who of you that has made negative comments about James Frey's life and book could say that they were strong enough to take on the world and there trash talk. I could not. For this reason here I could not take the judging and painful reminder of my own feelings much less bring my family into the horror. I have never had a drug addictions (Thank God!) but I can say that I had a severe depression problem and that was terrible enough. I do try to help others when I see they need someone to talk with and hold onto. I do not try to knock them back down.
By the way AA does not let you have any narotics. Pain Killers. What do you think they are in there for? To get off the stuff. I have not read where any of you admit you have ever done any wrong and I think before you heave a large boulder at someone else you might want to step away from your own glass house.
Carolyn I agree with you.
James Frey whether or not you have embellished or not you have open a wound for all the world to see. And I have to admire you!!!! I feel, you have done the right thing writing this book. We all must need some inspiration or we would not be looking for it. That is the real problem. They do not want to believe in any goodness or hard work. If it does not come easy then we do not want it. To much work. So the people and their critizism shows how desperate they were (their weakness) and they are looking for a easier way to deal with their problems, because THE TRUTH IS TO HARD FOR US TO FACE!!!! James I could find your personal email address and if you read this I would love to hear from you. Thank you!!! YOU ARE INSPIRATION!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Posted by: Belinda | Jan 12, 2006 10:58:22 PM
The previous post was so inspiritional I think I'll have a drink and go to a casino.
Posted by: ul | Jan 13, 2006 12:05:47 AM
Belinda - nobody is perfect, very true, but you are missing the point.
There are many honest people who have wrote honest memiors about their experiences in drug addictions. I could name 5 authors who have wrote honest memiors and are real inspirations because they really did quit drugs, after a far more painful life in the drug world than James wrote of in the book.
His descriptions of drug use, and the world of drug addicts are NOT realistic to anyone who has used drugs. Because his descriptions of drug use and the life of a drug addict do not portray the real experiences of a drug user, people who have done drugs DO NOT believe he has ever been a drug addict.
To any former drug addict or drug user, the lie he has told about being a junkie is akin to lying about being a Veteran of a war.
AA and NA DO let you have novocaine at the dentists, asprin, tylenol, and other medication - even anti-depressants - they just say you can not have codiene, or demoral or other narcotics. I have gone to meetings, and I have friends who have been in the program for years. James LIED about AA & NA.
Through lying about AA & NA, James scared people who should be in AA or NA, and if one person who should have gone to AA died of an overdose, because they were scared of getting a root canal without novocaine, then his lies have hurt people.
I am not saying AA and NA are the only way, but they are one of the best ways, and there are many alternative programs which are 12 step, but not Christian.
Since James told LIES about what drugs were like, and LIES about AA and NA, most former addicts don't believe what follows about him quitting either, but James says his problem with AA & NA was admitting he was powerless over his habit. 12 Step programs do not require that you believe in god to go to the next step. If he was a real addict, James could have believed his higher power that would help him was his spirit, or buddha ,or even the energy of the universe.
Just to conclude, I am not envious of James, as a friend to many former addicts and street people, and as a former drug user, I am hurt by his lies because people will believe that is what life really is like for someone who is a drug addict, when it is very different.
I know people who have come from worse and risen high in life. One friend of mine was a street kid from the time she was 12 until 25, and now runs a business.
I know another person who was a prostitute and a drug addict from the same age until she was 20, and now has spoken at the UN and has national and international prestige from speaking about the exploitation of children.
I know a man who almost destroyed his life, who now has wrote his own memiors and has been drug free for years, and has a beautiful family.
I know a couple who almost died, and almost killed each other through drug use who are now doing well in thier careers, and are expecting a baby.
I know many real life stories of success, and I know a real story because I too did drugs, and was in that world and I am now doing very well for myself too. I went from being a highschool drop out living on the streets, to having a good middle class career.
To my friends, and to myself James' has lied and made money off it. It is just as bad as someone lying about being a Veteran of a war, or lying about being a cancer survivor.
Because some people have treated his book like a self help book for addicts, it is like if James' had wrote a book saying he was a Cancer Survivor and got well off a diet of Jelly Beans instead of chemo and medication, and then a real cancer survivor said that his descriptions of his symptoms, medication, chemo were all false - what would be your opinion then of a book that says Jelly beans are the cure for cancer, would you even believe he had cancer?
Posted by: Nicole | Jan 13, 2006 12:18:45 PM
All of the people that still think James Frey's book is an 'inspiration', give your head a shake! Stop and think about the millions of people that read that book and think that the addict in their life can just make up their mind to 'quit' like Frey did, just like that. If it were so damned easy don't you think millions of addicts & alcoholics would just quit?? Do you think we enjoy destroying the people that love us not to mention ourselves? Do you think we wake up every day and make that choice to 'use' over having a good life? Get your heads out of your butts!
I read this book a couple of months back and said "BS" after the first few pages. I read it to the end only because I wanted to see how full of it he was going to get. He did not disappoint. Anyone that has had any TRUE addiction would know in a heartbeat this idiot was not an addict but a narcissist. Sure he may have had a 'problem' with alcohol and drugs, but his real problem are his visions of grandeur and sense of superiority.
My prediction is that over the coming months you are going to see this man being directly blamed for addicts reading his book, shunning a real on-going treatment program and dying because they think that 'if James Frey could quit so easy, so can I'. The very fact that Oprah and now most of society is reading this book and backing the lies he has told have put false hope for miraculous recovery for addicts up front and center stage.
Countless loved ones of addicts have/will read this book and develop great expectations of their addicts/alcoholics. "come on addict/alcoholic, just quit..look at James Frey." or how many addicts will read this book and go, "yeah, I just need to make up my mind to quit, screw a 'program'"....only to relapse with even further guilt because they could not be like James.
Oprah calls this book "a message of hope." I call this book a dangerous setback in the recovery of true addicts and their families. It is 'a message of False Hope'. It is really easy to 'just quit' if you are NOT AS ADDICTED AS YOU CLAIM TO BE! I believe James Frey was a spoilt little rich kid that drank and did some drugs. He does have emotional problems no doubt about that, but not every narcassist is an addict. Oprah should have done her homework before she decided to save the world's addicts/alcoholics with this man and his book.
People are not angry and upset because he made millions of dollars. They are angry and upset because he made that money glorifyig himself and a past that did not exist while at the same time making a mockery of millions of TRUE addicts that struggle daily and many ONLY by the grace of God and an ongoing program to stay sober!
And finally, do not blame his publishing company, that is a cop out as well. James Frey still went on Larry King and insisted that he stand by his lies. Now it is no longer his publisher, but James himself who needs wonder at night how many lives he is ruining because of his need to be 'literary God' at all costs. There must be some small part of him that feels shame, I see his website is gone. He must have got tired of trying to delete all the negative comments on his message board.
Russ
Recovering Addict
Posted by: Russell | Jan 13, 2006 8:45:17 PM
My wife bought this book last week and absolutely refuses to believe it is a work of fiction.Yhe research done by the smoking gun site convinced me the guy is a lying fraud.It galls me to see someone become rich and famous simply because Oprah falls for his lies.She owes her public as big an apology as Frey does.
Posted by: Bernie Wright | Jan 13, 2006 9:36:15 PM
I read on one of the other blogs that Hillary Clinton was going to use his book as a "point of light" on her campaign tour for president. Fitting, don't you think?
Posted by: Clint Orriss | Jan 14, 2006 12:21:23 AM
Hey, there were no weapons of mass destruction and no links at all between Saddam Hussein & 9/11, but Bush says it doesn't really matter, and I believe him. Who cares about the truth as long as good people like Dick Cheyney and James Frey can get very rich based on their relaxed approach to the truth. More power to them.
Posted by: Duped | Jan 14, 2006 3:49:00 AM
Frey is a fraud, his book was poorly written and riddled with untruths, and Oprah looks like a fool.
Clint - you were the one who posted that about Hilary Clinton, have you forgotten? Man, you and Frey have the same kind of selective memory.
Posted by: Marlene | Jan 14, 2006 4:40:24 AM
Only a psedo-addict is abtinent and not clean, who is dry but not sober, could defraud the public on such a scale thn have the nads to sit on Larry King Live and say "I stand by my story." In other words, he believes his own lies at this point.
The real damage this fraud if doing is that he puts out a message to addicts - "I've been there - I was hard core badass addict" - "just hang on", "you don't need NA / AA." Addicts will read this and die. I mean REAL addicts, not chubby whitebread frat boys from Ohio who defraud the public.
He should hang.
Posted by: Dave - Recovering Addict | Jan 14, 2006 10:19:26 PM
You're all making a big deal out of nothing. The relevant parts of the book were true. Who cares if he changed certain details for dramatic effect? There's a huge difference between a literary memoir and a straight biography. There's no scandal here. It's just that Oprah attracts so much attention that tiny things get blown out of proportion.
Posted by: Turpentine | Jan 15, 2006 1:36:02 PM
you'll love this. it's hilarious
http://www.exile.ru/2003-May-29/book_review.html
Posted by: jj14268 | Jan 16, 2006 4:22:44 PM
James Frey is a liar and made millions on it. If you bought his book you should ask for your money back or throw it in the trash. If you love it so much that you can't part with it then you need to be deprogrammed. It's a stupid book and will fade into the anals of popular culture.
If you are NOT an addict or alcoholic you have no business telling anyone in or out of recovery what to do. There are a few of you on this message board who fall into this category and YOU USE ALL CAPS.
And anyone who buys his sequel "MFLeonard" needs a 12-step program since you can't stop reading his BS even when you know it's bad for you.
Oprah. You're an idiot.
Posted by: Tripp Mills | Jan 17, 2006 3:11:40 AM
right on, scoops! my wife is from st joe. parents are still there. we go back few times a year. we were listening to the audiobook version (great voice actor, btw) when the train wreck came up. my wife immediately knew the incident, but his version was somehow wrong. the details that have since been filled in are infuriating.
as for you sheep who are desparate for a hero (who repeats things often enough to soak into your skulls), aim higher than a fratboy boozer who has to make up a badass, yet redemptive, past to get your attention. frey is a disgrace, and oprah has lost all credibility by continuing to back him. and larry king for the f***ing softballs. which tv show is gonna have the balls to put frey on with an investigative reporter?
Posted by: Ron Barry | Jan 17, 2006 5:53:54 PM
>you'll love this. it's hilarious
>http://www.exile.ru/2003-May-29/book_review.html
That was an extremely good read! Thanks, jj.
My husband purchased this book for me at the recommendation of one of my friends who went on and on about the author, his writing abilities, etc. I started to read it and got about half way and had to put it down. It was just not credible. Starting with the dentist. Yes, the airplane flight wasn't too credible either but the dentist, well, that was just way out there. Then the mafia guy (who raised Leonard) who's supposedly shot umpteen times, and yet can lecture for a full paragraph about how Leonard should live honorably as he lay dying, was utterly ridiculous. Then there was Frey's daily passing of blood in his stool and throwing up blood - why was that not being addressed by doctors? Why was he not extremely weak and fatigued from it? So, the book sat on my nightstand gathering dust and the following week the story broke that Frey might be a fraud. I went right to TSG website and read the entire article. Then I read other views about the book. It was good to know I wasn't alone in how I felt about Frey's book.
I guess what angered me the most was Frey using the tragic train accident and twisting it to manipulate his readers. You don't take someone else's tragedy and try to profit from it. That's really low. These people who defend him avoid discussing that aspect. I have to wonder why.
Posted by: Renee | Jan 17, 2006 8:48:50 PM
Some great, TRUE memoirs about people who are recovering addicts/alcoholics:
"Dry" Auguesten Burroughs
"Note found in a Bottle" Susan Cheever
"Dharma Punx" by Noah Levine
"Drinking; A Love Story" Caroline Knapp
... why didn't Oprah focus on any one of these gripping reads?
Posted by: ann Lemon | Jan 19, 2006 3:55:30 PM
Again for all of you so intent on hero worship of Frey, go to his website: http://www.exile.ru/2003-May-29/book_review.html
This coward continues to lie and avoid truth. He took his website down to avoid the backlash his lies have created. Tell me, this man can make millions of dollars off this book but he can't afford to pay for a better hosting company? HELLO people, open your eyes you Oprah and James sheep!! Run little James Frey, run.
Posted by: Russell | Jan 20, 2006 2:13:46 PM
I am currently reading the book by Jemes Frey and I am enjoying it, people have to relize hes only speaking from his memory, on drugs!
Posted by: Alyse Gozales | Jan 20, 2006 8:10:13 PM
My my, he sure is a heretic of the Holy Orthodox and Catholic Church of AA isn't he. Otherwise why the irrational raging against him?
Perhaps because AA IS irrational and illogical. (Gnash your teeth acolytes!) I have an MS in biology (incl. lots of pre-med) and formal education in symbolic logic and the logic of language so I know how irrational and unscientific the steps and program are.
If alcohol abuse is a disease why the 12-steps? Do we have PN: Pneumoniacs Anonymous or HCLA: Hairy-Cell Leukemia sufferers Anonymous? Faith healing went out with modern medicine unless you belong to cults like Christian Science, Scientology or Jehovah's Witnesses, for example.
(Gnash, gnash your teeth you bigots against modern medically sound treatments for substance abuse. It's snakes ad arsenic anyway: You should know better!)
Believe what twaddle you want but stop violating my rights by ripping my SOS posters of boards! (that's Secular Organization for Sobriety)
And do not dare say that the end justifies the means!
If you think I'm disrespectful because I have a mote in my eye, first get the beam out of your own!
Posted by: David K. Simpson | Jan 24, 2006 10:59:26 AM
Ann Lemon (above) mentions several good "true" addiction memoirs. I too read and enjoyed Augusten Burroughs' memoirs, but there is some reason to question their veracity. Check it out at,
http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2005/11/11/burroughs/
Posted by: booked4life | Jan 25, 2006 3:53:53 PM
It obviously isn't that hard to con a moron like Oprah. An obvious conman named Phil McGraw managed to con Oprah for years.
Posted by: Mitch Craven | Jan 26, 2006 5:25:06 PM
I am happy anybody connected with AA is exposed as a fraud. AA is a con! That it is a cult is unquestionable. The statistics back up how fraudulent AA/NA are. Very few actually stay sober. ALL drug addicts and alcoholics lie their asses off and more so in their attempts to get sober because credibility in AA lays in how low one has gone in their addicted life. Thus every addict must convey how they were more fucked up than the person next to them. It's absurd! I have never met a person in AA or NA of any qualitive substance. Most have a desperate need to believe. Most are incapable of critical discourse. It's about time one of these zombies get's nailed.
Posted by: ronald | Jan 26, 2006 8:42:43 PM
frey is smart.
he knows this kind of thing will increase book sales.
i mean for Chrissake I got the book after watching the larry king incident.
Posted by: blam | Jan 26, 2006 9:46:38 PM
dave, you make a very good point. although i like the book and i like frey as an author, what you are saying is true. ive never been an addict but i could see how james' portrayal of this sort of treatment could lead to serious danger. people might get out of rehab and go to a bar and order a tall glass of alcohol and then relapse. someone could get out of rehab and be like, "okay, im going to be like frey and just 'hold on.'" meanwhile they might not be able to hold on. i see what u mean.
this is VERY true.
reading these posts makes me dislike frey more and more. of course, oprahs show makes me dislike her too. AH now i just dislike everyone lol.
Posted by: blem | Jan 26, 2006 10:07:51 PM
I find it incredible that all everyone is talking about is how this guy "embelished" his story, lied and conned Oprah and America. BIG DEAL! A memoir is supposed to be about what you remember. And I would bet that almost everyone that is trashing James Frey has never been a drug addict or known someone who is a drug addict. As a recovering drug addict and the wife of a former drug addict, life is not all roses and cute kittens. It sucks and it's hard and it's an every day struggle. Regardless if this book is complete lies or just a few, it is still a GREAT BOOK! I NEVER read, except some stories on the internet, newspaper and magazines. But when my mother raved about this book and recommended this book to me,I knew I had to take a look at it. For the first time in many years, I could not put this book down. It was addictive and I related to some of the points in James' story. Today I saw James on the Oprah show and felt genuinely sorry for this guy. Am I excusing him from lying? No. But there are other serious issues going on in the world that could use as much attention as this book has received. And for everyone to sit in judgement of James and his story is just wrong. People lie and embelish stories every day. I say, leave it alone already! He made a mistake, admitted it and apologized. Drop it!
Posted by: Andrea | Jan 26, 2006 11:15:46 PM
I smell a rat-and its Oprah
I have always defended Oprah against naysayers-she has done many great things. Today I was not impressed. Today I found Oprahs' behaviour self serving and distasteful. She followed one public statement-that as an afterthought she viewed as a mistake (Larry King) and tried to make up for it by making another (public mistake). She humiliated and tortured a man-who who told his story in a way he thought would be appreciated. Oprah publicly humiliated him so that she could save face with that same pretentious organization who is loath to let the common people among their ranks. Unfortunately, James was niave enough to provide them fodder for their blood sucking antics. By his own admission he did originally attempt to publish this as fiction, tho most of it comes from his own experience. I would eagerly agree to many grey area debates to see a book published in my name. Should the genre not be the publishers responsibility? Why make James the absolute scapegoat? This whole thing was handled with the fervor of (media)vultures honing in on the roadkill (James-or anyone who makes mistakes). You should be ashamed of yourself Oprah for joining the vultures, turning tailcoat on James and pecking the poor dumn bastard -all to protect your own fragile image. Shame on You!
Disclaimer (not exactly as written, mostly tho, some stuff left out, pretty much as it went, the most important parts, as I recall anyway, before I added other stuff)
Posted by: K Murray | Jan 27, 2006 1:18:25 AM
give him a break!i read the book a while ago when it was first released, i loved it,thought it was well written and extremely easy to read. i am not nor have i ever been an addict of any kind and after reading this i know i never will be. so what if its not all true-i'm sure there is not one biograghy or memoir that is 100% true or can be proven beyond reasonable doubt to be true! good on you james i loved it!!
Posted by: melissa | Jan 27, 2006 2:05:36 AM
YOU KNOW WHAT GUYS?? FUCK ALL OF YOU! NO MATTER IF JAMES FREY DID FABRICATE SOME OR ALL OF THE THINGS IN THIS BOOK, I STAND BY HIM 100%. THIS BOOK HELPED ME OVERCOME MY DEEPEST AND DARKEST ADDICTION AND FOR THAT, I AM FOREVER THANKFUL.
DID YOU ONLY BUY THE BOOK BECAUSE OPRAH TOLD YOU TO?? NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION, THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN BY JAMES FREY .. NOT YOU, NOT YOUR MOM, HE WROTE THE DAMN THING .. IF IT'S WHAT HE WANTS IT TO BE, THEN SO BE IT. SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT. DON'T BE SO JUDGEMENTAL AND HARSH .. IMAGINE IF THE SHOE WAS ON THE OTHER FOOT. WOULD YOU WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW 'EVERYTHING' ABOUT YOUR LIFE?? I THINK NOT!
I GIVE THIS GUY PROPS FOR TAKING ALL THE SHIT, PEOPLE LIKE YOU, PUT OUT FOR HIM TO 'SWALLOW.' IF JAMES PUTS OUT ANOTHER BOOK .. I'LL BUY IT!! GOOOO JAMES!!!
Posted by: KCP | Jan 27, 2006 7:09:13 AM
I love the book "Million Little Pieces." I have always been a fan of Operah and her book club, because she has always supported those who acheived success in their lives or the less fortunate. I think Operah acted in bad faith by hashing on Frey for an hour. If I lost respect for anyone it is Operah. The book is about overcoming addiction, the book is about the truth as Frey remembers. I STAND BY FREY a 100%. He has done the right thing by writing this book and it matters not if it is not all the truth. He wrote this book about his life as a addict, an alcoholic, and criminal. I work with these type of people every day, and you what? They don't always tell the truth. They embellesh their criminal record, they embellish their drug and alcohol use, but BIG DEAL!!!! The truth is that James Frey overcame addiction, I am an PROUD of him. I'd say has Operah always been Honest? If I could find James Frey's personal email address, I'd say HANG IN THERE. This will pass. I just bought a copy of your book, "My friend Leonard." You keep believing in yourself as I believe in you!!!!
Posted by: kari berg | Jan 27, 2006 12:16:27 PM
Regarding the 'embellishing' issues surrounding James Frey's book I'd just like to say this:
For anyone that has walked the path to recovery from addictions, and for the percentage of those that are contemplating it, and those that are going thru it now, this book is a blessing. For anyone that hasn't walked it, I estimate is a low percentage, but when I include those affected by the lives of an addict (the ripple affect of addiction) that percentage increases substantially...but I can see those that are still using being the percentage that will run the book and James Frey down. It's a dynamic that, if walked is understood start to finish. There's no glory in the lives of those that are using. The glory is in the defeat of this crippling dis-ease. But more than any of that is the wisdom that it remains a constant fight...24 hours a day...365 days a year. That's it, those are my findings...and I feel I want to sign this, name and title: Laurie, recovering alcoholic, 31 years sobriety.
((((((James Frey))))))
Posted by: Lauriel | Jan 27, 2006 12:18:31 PM
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