Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir Audiobook, by Matthew Perry Play Audiobook Sample

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

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir Audiobook, by Matthew Perry Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Matthew Perry Publisher: Macmillan Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.38 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: November 2022 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781250867070

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

24

Longest Chapter Length:

62:06 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

14 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

22:04 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Publisher Description

"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.

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"Listening to this bio/memoir was a generally good experience and I have no regrets on purchasing it. Throughout this self-narrated audiobook, Perry takes us into his personal world as he reflects on his life before, during and after being a part of one of TV’s most successful shows. His insight is both illuminating and enlightening. He talks candidly about his successes, failures, relationships and more while exploring the lessons learned along the way. I particularly enjoyed some of the parts where Matthew dives deep into life behind-the-scenes at Friends. He talks about how even though they were all close friends on set there were still moments where tensions were high between cast members due to different opinions or creative differences. He talks about how those arguments helped their acting dynamic become stronger. Overall I recommend this audiobook memoir to any fan of the Friends tv show and also to anyone who wants to gain insight from someone who has experienced success at such an incredible level while still dealing with personal issues. For anyone looking for insight on relationships or advice on dealing with difficult times in life, this audiobook will provide plenty of valuable lessons and provide plenty of thought provoking ideas along its journey."

— Karin Janowitz (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “A heartbreakingly beautiful memoir.”

    — People
  • “Remarkable, startling, and heartfelt.”

    — GQ
  • “Candid, darkly funny…[with] poignant nuggets in its pages.”

    — New York Times
  • "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

Awards

  • An AudioFile Editors’ Pick of the Month
  • A #1 Amazon bestseller
  • A #1 New York Times bestseller
  • An Amazon Best Book of the Month
  • A Barnes & Noble bestseller
  • A New York Times Bestseller in Audio
  • Among longlisted titles for Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2022
  • Among longlisted titles for Chapters Indigo Best of the Year, 2022
  • Among longlisted titles for Audible.com Best of the Year, 2022

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 5 (4.74)
5 Stars: 19
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 2
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 4.8695652173913 out of 54.8695652173913 out of 54.8695652173913 out of 54.8695652173913 out of 54.8695652173913 out of 5 (4.87)
5 Stars: 20
4 Stars: 3
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 54.73913043478261 out of 5 (4.74)
5 Stars: 20
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful to hear the story told by the actual author. No surprises, however, as I have already read the book twice, but soothing to hear Matthew's voice once again, now that we have lost him. "

    — JayDee, 1/11/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — MAYA MITSOVA, 1/6/2024
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 1/4/2024
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Clayton Chamberlin, 12/29/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — krisanti soekrisno, 12/12/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 11/28/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Edward Aragon, 11/27/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 11/18/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Well written & narrated by Matthew. Sad to hear he struggled so much it was enlightening on his offscreen life. "

    — Sheri, 11/13/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 11/10/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 11/10/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Me, 11/8/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A must-read about a very conflicted soul. Fame, money, and sickness all across the book. Love, fear, friendship, family and what really matters in life are described in a profound and meaningful way. Not by Chandler Bing, but by the real Matty Perry. "

    — Lola G , 11/8/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A must-read about a very conflicted soul. Fame, money, and sickness all across the book. Love, fear, friendship, family and what really matters in life are described in a profound and meaningful way. Not by Chandler Bing, but by the real Matty Perry. "

    — Lola G , 11/8/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 10/30/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — 10/14/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    — Patryk Strzemiecki, 8/25/2023
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I was and still am a true Friends fan. I grew up with them, fell in love with them, worried for them. Perhaps more for the characters than real people. And this book sadly gives you a harsh reality behind the scenes. At least how it was for 'Chandler'. And man it was hard. Sometimes even too hard to listen. I do recommend it but it's not a fun ride. "

    — Alice, 2/1/2023
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This memoir was a bit of a mixed bag. Overall, I found it to be an interesting, if not particularly captivating listen. It did provide a glimpse into his life before and after the iconic show but for me, it felt like there was something missing in terms of emotion or insight. Perry does a fair job reading his own words but fails to give much depth or nuance to what he is saying. There were moments where I felt engaged in his story but ultimately found myself bored or uninterested for the most part. The general themes present in this memoir are definitely worth exploring further as they delve into many different aspects of life such as relationships, career struggles, and substance abuse. However, these topics need more exploration and detail than what is provided here in my opinion. While there were some moments where I was enlightened by what Perry had to say about his life experiences and how they shaped him as a person, overall I would rate this audiobook as decent at best. Lightly recommended if you're a huge fan, otherwise I'd give it a pass. "

    — Sarah Good, 1/29/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I found this to be a captivating account of a man's life journey filled with hope, heartache, laughter and tears. Matthew Perry sheds light on some of the toughest issues he has faced in life: love, relationships and addiction. It is both an emotional rollercoaster and a reminder that we are all capable of overcoming any obstacle if we stay true to ourselves. As someone who has experienced similar struggles in their own life, I found solace and comfort in Matthew Perry's honest reflections on his recovery journey. This memoir transcended beyond simply recounting events or memories; instead, it was an insightful exploration into human nature filled with many valuable lessons on resilience and courage. "

    — TimK8, 1/18/2023
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Having been a fan of "Friends" for many years, I knew that I was in for a treat when I saw that Matthew Perry had written (and narrated) a memoir. Right off the bat I was so impressed with how much detail and insight Matthew included in this book. He gives us an honest look at his life through behind-the-scenes stories and insight into his own personal struggles that he faced during that time. His warm, easygoing tone makes it feel like you're just talking to an old friend. The way he narrates each chapter is so engaging and captivating that you can't help but be drawn in immediately. He talks about everything honestly - no matter how uncomfortable or embarrassing it may be - which is truly inspiring. His openness throughout this entire book is admirable and it really shows what kind of person he is. Overall, I found "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" to be a rather fascinating and enlightening listen, full of great stories and thoughtful insights into Perry's life. It's both funny and heartfelt - which I think makes it really stand out from other celebrity memoirs out there today. Whether you're a fan of Friends or not, this would make for an outstanding audiobook experience! "

    — JAWZ111, 11/26/2022
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Matthew Perry did not hold back revealing the deadly grip his addiction has had on him. That takes guts. He writes well and narrates well enough. But in the end I’m left feeling he still doesn’t completely get it. He doesn’t get how to truly care about others, to be humble, and how that is part of being clean and sober. Four times in the book he wrote something that lead to this opinion by this reader. Keanu Reeves (twice), the memory patient in rehab, and the dentist who fixed his teeth. "

    — FrancesDVM, 11/20/2022
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I'm a huge fan of Matthew Perry and Friends, so I was really excited to listen to his memoir. After listening to it, I was truly amazed! The memoir itself is incredibly moving. It speaks of both love and heartache in equal measure. His reflections on relationships are honest and heartfelt, filled with colorful stories that span his entire life. He is open about both his successes and failures in an accessible manner, sharing practical advice for how to navigate the complex waters of family, friendship, and romance. I am thankful for Matthew's courage in opening up about such personal topics - it certainly gives us insight into him as an individual. This insightful memoir is filled with emotion that will stay with you long after you've finished listening. Highly recommended! "

    — TerrenceY1988, 11/12/2022

About Matthew Perry

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