I did have this on my "to read" list prior to when Matthew Perry passed away. I'll admit, his death brought it back to the center of attention for me (and I'd decided on a "non0fiction November" whereas I usually stick with fiction). Not really sure how to rate it, so I just went with the middle of the road there. I found it interesting and had no trouble finishing it, read it in just a day or two. Not really something I saved "profound quotes" from or would recommend though. It was all over the place ... the timeline, shifting from a present to the past, and back, jumping all over.  Very conversational, maybe too much so. Several times he would shift into talking TO the reader. His presentation ... often coming across a little arrogant (talking about the money he made, how his emphasis changed the way the world spoke, all the girls he slept with) to brutal (his addictions, his inability to stay in a relationship, etc). Lots of name dropping throughout. 

My family is a HUGE fan of Friends. I remember it was on at the hospital as I gave birth to my first child. I was familiar with several of the moments along the way, but most of Matthew's life was new to me. Sadness during success. 

I have to say, I dislike drinking, and drugs. My Hubs will say it's because I was raised in a churchy family, but you do not have to be religious to have a loathing for alcohol and addiction. There are obviously huge issues.  You can love a person, and hate their drinking. It was interesting his take on it ... indicating a physical issue with addiction in himself (hereditary, brought on by early introduction?)  His absolute disbelief that someone (ie his father) could just "decide" to be done and to that successfully. "Excuse me? You went for a walk and quit drinking? I have spent upward of $7 million trying to get sober. I have been to six thousand AA meetings. I've been to rehab fifteen times. I've been in a mental institution, gone to therapy twice a week for thirty years, been to death's door..." Was Matthew "weaker" than his dad? How much play is there with actual physical addiction preventing some people from being able to break free?  But the fact remains, that Matthew DID stop several times ... for a couple of years each time, then relapsed (can that still be blamed on something in the genes?) But it DOES also raise awareness ... just because YOU can stop, doesn't mean that those around you won't have a harder struggle, and what is your example showing, will those around you possibly play with drinking and drugs, thinking they will also be able to stop ... then not? The damage drinking and drugs can cause ... sometimes I admit I'd love to just take a pill or something and "feel better" too. 

Matthew had his moments touched by God ... which likely hits home for those with similar religious feelings, but can be a turn off for those who don't share those same beliefs. Being in the latter camp, it was a little God heavy in parts, for me. But that is extremely personal, not something I can really judge. 

I went with the audiobook - appreciated it being read by Matthew. Can't really comprehend a memoir NOT being read by the author, even if they don't have acting experience. I know Brittney's new book [book:The Woman in Me|63133205] is narrated by Michelle Williams. No matter how talented, that just seems off to me, if it's in the first person.  I prefer to have Author's Notes read by the author, not the narrator, in my fiction reads. Makes it more personal. 

I'm glad I listened. I'm sad for his death - we'll never know what his epilogue might have been, for good or bad.