Anyone reading/listening to Matthew Perry autobiography?

[Anonymous]

Only about 1/3 of the way through. He's a good storyteller and still seems pretty sharp, despite the ridiculous amount of drugs he has done in his lifetime.

However, despite my own struggles with alcohol addition, I find it hard to feel empathy towards him (privileged and connected white male and all . . .).

Not to mention, he is only recently sober, so I wonder how long it will stick. I do hope it does.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's just his acerbic tone but I find him incredibly self-centered and immature. Which is not unusual for addicts, in my experience.

[Anonymous]

I doubt that I'll read the book, but based on the interviews and reviews I've heard, he sounds like a terrible person. The way he talks about Jennifer Aniston alone is creepy.

[Anonymous]

I definitely judged that book by it's cover, and no thanks.

[Anonymous]

No interest but I just got Dave Grohl’s on audio from the library!

[Anonymous]

I might have tried it (audio or paper) if he hadn't come across as such a dishonorable narcissist during the early days of publicity.

Now, I just will not read anything he writes or watch anything / listen to anything he is involved with. Zilch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No interest but I just got Dave Grohl’s on audio from the library!

I liked his book a lot! In addition to following his dreams and living a big life, Grohl seems like a great guy. Really passionate, hard working, and driven, and someone who naturally sees the good in people and situations. I didn’t think it was the deepest memoir, but I truly enjoyed it. Even better … is his moms book about raising rock stars! Seriously, Virginia Grohl tells her own story about raising Dave and then interviews other moms like her. Great stuff!

[Anonymous]

I’m 20% into the audiobook from the library, and I’m not a fan so far. It all feels so … performative. Maybe because he’s only recently gotten sober/clean? He’s squeezing in a million interpretations and hypotheses for why he is the way he is, but it just feels so polished and pat to me. Lots of thinking/over-analyzing/effortfully connecting all the dots of his life, plenty of self-referential jokes and quips (and references to his money ….), but I’m not feeling any real emotion. Again, it’s early recovery stuff - not super moving or insightful so far.

[Anonymous]

will never forgive his words on Keanu (said twice!) but I listened the whole way, engrossing enough.

[Anonymous]

Just finished it, and like a poster up thread said, it was difficult to feel empathetic for him. It all rings rather false.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m 20% into the audiobook from the library, and I’m not a fan so far. It all feels so … performative. Maybe because he’s only recently gotten sober/clean? He’s squeezing in a million interpretations and hypotheses for why he is the way he is, but it just feels so polished and pat to me. Lots of thinking/over-analyzing/effortfully connecting all the dots of his life, plenty of self-referential jokes and quips (and references to his money ….), but I’m not feeling any real emotion. Again, it’s early recovery stuff - not super moving or insightful so far.

Also….

He prayed to God for fame because he thought fame would solve all his problems and fill all the holes in his life? Then he complains bitterly about how he was so famous he was not allowed to pursue treatment anonymously? I mean….

[Anonymous]

COPIED FROM LOCKED THREAD

“I appreciated it so much. Firstly, Matthew, the actor, is actually kind of funny. Did you read about his tennis match with Chevy Chase? Priceless! Secondly, he gives the best explanation of the science of addiction that I've ever seen. Thirdly, he ends the book sober. That's good and happy. He tries to help other people in their sobriety. That's admirable.”

MY RESPONSE

From what I’ve seen on him on CNN years ago and recent interviews is the typical addict premise..”it’s not my fault”. Actually it is. No one forces you to go look and buy drugs or alcohol. If a diabetic can control their sugar via what they eat then an drug addict should be able to do the same.

[Anonymous]

I think he misjudged his audience. Who dislikes Keanu? Practically no one. That was a massive error and throwing people under the bus is never a good look.

He's taken time to really show everyone what an unredeemable narcissist he is.

[Anonymous]

^^irredeemable. apologies!

[Anonymous]

I read it and liked it, but definitely some entitlement shining through. I hated the part about when he came to work after messing up everyone's schedule and when Jennifer Aniston complained, he was like, yeah you are lucky to not live my life. Sorry, I get that you can't help being an addict, but I can also complain when it messes with my life.