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

Matthew Perry

Nov 2022 · Macmillan Audio · Narrated by Matthew Perry

About this audiobook

"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.

Ratings and reviews

What a beautiful Person. He is happy because he is helping me, amongst ALOT of others even posthumously. Thankyou for being so brave Matthew Perry! and for sharing such deep personal things. We will learn from your journey ✨️ Thank you for your humor as well. What a genuine intelligent human being 👏🙌🙏 I encourage EVERYONE to read it, or listen, hearing it from the source makes it so personal and authentically genuine. I feel like I know you, and hope to see you one day Thank you 😊 🙏

I didn't regret buying this book. Sometimes, It was a little hard for me hearing the "f" words, because those words are keeping coming back repeatedly, in my mind, which I didn' t really enjoy. But because it was written by Matthew I read it to the end anyway. And I am glad I did. There were tones of lessons to be taken from Matthew' s life. Lessons about relationships, money love, and the thing that really matters most in life, which is the love and support of the family. Matthew seems to have won all the battles, and as a huge fan, I wish the best for him so that he will get there. Where? to meet his true love, family and kids, and happiness. Good Luck Matthew. please make more funny movies or write more books! And if it possible, please loose the " f" words! I will always pray for you! Anonymous

Beautifully written and makes you truly see the passion and desire to keep going. Matthew Perry will always hold a place in my heart. Rest in peace knowing you changed the world for the better and held people up even when you weren't sure you could do that for yourself. 💕

About the author

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