“As it turns out, Mathew Perry has a lot of courage. He takes us through his addictions, his illness, and his paralysing loneliness…Ultimately, this book is filled with hope for the future. If you want to know Mathew Perry is, stay away from the rags and read this.”
Marta Kauffman, co-creator of the NBC sitcom Friends
When I first saw this book was out, I was scared to pick it up. I was worried that my good memories of the sitcom Friends will be taken away from me and will be replaced by the reality of Mathew Perry‘s life. I knew a bit about how his addcitions. For some reason I still couldn’t stay away and ordered this. Finished reading it within a week! Despite a full time job that included a full 2 day event and hours of driving! I guess that says something about my love for the series Friends, about the cast and about this book. Hope you enjoy this little review –
About the Author
If you don’t already know, Chandler Bing (Just kidding 🙂 ) Mathew Perry is a popular name among the millennials and the generation before that. His Sarcasm, quippy and witty remarks made him one of the most loved characters among the Friends cast. He is a Canadian American actor, comedian and playwright. Needless to say that in reality not only did he pitch a lot of jokes for the series Friends, there are a lot of similarities in Mathew Perry and Chandler Bing. In his words – “He is Chandler Bing.” Growing up he was a national level Tennis player and an actor, at the same time suffering a lot that he shares in his book. This book is an honest memoir, heart breaking to see your beloved star suffering and struggling so much and relieved to see him come out of that haze. Could this BE any better?
Star rating
5 stars and no doubt
Summary
Let me begin with the series Friends. Today I hear some negative remarks about the series, however for fans like me it’s a gift to know more about the cast and crew. I’ve seen each episode a million times and yet it’s still capable of getting some laughs from me. What I fondly remember about the series though is – When I was going through one of the toughest times of my life and my days were filled with depression, this was one thing that would literally crack me up. I remember sitting in bedroom alone and watching this and falling off my bed multiple times! Once I was done watching all the seasons, I started with the first episode immediately and it had the same effect every time for I guess at least a hundred times. I hung on to it with my dear life. It is ironic while the series was saving my life, one of the cast members was struggling with his.
You have to get famous to know that it’s not the answer. And nobody who is not famous will ever truly believe that.
Mathew Perry
With that background, this book is not just for the fans of Friends. Most of you will love to see the similarities and sad realities that made us laugh in the series. Those who have not seen the series or are not fans will also appreciate the realities of life that Mathew Perry has shared I feel with utmost honesty. Most of all, for the intended audience of the book(people who are suffering from any kind of addiction), will get SO MUCH out of it. For me, I could understand and appreciate what addicts go through that I never considered before.
What I liked about the book
Honesty
I’ve been saying this for some time now. In this book, you’ll see just how Mathew Perry has laid out his life and surroundings from when he was a baby. But also what was going in his head all this while. How he was craving attention and fame and money and success and how getting it all still did not fill the holes he was trying to fill. How he blamed his parents for the best part of his life and how he is able to forgive them now? His insecurities, fears, selfish behaviours and embarrassing details. He has bared it all. Not to get sympathy though but for those who are suffering to be able to relate to someone and maybe learn something from it.
Getting to know Mathew Perry
….As I stand there, coffee in one hand and nothing in the other, and watch the distant waves in the ocean, I realize that I am feeling a wave of my own, inside me. Gratitude.
Mathew Perry
Like many others I loved the character Chandler Bing. I wouldn’t pass on the chance to know more about the guy who played it. This is a wonderful read if you are looking for something similar. Some more trivia about what was happening behind the scenes and in their lives. In this case Mathew Perry’s life. Where was he born, how his childhood was or the vibe on the set of Friends. For example, not just David Schwimmer, but Mathew Perry also had a crush on Jennifer Aniston and WAY before the series began! Finding out that he actually spoke like Chandler Bing in real life.
Getting to know an addict
Addition is like the Joker. It just wants to see the whole world burn.
Mathew Perry
Mathew Perry has shared in detail about what actually goes through the mind of an addict (Al least his mind). It certainly will help those who are struggling with some sort of addiction or helping someone recover from one. What a challenge it is to break the habit only to relapse easily. All this while hating yourself. The support you need to deal with all of this. Support he got from his friends and family.
Reality and inspiration
The life of 6 friends was almost idyllic. As I said before it is heart-breaking to know the suffering and struggle that Mathew Perry was going through yet the connection you feel with insecurities and fears just like you did in the series makes it more real and gives you hope. The quote from him towards the end of the book – I look out the water, and I say, very quietly, “Maybe I’m not so bad after all.”  It is soothing and inspiring to see him find peace and purpose in his life.
I look out at the water, and I say, very quietly, “Maybe I’m not so bad after all.” And then I head back in for more coffee.
Mathew Perry
Humour
This is Chandler Bing (Just kidding 🙂 ) Mathew Perry writing a book, how can there be no humour? It’s not phoebe kind of humour and will not leave you in splits. It is Chandler humour that will leave you without words. It’s amazing how he has injected it beautifully in a very sad story.
What I did not like about the book?
Since this is a memoir and I feel pretty honest one at that. I cannot think of anything that I didn’t like about this book. I believe Mathew Perry has taken responsibility of everything he did and his purpose also seems pretty clear about helping those who might be in somewhat similar situation. He also acknowledges the fact that he has been incredibly lucky to still be alive while others in his situation might not have been. So yes, l can’t pick out one detail that I did not like.
Final thoughts
An honest recollection of the journey the author’s been on with humour only he could have. Are you a F.R.I.E.N.D.S. fan? Go read the book. Are you not a F.R.I.E.N.D.S. fan? Go read the book. 🙂
Until next week. Ciao!
