A Million Little Pieces by James Frey - Book Review

One of the reasons why “A million Little Pieces” gained so much publicity was because it was advertised as the author’s, James Frey’s, real-life struggle with drugs, addiction, and rehabilitation.

The details, in the book, were engaging and the literary voice used was strong. This book instantly touches the heart and makes the reader empathize with the protagonist, before reading the book. 

After the book was released, it turned out that many of the details and incidents were fabricated and weren’t really part of Frey’s struggle.

While it might affect how heartbreaking it is to imagine these incidents happening to an actual person; it doesn’t affect Frey’s incredible literary skills and how he manages to take the reader on a journey of understanding what happens through a person’s mind when struggling with addiction.

Frey sheds light on the psychological aspect of addiction and gives the reader an inside perspective on how abusive, toxic and difficult it can be through every step of the way. 

What makes this book truly exceptional is that it shows another side of rehabilitation and the strength and difficulties an addict experiences, in disturbing details. It displays the pain, suffering, and courage that addicts face, on a daily basis, as they try to break free from the substance that has taken over their lives and bodies.

In this book, Frey also takes the reader into the mind of an addict, as he re-lives his traumas and punishes and berates himself. As a result, leading to the need for drug consumption when it becomes too much to handle. 

This book is a must-read for anyone going through this vicious cycle; to understand that they’re not alone.  Also, for those individuals who have close family members or friends, who are an addict; to be able to comprehend what makes them resort to substance abuse and the difficulties they face in trying to overcome it.