James Frey's "A Million Little Pieces" is one of my favorite books. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict, and as I was reading it I was skeptical of the veracity of certain sections, but I understood instinctively what Frey was trying to do: communicate truths that transcend literal truth. And he was wildly successful: the book perfectly captures the psychological and spiritual landscape of substance abuse.
So I was quite taken aback by Oprah's hissy fit when it turned out that, as I suspected, the book was not entirely factual. Oprah isn't terribly bright (as is evidenced by her dangerous support of Jenny McCarthy's anti-vaccine campaign), and to see her impugn this wonderful book based on her complete misunderstanding of it frustrated and angered me. Even worse, the media, and the book's publisher, hopped on the bandwagon, and soon a man I deeply admired was persona non grata, and for no good reason.
Such is the power that Oprah wields, unfortunately, and I am at a loss to understand why. But "A Million Little Pieces" continues to live in my memory, and continues to guide me through the minefield of sobriety. Thank you, Mr. Frey.
- Trieste-Zürich-Paris, 1914-1922
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