A Million Little Pieces - or is it Lies?

[Not Afraid]

Here's a VERY down and dirty synopsis of what seems to be going on with this book and the recent fervor and discussion it has created.

James Frey wrote an account of his recovery from addiction and alcoholism from just before he entered rehab until immediately afterward. The bulk of the book takes place in a "well know rehab facility in Minnesota" ie: Hazeldon (duh). The book was published as a "Memoir" and subsequently was chosen for the "esteemed" Oprah's Book Club. The book has sold millions of copies and, it has been said, helped many people.

Last week The Smoking Gun published an article that purports that Frey's Memoir is filled with "fakery, fabrications and falsehoods" and is really an account of literature and not a memoir. Larry King invited Frey to his show and Oprah called in to say that she still supported Frey because of the good work his book has done for other addicts and alcoholics.

What I've seen since then is almost daily articles about truth in memoir or fact in fiction. The arguments are both interesting and tiring.

I've read the book and was on the last 60 pages when the article first surfaced. I had my own feelings about the author and his experience, but I've been on the inside and have personal experiences. But, the discussion that has been taking place is more about truth vs fiction and if an "objective truth" in a memory is even possible. Oprah calls it "Emotional truth" and supports Frey and his accounts. Other have gone as far to say that the public has been hoodwinked. (The LA Times had 2 back to back articles that rake Frey over the coals and many, many more.)

I thought I'd open this discussion up to this board since we always have some decent thinking that goes on here. I'd also be interested to know what buzz you've been hearing and what your take is on it.