I was curious about Matthew Perry’s autobiography when it came out, which had a lot to do with the fact that I am a very keen Friends fan. So, with that, I ordered the audiobook version on Amazon’s Audible App. With autobiographies, audiobooks are so much more personal, especially when the person who wrote the book is the narrator.
Then, in October, the tragic news broke that Matthew Perry had died. The fact that I had ordered the audiobook and never listened to it made me feel bad. Then, the news articles about the various speculations about how he died made me want to learn about him. The fact that he wanted to be remembered for helping people who were addicted to drugs even more than the role he played as Chandler Bing in Friends was very telling. He has quite the story. I learned a lot of life from reading his autobiography.
What is the autobiography about?
Matthew Perry’s autobiography details his early life, how he landed the role as Chandler in the big TV hit series Friends and most importantly – his lifelong struggle with drugs.
The big terrible thing
Throughout the book, Matthew mentions how much his addiction has cost him in the form of bad health, mental and physical scars and even romantic relationships. His fear of commitment is mirrored in the character he played on Friends – but sadly, unlike Chandler, he never seemed to overcome this fear.
What did Matthew Perry want us to take from his story?
As I listened to the audiobook, it struck me how much, by the close of the story, Mathew wanted his listeners to understand his journey and how he got to where he was. He made it clear that despite the mistakes his parents may have made in raising him and the traumas he faced as a result, he did not blame them for his addiction. More than anything, his autobiography was a warning to many who might have addictions of their own they struggled with.
By the close of the book, Matthew was content and found a way to fight against his drug addiction. Mathew wanted his legacy to be more than just Chandler from Friends. He wanted to help people more than anything.
Matthew Perry’s story deeply moved me, and it made me think about the many addictions that people can have that may stop them from truly living.
Have you read the autobiography of Matthew Perry? What were your thoughts? Feel free to let me know in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading my blog. If you liked reading this you can also check out my other book reviews.
Ibs Writes 
Matthew Perry’s book was an incredible memoir of what addiction does to a human and how they got there. So often it’s there from when they’re very young or even at birth. My son whose name was also Matthew, struggled for 27 years until he passed. in his last couple of years he shared so much of what he felt with me. It was so hard for a mother to hear, but he was brilliant and funny, and in such pain, emotionally. Matthew Perry’s book emphasized How it had nothing to do with their dreams and hopes, and that accomplishing those dreams would make it better. The reality is it doesn’t change anything. My son had everything going for him, no he wasn’t a famous actor, but people would always say why is he depressed, why is he using drugs and alcohol, he has everything ! It is so much more complicated than that and Matthew Perry drove that home quite well.
Matthew used comedy to win people over because he never felt like he was good enough. My Matthew did the same thing. He was the class clown at his 3000 people high school, and that was not his normal behavior, but it made people like him more. It’s so important that parents and friends of people with addiction understand this horrible disease. I used to say I wish my son had cancer instead because there might be a treatment that could save him. He went to meetings every day and sponsored, countless other addicts and helped them to recovery, but in the end it wasn’t enough to save his life. Just like Matthew Perry. I am thankful that Mr. Perry wrote this book and hope it helps other people who are trying to understand their loved ones And how best to support them.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for reading the review and adding your personal insight based on your own experience of watching someone you love go through addiction. I am glad Matthew’s book was able to give you help you understand that addiction is so much more complicated than it seems.
LikeLike