Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

There are some books you want to look through the reviews before you decide if you want to pick it up or not, then there are others you just want to read for yourself. Matthew's book was one that I wanted to read for myself. Though in looking through the reviews now that I have finished it, I realize either someone loves it or does not, there is no in-between it seems.Before I write any more of my review - I want to point out that I am 99.9% certain I read a Kindle version that was edited to remove whatever there was about Keanu. So if someone is reading my review wondering why I don't mention it, I cannot comment on what I did not read. --- One more observation, from the reviews I did look through, it seems that most people who *listened* to the book disliked it more than those who *read* it. Seems listening to it make it more difficult to follow the already jumping timeline. Again, just my observation.From the beginning Matthew tells us how this story is going to be written/told. How? you ask? "Groundhog Day" is his favorite movie, do I really need to say anything more? If you do not understand this reference, please take the time (1 hour and 40 minutes) to watch the 1993 classic movie with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. Then perhaps more things will make sense for you.Thankfully I have never been an alcoholic or an addict, however, I have known several in my life. For them every day is groundhog day. Every morning the question of, "How will I get through today without a drink/pill/smoke/etc." makes every 24 hours the same. Matthew shows that in spades with his repetition throughout his story. Many of the reviews I saw complained about the repetition; if they don't understand it, perhaps they should count themselves lucky not to. To have never known someone who lives every day like this; or to not be that person themselves.Matthew's story didn't end all sunshine-and-rainbows with a happily every after. Not everyone's does. I appreciated the fact that he kept it real. That he kept it honest. That he shows his faults to us just as much as he shows us the goodness. Life isn't always polished and pretty no matter who you are or how much money you have. Matthew proves that. No matter how bad things seemed to be for him, Matthew always looked to his future, he always wanted to be there. Perhaps not always for the right reasons, but reasons that kept him moving forward nonetheless. There is something to be admired about that.Interestingly, one of my favorite lines reads, "God looked down on me, just waiting it out. He's got all the time in the world. F*<k, he invented time." There is something raw and honest and scary and funny in those words that just made me stop reading and literally highlight it in my Kindle book. Follow that with another line I highlighted that reads, "It was an amazing moment and a terrible moment all at at the same time." Talk about defining life most days. Perhaps not Pulitzer winning writing, but powerful and truthful just the same.I have to say my all-time favorite sentence is this one - "God is everywhere - you just have to clear your channel, or you'll miss it." Doesn't matter what version of God you believe in, that sentence has a profound truth to it. (That one got highlighted in pink) Not something I would have expected from Matthew. But I am grateful he wrote it.I am easily giving this book all five stars for it's raw honesty, it's openness, it's imperfectness. Just like Matthew.Yes, I finally read his story after his sudden death on October 28, 2023. As I'm writing this on November 24, 2023, his cause of death still has not been determined nor released. Which makes one last sentence stand out for me in a premonition kind of way as I wonder what COD will turn out to be... Matthew himself wrote, "I could have a cigarette right now, have a heart attack, and if no one was around to call 911, I was a goner." Well, he was home alone, and he did try to call 911 himself, but he was unable to save himself this time. Oh, Matthew.I wonder if you have finally found peace and all the deep, full Love you have always desired. Thank You for leaving a light on for us with your story. I pray it helps more people so that you may continue helping people even after you've gone on ahead of us in death.

I really enjoyed Matty's book! I think every family has someone who suffers from addiction. It is such a sad, big, and terrible disease. I wish I could have met him and been his friend. I had the same thing happen when he spent all that time in the hospital, had all the same abdominal surgeries, and was in ICU for a month. Only mine was caused by a Dr cutting the big hole and not knowing it, and sending me home. I feel like him and I could have been best friends and that I could have helped him. I've helped other kick their addictions for good. Poor Matty!

Rating: 4/5 StarsPros:"Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" offers a deeply personal and touching exploration of the author's life journey. The memoir is beautifully written, with raw honesty and vulnerability that pulls you into the author's world from the very first page. One of the strongest aspects of this memoir is its ability to capture the complexities of relationships - from the highs of friendship to the depths of heartbreak. The author's storytelling is compelling and immersive, making it easy to empathize with their experiences.Cons:While the memoir is captivating overall, there were moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven. Some sections delved into intricate details that may not resonate equally with all readers, potentially slowing down the narrative flow. Additionally, a bit more context or background information in certain chapters could have provided a clearer understanding of the author's motivations and decisions.Conclusion:With its heartfelt storytelling and profound insights, this is a memoir that leaves a lasting impression. While not without its flaws, it offers a deeply moving and relatable exploration of the human experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling and introspective read.

If you’re going through struggles as Matthew did, this book will be relatable and could possibly change your life. Very funny and brutally honest. Will be reading again

As a friends lover, it’s a great book to read. It’s sad as well to know someone that gave so much to the world was crumbling on the inside. Raw, and funny!

Loved every bit of it.Hes a wonderful writer and has a great sense of humor.Great history there.

Como una de las millones de fans de Friends y Chandler, puedo decir que este ha sido un libro que me ha acercado mucho más a una persona que sentía conocer de toda la vida; pero que, conozco realmente por primera vez. Conocer su perspectiva de la vida, la fama y las adicciones, sin duda ayuda a entender lo que pasa por la mente de las personas que parecen tenerlo todo pero “se pierden”. Con una narración sincera y emotiva, Matthew nos cuenta su gran vida y su gran revelación.

Uma leitura necessária.Ler o memoir de Matthew foi uma oportunidade de conhecer, de forma crua e verdadeira, a mente e as emoções de alguém que teve que lidar com a depressão e o vício durante toda sua vida. Uma narrativa conduzida por uma pessoa mundialmente conhecida, mas superficialmente interpretada. Alguém que viveu processos de análise e terapia tão complexos e profundos que propõe um auto-conhecimento humano que deveria ser difundido em todos.

Thank you, Matthew, for sharing your life story with us. The way you opened up about your struggles, vulnerabilities, and triumphs takes a lot of courage, and it’s something we can all learn from. It's heartbreaking to think that while you were still with us, not enough people told you just how great you truly were. Now, as it's already too late, we all—myself included—are saying thank you, but you’re no longer here to hear it. It's a painful reminder to appreciate those who impact us while they're still around. Rest in peace, knowing your story has touched so many.

I am extremely satisfied with my purchase . The product arrived quickly and exceeded my expectations. Highly recommand this seller