I read the book also. I spent every free moment with my nose in the book.
I found it to be so interesting and I enjoyed reading it immensely.

I don't think it really matters if bits and pieces were embelleshed. IF that is the case. Regardless, the main theme of the story, overcoming addiction remains the same.

I'm sure there are people that are very jealous of James and the fact that he has sold over and beyond millions of copies and there are always people that like to spend their time trying to figure out ways to bring you down. This is what seemes to me has happened in this case.

I did notice that Oprah made a statment, and also called in to Larry King Live last night to say that she is standing by James and so is the publisher of Jame's book. Oprah is an upstanding person, and she wouldn't put her support behind anything or anyone that isn't right.

This news does not deter from the fact that this is a good read!

I'm even planning on reading the second book, can't think of the name of it....

Hey guys-
I read that book on a plane ride and WOW was it powerful. I'd recommend it to anyhow, with a disclaimer that it will stay with you for awhile.

I want to read My Friend Leonard as well. I've found it at Barnes and Noble stores and amazon.com (used!) but can't justify buying another book just yet, haha

JustForUs, I know exactly what you're talking about- After reading that book, I felt so blessed to have the problems I do, such as my Master's project and losing the last of my weight. That's nothing compared to what he went through.

A must-read....

Andrea

they were talking about this book this morning on regis and kelly,she was loving it.i really want to read this now

It's very good, read it a couple of years ago, looks like it's been a bit of a slow burn, but it's amazing! It truly kicked off my weight loss again!

I agree, I don't think it could all be made up. Maybe a few details here and there aren't 100% true, but he's giving his memories through the haze of drugs and alcohol. His descriptions are so vivid, and some so embarrassing, I wouldn't think he'd share if it wasn't true.

i absolutely loved the book. it's one of the few that i would actually read again. i would have loved it whether there had been a non-fiction label on it, or a fiction label.

It's funny that people turn so quickly both ways. . .If someone isn't out and opened about doing drugs and having a problem people will out them and say they have a problem and then here's the other side. That he lied or something in this book and so on. People will say just about anything to get some air time, it's stupid if you ask me. And like happydaisy said, he was writing memories that were very clouded by drugs and alcohol, plus withdrawl! I personally don't care either way, as long as he wrote it believing it was the truth. Plus he said that he used all his medical records to fill in the gaps of his memory. He doesn't seem the type to try and trick the mass public, he had no idea his book would be so big. Also, I have had a couple of drug addicts close to me (in my family) and I don't find ANY of it far fetched AT ALL.

I didn't know there was another book! Oh my lord, I am gonna have to go get it now.

Ok that's my 2 cents!

I just finished it last night and I really enjoyed it. I think it's too bad that he couldn't get this piece published as a piece of fiction and he decided to market it as nonfiction. I think he knew perfectly well that he was marketing non-truth as truth, which is just too bad. However, it's not like the total book is made up, I mean a lot of it is true (perhaps he most important parts are true IMHO). But I just don't take it personally, like some people seem too. I don't like it, but I don't feel betrayed either. I don't like that I don't know what was true and what wasn't, but I still think that the book was an enjoyable read and had a good message.

I really loved this book I am passing it on to all my friends!
I too am pissed off at the "smoking gun"...so what if he left out some details...the media does it ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!It is a memoir, where does it state that a memoir MUST include ALL DETAILS of EVERYTHING...like Come on people let it be...he did a fantastic job writing it and making the reader feel like they are actually going through it with him, why must the world always shoot down those who have triumphed from hard times!!!

LEAVE HIM BE, I say