A Million Little Pieces
By: James Frey
Blog By: Corey Trinetti
By: James Frey
Blog By: Corey Trinetti
Plot Summary:
James Frey writes a compelling novel capturing his life in the early 1990's. James is a recovering alcoholic and multi-drug user. The story commences with James awakening on an airplane. He has no idea where he is, where he is going or who sent him on this mysterious journey. To worsen the situation he realizes that he has a hole in his cheek, his four front teeth are missing, his nose is broken and his eyes are completely swollen shut. James arrives in the Chicago airport and is met by his parents. He is then driven over to Minnesota where he checks into Hazelden rehab clinic. After a few days in rehab, James is starts to feel the effects of withdrawal. To make matters worse he must undergo procedures to fix his teeth and nose. On a good note, he makes many friends while in rehab two of which are his best friend Leonard and his girlfriend Lilly. Further along, problems with Lilly's family occur and she decides to run away from rehab. James chases after her but finds her smoking crack. James is confronted by drugs once again and has the opportunity to return to his drug-ridden lifestyle but refuses, choosing her over drugs. He brings Lilly back to the rehab center and she is forced to begin the rehabilitation process all over again. James eventually decides to leave rehab, calling his brother to pick him up. But at the end of the story James asks his brother to buy him a drink. Sitting at the bar, confronted by a glass of beer, James refuses temptation, taking the higher road and pouring the beer down a sink.
Comments on Author's Use of Certain Elements:
The use of diction in this book is not very convincing. The writing of the author is often times confusing and irritating throughout the book. He does this by using repetitive phrases and informal forms of communication. The authenticity of the characters in this book all seem real, since this book is supposed to be a non-fiction book. Although there has been some controversy about whether some of the facts in the book have been skewed, this still does not take away from the authenticity of the characters. The dialogue in this novel is quite realistic, whether it is a general interaction, an argument or just joking around, everything is portrayed quite convincingly.
Quote Several Sentences That Appeal:
“If an individual is fat but wants to be thin, it is not a genetic disease. If someone is stupid, but wants to be smart, it is not a genetic disease. If a drunk is a drunk, but doesn’t want to be a drunk anymore, it is not a genetic disease. Addiction is a decision.”
This quote appeals to me because it tells me that in life we should stop making excuses for our problems. We should realize our problems, face them and try to overcome them as best we can, whether it is obesity or drug addiction.
“Cold white light shoots through my eyes and through my spine and into my feet and back again”
This quote appeals to me because it shows the sheer pain and horror that James had to go through when undergoing surgery to his teeth and fixing his broken nose. It shows his willingness and determination to put pain aside and try to better himself.
“I am an Alcoholic and a Drug Addict and a Criminal.”
This quote appeals to me because it shows that James is finally realizing and accepting the fact that he is an alcoholic, drug addict and criminal. And the first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem.
"The truth is all that matters."
This quote appeals to me because in life it is important to stay truthful to everyone. Whether it is your parents, friends or spouse. By not being truthful to his family James ends of getting into trouble in the ghetto, doing drugs and ending up having to go to rehab.
