Are you one of the millions who read James Frey's rehab memoir, A
Million Little Pieces? One of the millions who were captivated by his
story on Oprah? I was both, and I have to say--major understatement
coming--I'm more than a little disappointed at the turn of events the
buzz surrounding the book has taken. For those of you who haven't
heard, the authenticity of Frey's book--and his credibility--have been
called into question. While a little embellishment here and there (to
enliven the story) is acceptable, outright lies are not. Yet I'm not
sure who to believe. Both sides are convincing.
The Smoking Gun, that reputable fraud-seeking, celebrity mugshot-
posting organization, decided to dig into Frey's criminal background--
and they came up with...well, not much. Among The Smoking Gun's
findings:
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• Frey was only a bit player (not a key figure) in a minor FBI drug
probe at Denison University, which he portrayed as a big-time
investigation.
•
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• There was no wild, crack-fueld run-in with the Granville, OH,
police department.
•
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• Frey never served major jail time.
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• No one remembers Frey being involved in the train wreck involving a
female student with whom he went to high school, yet his involvement
as portrayed in the book pulled at your heartstrings.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0104061jamesfrey1.html
The Smoking Gun says, " Police reports, court records, interviews with
law enforcement personnel, and other sources have put the lie to many
key sections of Frey's book. The 36-year-old author, these documents
and interviews show, wholly fabricated or wildly embellished details
of his purported criminal career, jail terms, and status as an outlaw
"wanted in three states."
So far, Oprah hasn't commented, but one wonders what the book club
queen will say, and, more importantly, what influence these
allegations will have on the addicts and alcoholics who say they've
been helped by Frey's book.
If you've read the book or watched the interview...send me your
thoughts.
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