My Friend Leonard

By: James Frey

Narrated by: Andy Paris

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Perhaps the most unconventional and literally breathtaking father-son story you'll ever read, My Friend Leonard pulls you immediately and deeply into a relationship as unusual as it is inspiring.

The father figure is Leonard, the high-living, recovering coke addict, "West Coast Director of a large Italian-American finance firm" (read: mobster) who helped to keep James Frey clean in A Million Little Pieces. The son is, of course, James, damaged perhaps beyond repair by years of crack and alcohol addiction, and by more than a few cruel tricks of fate.

James embarks on his post-rehab existence in Chicago emotionally devastated, broke, and afraid to get close to other people. But then Leonard comes back into his life, and everything changes. Leonard offers his "son" lucrative, if illegal and slightly dangerous, employment. He teaches James to enjoy life, sober, for the first time. He instructs him in the art of "living boldly", pushes him to pursue his passion for writing, and provides a watchful and supportive veil of protection under which James can get his life together. Both Leonard's and James' careers flourish, but then Leonard vanishes. When the reasons behind his mysterious absence are revealed, the book opens up in unexpected emotional ways.

My Friend Leonard showcases a brilliant and energetic young writer rising to important new challenges, displaying surprising warmth, humor, and maturity, without losing his intensity. This book proves that one of the most provocative literary voices of his generation is also one of the most emphatically human.

Want to hear more about James Frey's stint in rehab? Be sure to listen to his first memoir, A Million Little Pieces.

©2005 James Frey (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Another gobsmacking tale!

What does Andy Paris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He turns the book into realism.

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I found James Frey, author. His style of writing in both his first bio, A Million Little Pieces, and now this followup is ingenious. I have never read another author with this style and it certainly kept me wanting more and more. In fact I listened until 2am so I could hear the ending…and now Im sad Ive finished the book.
Wether people believe these two stories to be true or not, James Frey kept me enthralled and Ill certainly read the next bio if he writes one.

Fantastic "sequel" or stand alone read.

An absolutely fantastic "sequel" to "A Million Little Pieces" and also a great read if you haven't read "AMLP". Great characters and character development and a touching story as only Frey can relate. Full of great "lessons" and keeps you interested from the beginning. Happy and heartbreaking at the same time - it makes you want the book to not end. Gives us all hope that no matter how bad your day is, a better one is just around the corner. And your real friends are there by your side through thick and thin and are to be cherished. And every day is worth living even though it may not seem so at the time. Book is fantastic, review a little mushy! I recommend you read "A Million Little Pieces" first because it is also a fantastic read!

Made me want to cry

Read this book because my brother recommend it and the story is truly original. Wow.

Remarkable

I was meserized by "A Million Little Pieces" and awed even further by "My Friend Leonard".
It was one of the most gut wrenching experiences I've ever had, listening to these TRUE stories of James Frey's life and experiencing his struggles to stay clean and sober. He writes from his gut and in a totally straighforward way.

I have such admiration for all of the characters in both books for their perserverance and struggles on a moment to moment basis.
I hope James Frey continues to write more wonderful books like these because I will be anxiously looking forward to them.

NA

it wasn't an overly complex story with so many elements to make it overwhelming to digest. it was a great story, and heart felt. it created enough emotion to help you understand where he was, make you pull for him and hope that he could see a better side of things. I couldn't live that life, and is interesting to somewhat hear the thoughts of someone going through what james did.

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the characters. It is well written and as compelling as any of the fiction I usually read. I saw a totally different side to those we usually look down on or fear. Leonard was actually endearing and had a very big heart. Will listen to this one again, watching for more from Mr. Frey.

Addict rebuilds his life with help from a friend.

If you read the blurb, you know the basic story. It is a true story. It is true. It is written in the present tense. This makes it much more powerful. James cried. I cried. You will cry.

amazing read

it will make you laugh make you cry make you feel great things. I have never been much for books but this is one you can't live without

great book

phenomenal story!! definitely places a lot of perspective on the story of a million little pieces!

powerful

I was continually moved by empathy as I read through this book. The prose is short and elemental.