My Friend Leonard

By: James Frey

Narrated by: Andy Paris

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

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.

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.

Storytelling at its best

The way James brings out being an addict and the friendship of 2 people together is amazing!!

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.