Poor Oprah
I feel bad for Opie. She ranted and raved about James Fry’s nonfiction memoir- A Million Little Pieces. Apparently, this guy wrote a book which he said chronicles his life as a drunk, drug addict criminal and tells whopping stories of his trials and tribulations. Oprah was so moved by this book, it kept her up all night reading and she later announced it as part of her book club. Little did she realize that first night was only one of many that would keep her up because of this book.
Turns out that Fry fabricated parts of the book. Which parts are true and which parts aren’t are still up for debate. I’m watching Oprah’s show right now and she has him on as a guest. She basically wants to know why he put this book out there as the truth, only to find out, months later, that he significantly exaggerated the story.
I applaud Oprah for bringing him back on the show to explain himself, and I applaud Fry for making an appearance.
Opie’s asking him all kinds of questions, whats true, what isn’t. He stated that every person or “character” in the book is real, but he exaggerated certain parts of their story b/c he “probably remembers things bigger than they actually were.” Finally, Oprah said, “what parts of the book are fabricated?” and Fry replies “very little.” Approximately 2 mins later, she asks if Lilly really committed suicide by hanging herself and Fry replied “Yes, she killed herself.” So then Oprah pressed on, “by hanging herself?” Fry: “No, she slit her wrists.” (audience gasps). Opie: “so, why did you lie about that? Is hanging more dramatic than slitting wrists?” Fry: “No, neither is more dramatic than the other. I told you, I probably remember things being bigger than they were.”
Then he continues by saying that every character has fabricated parts in the book. Which, you know, goes with his previous statement that “very little was fabricated.”
Poor Oprah. Maybe she and I should form a “we’ve been publically dupped” club and Fry and my former roommate can be the poster children. I’ve got several college friends that could be charter members.
Similarities in our stories:
Oraph to Fry: “why would you lie about novocain?”
Jessica to former roomie: “Why would you lie about being a chemistry major when you were really a history major?
Oprah to Fry: “why would you lie about Lilly?”
Jessica to former roomie: “why would you lie about female body parts being pierced when they’re really not?”
I really just feel badly for her. I do have advice for her (since I know she reads my blog): “Oprah, the best thing to do is diagnose Fry with multiple mental illnesses, and move on with life. Trust me, it’s much easier to accept if you think of it that way. I still love ya, girl.”
Let’s face it - everybody leaves Transy much better at detecting the crazies. You have to it’s like their Mecca.
Comment by Sarah Holland | January 26, 2006
I hear that! Scary, huh?
Comment by Jessica | January 26, 2006
I was very intrigued by this whole scandal when it came out. I had several friends who told me they knew people who were reading this book, and they were thinking about reading it themselves. I told them I had no interest in reading a book about a guy that was an alcoholic and drug addict…I just can’t relate and why would I want to be depressed.
Regardless of it’s true or not, the fact he was purporting it to be true and is capitalizing off of years of alleged bad behavior and criminal activity makes me want to throw up. The guy’s a millionaire because he was an “alleged” drug addict and alcoholic. What kind of message is this sending to people? Be a complete screw up, write a book about it years later, and you’ll make millions (especially if you can convince Oprah to put it on her book club). Nonsense!!!
Props to Oprah for having him on the show to clear the air (sort of). I was disappointed in her initial response to the whole situation. “What is relevant is that he was a drug addict … and stepped out of that history to be the man he is today and to take that message to save other people and allow them to save themselves,” Winfrey said. Read the Smoking Gun investigation Oprah…and get a clue!!!
Comment by Martha | January 27, 2006