My Friend Leonard by James Frey (ISBN:1573223158)

English (US)

Books

Search:

Books
Authors
Members

Advanced search

			Login to:		

Update your bookshelf

Share on Facebook

Read friends reviews
And much more...

			Login
		
			Register free

		My Friend Leonard
	
				(247 reviews)			
(6232 Readers)

			James Frey		
	
Perhaps the most unconventional and literally breathtaking father-son story you'll ever read, My Friend Leonard pulls you immediately and deeply into...more
 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's 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.   less

				Take a book quiz
			
				Browse 1000's of challenging book quizzes

Quick links

Reviews

Showing 10 of 247 reviews

See all reviews

					
							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
A great follow up to 'A Million Little Pieces' that pays tribute to the lovable mafia saint portrayed in the first book as a literal lifesaver. This character is bigger than life and his actions, charisma, caring and generosity overshadow any of his real life wrongdoing (having played a fairly large role in the Italian mafia. It was emotional to say the least and just good, simple writing that...more
 A great follow up to 'A Million Little Pieces' that pays tribute to the lovable mafia saint portrayed in the first book as a literal lifesaver. This character is bigger than life and his actions, charisma, caring and generosity overshadow any of his real life wrongdoing (having played a fairly large role in the Italian mafia. It was emotional to say the least and just good, simple writing that inspires and encourages compassion between men.   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
my friend .... 

this book was amazing, i loved both books that James Frey as written "million little pieces" and this one...

JAmes Frey has tought me, to keep believe in yourself even in the times you think you cant believe no more. 
this book was amazing and its a must read...
i never laughed, cried, felt every emotions possible until i have read these books by Mr, James Frey...

 ...more
 my friend .... 

this book was amazing, i loved both books that James Frey as written "million little pieces" and this one...

JAmes Frey has tought me, to keep believe in yourself even in the times you think you cant believe no more. 
this book was amazing and its a must read...
i never laughed, cried, felt every emotions possible until i have read these books by Mr, James Frey...

  to those who have not read this book, go out there and buy it and read it. its a keeper...   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
Sort of a sequel to 'A Million Little Pieces'. This is much sadder and more heartbreaking than James's first work. There are two crucial characters from the first book, which you should read first, that continue to be a part of James Frey's life after the rehab (Lilly and Leo). There is one incident in the beginning of the story which left me bawling my eyes out for hours. There is another...more
 Sort of a sequel to 'A Million Little Pieces'. This is much sadder and more heartbreaking than James's first work. There are two crucial characters from the first book, which you should read first, that continue to be a part of James Frey's life after the rehab (Lilly and Leo). There is one incident in the beginning of the story which left me bawling my eyes out for hours. There is another shocking news which you will find out later on. This book is about a friendship that James had with Leo, more than anything else. Great book.   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
Having read this after Frey's first book ('a million little pieces') I was invested in finding out more about Leonard. Again, his style of writing is fast moving, and he captures his relationship with his pet dogs in a touching manner. I'd really only rec this to people who have already read   'a million...', as otherwise it could be difficult to engage in the relationship that he has with...more
 Having read this after Frey's first book ('a million little pieces') I was invested in finding out more about Leonard. Again, his style of writing is fast moving, and he captures his relationship with his pet dogs in a touching manner. I'd really only rec this to people who have already read   'a million...', as otherwise it could be difficult to engage in the relationship that he has with Leonard without knowing the back story.   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							Candice
						
							few weeks ago						
I Love this Book! I read it in 2007, and i cried at the end, which is really werid for me because i had never cried over a book or movie...but this one got me. I remember the tears where falling down, and i was like "what is wrong with me?!?!? i dont do this!" This Book is one of my favorites!
Everything in the Book is describe with such detail, that you really feel like your there, and you will...more
 I Love this Book! I read it in 2007, and i cried at the end, which is really werid for me because i had never cried over a book or movie...but this one got me. I remember the tears where falling down, and i was like "what is wrong with me?!?!? i dont do this!" This Book is one of my favorites!
Everything in the Book is describe with such detail, that you really feel like your there, and you will never be able 2 forget the story....it becomes apart of your own memories.   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
I have no idea why the back of it says it's a hilarious story.. It's not even. The parts that were funny were when Leonard would do something and it was just funny. Hilarious is such a strong word to use. Other than that I thought the book in its entirety was beautiful and I do not think for a second that James Frey is a liar. He could be an exaggerator, yes, but if he didn't then everyone who...more
 I have no idea why the back of it says it's a hilarious story.. It's not even. The parts that were funny were when Leonard would do something and it was just funny. Hilarious is such a strong word to use. Other than that I thought the book in its entirety was beautiful and I do not think for a second that James Frey is a liar. He could be an exaggerator, yes, but if he didn't then everyone who loves him wouldn't feel the same way about the book, and wouldn't love him for the same reasons if they feel that way at all.

By the way I have no idea if I'm making any sense because it's 4 in the morning and I can't sleep. I'm that cool.   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							Stacey
						
							few weeks ago						
The follow up to A Million Little pieces...I really like Frey's style of writing, and for that I give this book 3 stars. However, he lied....and that pisses me off!

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
I really enjoyed this, if that is the right word, it is a very touching and moving book continuing Jame's story from million little pieces. The only thing i would say is that the end of million little pieces gives away a bit of this book. Other than that i coudn't put it down and i think it is a good example of how wheter it is true or not drinking addictions can have a hold over u or try...more
 I really enjoyed this, if that is the right word, it is a very touching and moving book continuing Jame's story from million little pieces. The only thing i would say is that the end of million little pieces gives away a bit of this book. Other than that i coudn't put it down and i think it is a good example of how wheter it is true or not drinking addictions can have a hold over u or try too.

I found parts of it extremly hardbreaking and sad and whether or not the characters were real they were very 'real' to me and i could imagine them and how they looked and acted.

I think it is v. well written and it does make u think about life generally and the people we meet in life who can make a difference and make us happy : D   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
loved it !!!! inspiring and enlightening

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)	

							A Reader
						
							few weeks ago						
I wasn't so sure initially how I felt about "A Million Little Pieces". Iwas having trouble adjusting to James' style of writing. However strangely I couldn't put it down and fell in love with it. This is a brilliant sequel. It's in my opinion better than his first. It wasn't funny as such, as how it was described on the back, it was a beautiful story of a man who has struggled, is struggling, and...more
 I wasn't so sure initially how I felt about "A Million Little Pieces". Iwas having trouble adjusting to James' style of writing. However strangely I couldn't put it down and fell in love with it. This is a brilliant sequel. It's in my opinion better than his first. It wasn't funny as such, as how it was described on the back, it was a beautiful story of a man who has struggled, is struggling, and will continue to struggle, however he also learns to cope with that struggle. It's endearing and in perhaps a less "in your face" way resembles many of our lives..???   hide

		Was this review helpful?	
                    
    	Yes (0)	

			No (0)