James Frey and A Million Little Pieces
I usually don't like write about someone I disapprove of because I don't want to give them even more publicity, but in this case, I make an exception.
By now you must have heard of James Frey and the scandal surrounding his memoir, A Million Little Pieces. His best-seller was turned into a phenomenon (selling over 3.5 million copies, as one source said) after the book was picked by Oprah's Book Club. Now it's been revealed that at least parts of the book is fictionalized, and Frey himself has even admitted to it.
I find it appalling that a writer would go on national TV and blatantly lie and think there's nothing wrong with lying, passing what is fictional as truth. I also find it disappointing that Oprah continues to support and endorse Frey. I think she has done a disservice to writers, readers and everyone who has struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism.
My friend Lori said:
Whether or not you like Oprah is not really the issue. Her bookclub is a powerful marketing tool and, as an individual, she is a powerful, public persona. The fact that she continues to support a writer who has engaged in unethical behavior is disappointing and tarnishes her by association. If you agree, send a polite e-mail saying so and explaining why.
I think writers all over the world should write to Oprah and urge her to reconsider her support for Frey and his book. Oprah has tremendous influence and her support for something or someone unethical would only encourage other writers to do the same thing. I think if she gets hundreds or thousands or more letters from writers/readers around the world disapproving her endorsement of Frey, she might be willing to reconsider her position.
I sincerely urge that you email Oprah, and also tell all your friends and colleagues to do the same. Let's bring this up at the grassroot level and let Oprah know that unethical practice should not be tolerated, let alone endorsed.
Thank you,
~ Ray
Category: Ray, Writing, Fiction
By now you must have heard of James Frey and the scandal surrounding his memoir, A Million Little Pieces. His best-seller was turned into a phenomenon (selling over 3.5 million copies, as one source said) after the book was picked by Oprah's Book Club. Now it's been revealed that at least parts of the book is fictionalized, and Frey himself has even admitted to it.
I find it appalling that a writer would go on national TV and blatantly lie and think there's nothing wrong with lying, passing what is fictional as truth. I also find it disappointing that Oprah continues to support and endorse Frey. I think she has done a disservice to writers, readers and everyone who has struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism.
My friend Lori said:
Whether or not you like Oprah is not really the issue. Her bookclub is a powerful marketing tool and, as an individual, she is a powerful, public persona. The fact that she continues to support a writer who has engaged in unethical behavior is disappointing and tarnishes her by association. If you agree, send a polite e-mail saying so and explaining why.
I think writers all over the world should write to Oprah and urge her to reconsider her support for Frey and his book. Oprah has tremendous influence and her support for something or someone unethical would only encourage other writers to do the same thing. I think if she gets hundreds or thousands or more letters from writers/readers around the world disapproving her endorsement of Frey, she might be willing to reconsider her position.
I sincerely urge that you email Oprah, and also tell all your friends and colleagues to do the same. Let's bring this up at the grassroot level and let Oprah know that unethical practice should not be tolerated, let alone endorsed.
Thank you,
~ Ray
Category: Ray, Writing, Fiction
Comments
Paint
(Thanks, Ray, for posting that link here. )
Frey might have told the "truth" about drug addiction and alcoholism, but he must admit to the fact that he was writing fiction. To pose as a non-fiction writer, he has done something unethical and like Lori said, we're reward EXACTLY the behavior (lying and cheating) that he writes against...
I don't believe that alcoholism and drug addiction is a "disease". I believe using is a choice which can become an addiction. To me, what Frey did here is use yet another "excuse" to line his pockets with deceit.