By Staff
As a reviewer each year for an independent organization, I am privileged to receive a great many books, which then I compare and evaluate.
This year I am the judge for category 2, which includes autobiography, biography and memoirs.
Opening the three boxes which included 64 different titles I was overwhelmed.
Maybe in the back of my mind, and sometimes voiced to my co-workers, I had always dreamed about writing my own memoirs.
Divorcing after 25 years of marriage, entering the dating game again was quite an experience. My memories include moments of embarrassment, surprise, fear and humor.
I was sure I could contribute my new-found wisdom to aid others who approached their mid-life debating between the bar scene or online dating.
I had no idea there were so many others who also were telling about their struggles, maybe after a tragedy or illness, or some other life changing event.
I suddenly felt like a little fish in a big sea, waiting to be swallowed up by the ocean and all of the predators in it.
And then there was James Frey.
I haven't read “A Million Little Pieces.” Personally after hearing about his book, I really have no desire to read about how he got sick numerous times.
What this man has done though, has changed the way publishers may now look at memoirs.
If you weren't familiar with Frey, or his book, you may have become so after he received the Oprah stamp of approval.
She had selected Frey's book for her book club, which increased sales immediately.
Then the truth started to surface. The arrest record was really just a few hours in jail. The rehab center questioned his facts, as did those who had known Frey when he was growing up.
After it became known many of the experiences Frey wrote about did not happen, Oprah still stood by his message.
Her support though turned to million pieces when she met again and questioned him before the television audience on the fact he lied.
Will publishers now look differently at a book such as his? Will they be held more responsible to check on the truth of writers who claim their book is fact instead of fiction?
Apparently all the publicity hasn't really hurt the sales of Frey's book all that much. He has published another book and signed contracts for two more.
In the meantime I will be content to go through my many new books, hoping these authors had better memories than Frey.
I did just finish “Memoirs of a Geisha.” I was under no illusion that this book was fact, as the author was a man. I had a hard time putting the book down each night in order to get enough sleep to get up the next day.
As a visitor to Japan with the Rotary back eight years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed taking my own mind back to the beautiful gardens and the cherry blossom time. lanterns hung in the trees and folded pieces of paper were also on the branches, carrying the writer's dreams and wishes. I could recall nearly every home I stayed in, as the guest of a Rotary member.
I don't normally go to see the movie of a favorite book, as I am usually disappointed. This time though I will.
I wonder if Frey has a contract yet for the movie rights of his million pieces.