Jumia Books Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing Author: Matthew Perry

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is a candid and emotionally charged memoir by Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends. In this deeply personal account, Perry pulls back the curtain on the highs and lows of his life—offering readers a front-row seat to the cost of fame, the grip of addiction, and the long road to healing.

With a foreword by fellow Friends cast member Lisa Kudrow, the book opens with Perry’s reflections on his meteoric rise to stardom and the loneliness that often accompanied it. He recounts his battles with alcohol and opioids, near-death experiences, and the relentless cycle of rehab and relapse. But this isn’t just a story of struggle—it’s also one of resilience, humor, and the search for meaning beyond the spotlight.

Perry’s voice is unmistakably his: witty, self-aware, and heartbreakingly vulnerable. He doesn’t shy away from the darkest chapters, nor does he sugarcoat the pain. Instead, he offers readers a rare glimpse into the mind of someone who has lived through—and continues to fight—the “big terrible thing.”

???? Key Themes:

Addiction and recovery told with brutal honesty

Mental health and vulnerability in the public eye

Celebrity culture and isolation

Friendship, love, and self-forgiveness

Humor as survival and storytelling

???? Kenyan Relevance:

For Kenyan readers, especially youth and creatives, this memoir offers:

A raw look at mental health and addiction, breaking stigma through storytelling

Inspiration for memoir writing and personal branding through authenticity

Discussion material for wellness circles, youth forums, and creative workshops

A celebrity narrative with universal lessons on resilience, identity, and healing

???? Cataloging Suggestions:

Category: Memoir / Mental Health / Celebrity Biography

Bundles: Pair with Will by Will Smith, Open by Andre Agassi, or Born a Crime by Trevor Noah for a “Fame & Vulnerability” bundle

Audience Tags: Adults, Youth, Wellness Seekers, Creative Writers, Recovery Communities