James Frey

[gcursor]

So I have a question...James Frey is the author who wrote A MILLION LITTLE PIECES (which was recommended by OPRAH on her show) that he purported was a biography but later confessed that most of it was made up. OPRAH was very upset and today she had an interview with him where he said he was sorry that he made it up and he'd be honest with her if he had the chance to do it again.

 

I'm kind of confused. He had some small success before he wrote A MILLION LITTLE PIECES but nothing appreciable..it was the OPRAH bump that knocked him out of the park and he's set for life. So now his name as an author is set and he's set with book deals for some time now. But it was that little "shred" of dishonesty initially that got him to where he is today.

 

It seems to me that he basically wanted his 15 minutes of fame no matter what the cost. I was curious of what others thought of the matter. Many times in the world it seems as though we are rewarding the people who have "questionable behavior", is that about right? Of course it really shouldn't matter I guess..look at Washington D.C.

Gcursor

[BSR]

Disclaimer: I didn't read James Frey's book nor see him on Oprah. That said, what the hell is he sorry about?? Does he feel a little eensy-weensy bit bad that he lied to Oprah? Yeah, sure, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt on that. But if he had a magical time machine and could transport himself back to a life of middling success and all its accompanying financial struggles, would he make use of the magical time machine to undo everything? Or would he just leave well enough alone and feel bad whilst driving around in his 2012 CLS550 (with his pick of the most nubile of groupies sitting in the passenger seat)??

[+ purplekow]

First he not only lied to Oprah but he made his whole life a lie. The book was a personal look into addiction and despair. He may have been addicted and desperate but he fictionalized his life and then said it was the truth. Now in this age of "reality TV" where people's lives are scripted and then presented as though things occurred spontaneously, perhaps this is not the major transgression it once was. After all, when was the last time you saw integrity on a Top Ten Sexiest Traits List? Still it raised eyebrows when it was found out and ultimately Oprah has him back in time for his next book, so perhaps she did protest too much.

Second, some may measure success by other measures rather than driving the fastest or sleekest or reddest car. Some may feel the quality of the people they know is more important than their appearance. Maybe he came to realize that he had sacrificed a chance at long term meaningful success for a quick hit flash in the pan. Perhaps he came to realize that he had the talent and the diligence to be a successful writer without compromising himself and he regrets that. Maybe he just wants to promote his newest book and doesn't mind eating a bit of humble pie to do so. He lied and connived once, likely he is doing it again.

 

As to the more overriding question of the values we hold these days. Clearly the world is going to hell in a hand basket. Every generation has told the one after, just that. So yes, evil is rewarded. The deceptive reap riches. Robber barons gorge themselves. Plantation owners luxuriate at the expense of their laborers. Sweat shop owners collect large fees and pay out pennies. Ultimately, if you aspire to be great, what should guide your actions are your ideas about what makes a man great. Do not look for society to set those values for you.

[justaguy]

PK has nailed it again. Times haven't changed and deception still rules the day. He's making a fortune and apologized for it. Giving the money back--not going to happen.