I had the benefit of reading this long book after it had been revealed that it wasn’t truly a memoir, but a “semi-fictional memoir”. Hmm…I’m pretty sure that “semi-fictional” and “memoir” don’t belong together, so let’s call it what it is: fiction.
I was about 3 pages into the story when I had to put it down and vent. I couldn’t believe that anyone- nevermind millions of people- were sucked in by this over the top story.
It could have been a halfway decent fictional piece with a bit of tweaking and set in the early 70′s, rather than early 90′s. But it wasn’t, and it’s not.
I’m not a fan of crude language, but I am not bothered by the odd four letter word, especially when it is crucial to character development. This book was so full of foul language it was distracting. I do believe that if all the questionable language was removed, this novel would have been reduced to little more than a short story.
My verdict: PASS ON IT You should only read this book if you are a quick reader and interested in the story around the story. There are too many compelling true memoirs and well written fiction novels to spend your time on a ”semi-fictional memoir”.
The real benefit of reading this book was being able to toss it aside after just a few pages and leave it lay.
What a waste of money it was! Didn’t waste my time though.:)
Love the blog!! Love books! Love when someone takes away the burden of needing to read one! Next.
Visiting from the link party popcorn topping post!
So glad to hear you say this was over the top. As I was reading it, I was thinking what bull! I was taking a college lit class at the time Frey was outed. We debated whether or not someone has the right to embellish or if someone could actually come to believe their own lies. (In this author’s case, he admitted to purposefully embellishing.) I was amazed at the number who felt it was okay to lie and call it a memoir. Fiction is fiction is fiction.
Since I love words and nerd,too, I’m a new follower.
I’m glad you decided to stay and look around.
I think you hit the nail on the head with the comment about people coming to actually believe their own lies.
Please come back and visit again!
[...] could have been, had it been good. For all the over the top angst and drama spewed by Frey, he didn’t get it right. Tuckwood has managed to create a believable story that leaves us feeling both saddened and [...]