I started reading "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey a couple weeks ago because of all the glowing recommendations made by co-workers, friends and, I admit, Oprah. 

It's a raw and honest book that speaks about Frey's recovery from years of drug and alcohol abuse.  His writing style brings you to believe that you are the addict.  But given the recent allegations made by The Smoking Gun, I'm not so sure "honest" is a word I should use when describing Frey's book.

From The Smoking Gun:

Police reports, court records, interviews with law enforcement personnel, and other sources have put the lie to many key sections of Frey's book. The 36-year-old author, these documents and interviews show, wholly fabricated or wildly embellished details of his purported criminal career, jail terms, and status as an outlaw "wanted in three states."

In additon to these rap sheet creations, Frey also invented a role for himself in a deadly train accident that cost the lives of two female high school students. In what may be his book's most crass flight from reality, Frey remarkably appropriates and manipulates details of the incident so he can falsely portray himself as the tragedy's third victim.

Frey did admit

...that he had embellished central details of his criminal career and purported incarceration for "obvious dramatic reasons" in the nonfiction work.

I intend to finish "A Million Little Pieces" post-allegations.  I can understand a little embellishment but there is a problem with trying to pass off a fabrication as truth.  It's disappointing because the subject matter is dramatic enough to carry its own weight.  That said, it's one hell of a book, and I would recommend it to everyone out there, but let's be honest and say it's _based_ on a true story.

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