A Million Little Pieces

Running Head: ENGLISH 1
A Million Little Pieces
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation

ENGLISH 2
Introduction
“A Million Little Pieces” by James Frey is an engaging story of drug and alcohol abuse
and rehabilitation (Frey, 2005). The novel brings one face to face with a new understanding of
addiction, and the challenges one faces on the road to recovery.
Reading Analysis
James Frey's memoir of his life reflects how his proud nature affects his recovery. For
example, when he says” I am an Alcoholic, and I am a drug Addict, and I am a Criminal” (Frey,
2005), those words go on to show that he is aware of his problems. It takes courage to admit that
one is a drug Addict as well as a criminal. At the same time, those words show Frey's casual
attitude towards his situation. The use of repetition of those words takes on a lyrical quality that
creates a surreal experience.
In other instance, when he is going for major dental surgery, he refuses anesthesia and
says” I have always dealt with pain alone. I will deal with it alone now” (Frey, 2005). Those
words carry a sense of pride within him. They show that he is aware of his situation and the pain
he is in. Still he wants to deal with his situations in life alone and without any support. However,
the truth is that he needs the support of his family and the hospital staff to get de-addicted.
Connections to Course Content
Frey’s use of the “stream of consciousness” writing style helps the reader to connect with
the narrator. He describes his flow of thoughts as he describes the happenings in his life. His
thoughts create a separate space between the reader and the narrator where they come face to
face with each other.
For example, when he writes, “I am no longer directly connected to what is being done
to me. My arms are no longer my arms; my legs are not my legs” he takes the reader to another