That book is next on my reading list. I bought it a long time ago, too, but just haven't had a chance to read it. As soon as I'm done with the Chronicles of Narnia, I'm definitely checking it out.

I'm sure with the support of your fabulous family that your brother will turn out as you hope.
Nanette | Homepage | 01.02.06 - 9:43 pm | #

I also spent the past week reading Million Little Pieces and just couldn't put it down. It's depressing, eye-opening, heartbreaking and incredible. I couldn't even imagine going through something like that and I hope your brother doesn't have to either. I also read Frey's second book, My Friend Leonard and loved it more than Little Pieces. You should read it after you're done - you'll love it as well.

Maybe you should send both those books to your brother - it maybe could help?

tori
Anonymous | 01.02.06 - 10:09 pm | #

You know, I usually don't read Oprah listed books (I have a whole thing about Oprah book club, but that`s not my point here)...but I think I might break with tradition as you are about the 12th person who has said how good and heartwarming this book was.

Your brother is lucky to have family who hasn't given up on him. I admire that because I know how hard it must be. I guess that's what family is all about...loving one another even when you know that they (the said family member) are acting like a jackass (thinking oh, so SLIGHTLY, about my Father here!)
wn | Homepage | 01.03.06 - 5:04 am | #

I read it a couple of months ago with very similar thoughts. My brother has been through rehab (more than once) and seems to be doing well at the moment. He's 35 now, and I would be stretching the definition to say he's a grown-up--but I worry less about him coming to a very ugly end.

The book was so wonderful--I bought it at the airport on the way to see my sweetheart, and though I was happy to see him I was aware that he was intruding into my book time!
sophie | Homepage | 01.03.06 - 2:00 pm | #

It's so weird to read this entry, especially as my brother's name is also Jimmy and I also just started reading this book several days ago and I too find him to be a very intelligent and charming person. This books has meant a lot to me and I feel now that I understand a lot more about addiction and rage than I ever did before. Similar to you (once again), I've been debating whether to give him the book before he goes back to his station in Okinawa next week (USMC) and I've already decided I am just going to do it. I would like to know how/whether you've had problems talking to him about his past and how/if/whether you have an easy time talking to him now about things in general. I'd be interested in hearing from you, Jen. - Colleen
Colleen | 01.04.06 - 10:05 am | #

Colleen,
Send me an e-mail at jenilei79 at yahoo, and we can chat in a more private forum.
Jen
Jen | Homepage | 01.04.06 - 10:38 am | #

Me again, I can't help myself this time.

I have a brother that sounds a lot like yours. His name is Josh and he's now 26. For his whole life he's been in and out of trouble, in and out of jail, in and out of teen support centers. He had a drug problem for a long time and still dabbles actually. He was always calling because he got in a fight, he was in jail, he was in a car accident. It was endless.

Everytime we thought he was turning things around he'd be right back in trouble. It was draining for the whole family, but especially my mom who loved him unconditionally and constantly had her heart broken by him.

Eventually he had a daughter and later a son. Then he was in a horrible life-threatening work-related accident, which he is still recovering from. Those two things, the kids and the accident, really sobered him in many ways. It's so wonderful to see what a great and lovable person my brother can be when he's not mixed up in the wrong things.

I don't wish a horrible accident or children he can't support on your brother, but I hope he finds his sobering experience too. Good luck to you and him!
shannon | Homepage | 06.05.06 - 12:42 pm | #