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I heard that rumor wasn't true. It's pretty hard to give refunds on books. They're like cars and underwear. Once you buy them, they're not new anymore.

NY Times has another story: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/books/25frey.html?_r=2 So far, I'm not sure which story is more interesting: the book or the story about the book. I'm enjoying them both so far.

Interesting: Treatment Counselors Dispute Frey's Accounts The NYT is sticking hard on the James Frey beat, now presenting several former addition counselors at the Hazelden Foundation saying that there is no essential truth to James Frey's depiction of many of his experiences in rehab...

If I had to guess why the author didn't use quotation marks, I'd say it's because he finds rehab disorienting and wants us to be disoriented too. I'd have much more empathy for him, however, if he communicated how disoriented he was, without making me feel that way.

The controversy got to me. I'm reading it to see what all the fuss is about. I wish the dialogue was in quotation marks, but so far the first couple of chapters are interesting.

Perhaps instead of the term "pace," I should've used the term "narrative drive" or "momentum." Something doesn't necessarily need to be happening in the plot, but the writing needs to keep moving forward. For example, in Silence of the Lambs, there's a long detailed description of how to make...

It recieved an excellent review here: http://www.slate.com/id/2133506/

My theory is, if it was good, I'll remember it. If not, I'm better off forgetting it.

Frey admitted all the facts weren't correct, but the story was emotionally true. (Reminded me of "Big Fish".) Then Oprah called. Frey looked pretty nervous. Very dramatic. Oprah supported him. Personally, I don't think writers need to be 100% honest. Their job is to tell the best...

Long, but interesting critic, by a former addict: complete with Stewart like critic of the stereotypical characters. http://www.slate.com/id/2134203/?nav=fo

This is turning into a pretty big story. I think I'll watch Larry King tonight. Consumers posting on Oprah Winfrey's Book Club message board indicate that Random House is providing refunds to buyers of A MILLION LITTLE PIECES who call their customer service line to complain in the wake of...

I also think that it varies from book to book. If a writer does something extremely well, I can forgive other short comings. I'll read about an amazing character, or an intriguing plot or a compelling theme. I guess if lots of writers created all three, I'd insist on all three, but it...

I'll say pace. I can overlook flaws if everything keeps moving.

Intersting that this thread is in the fiction section. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0104061jamesfrey1.html

When the best argument you can make, lost in a court of law, you don't have a very strong argument. I didn't read Red Dragon and don't think I will, but try Silence of The Lambs. The well researched description of how to make a suit out of human skin was probably the spookiest thing I've...

It doesn't mean it sucks either. Some books that sell well are excellent stories, very well written.

Thanks for the replies. Interesting.

I'd rather go to war with Sun Tzu: much faster read too.

My bad. I've always heard it called "The Prince." I read somewhere that Kissinger is one of the few modern politicans who will admit to having even an ounce of respect of Machiavelli. I'd highly recommend Sun Tzu. While parts of it are dated, I think the current war in Iraq proves that Sun...

True, but if you just want some feedback you don't need to go to the expense of self publishing. (There are lots of people here who are more than happy to tell you how much you suck for free;) ) There are writers groups etc. Several self published writers have come here and quickly agreed...