The million little pieces controversey. Old news, I know. But A thought. So he lied that it was nonfiction when really it was fiction and Oprah was mad and hunted him down. I fail to see what the big deal is. Fiction, nonfiction, whatever? I refuse to believe that the book sold only because Oprah endorsed it or because it was marketed as real fiction.
There must have been more to the book than that, right?
Then I think of bridalbeer , whose saga echoes everything I felt when I was trapped at home in Dubai (long story). I mean, what if her angst wasn't real? Would I still appreciate her prose and would I still read them? Should a writer, in this ADD infected world, use frills to market a book that without the trappings and endorsements would still be enjoyable?
3 comments:
I have to jump in here, even though this post is old. The book sold b/c people wanted to believe it was a true story--his story. If the book had been fiction, it would not have had the same resonance. The story was compelling to people b/c they thought it was true, and that really meant something to them.
The distinction between fiction and nonfiction is so important--we can't forget that! Every time I hear another person say (or see another person write) "what's the big deal" it just breaks my hard.
Because it IS a big deal. Truth is important. We should value and respect it--whether we're writing in a blog, writing on a bar napkin, or writing a book.
And that's all I have to say about that.
I like your blog--it's really great. Can't wait to stop back!
I have to echo eastsidegirl here. People felt duped by James Frey. I haven't read it, but knowing that it wasn't real I will read it with a different eye.
Uhmm...I am still not entirely convinced though. I must admit I haven't read the book either. And I know it will mean soemthing else now but don't we all embellish the truth when we write? I am confused about this. I will say for now that I echo Truth is important. Needs to be pondered on further.
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