Episode · The Rich Roll Podcast · 2025-08-18
Rich Roll & James Frey: books mentioned on The Rich Roll Podcast
Addiction, Celebrity, Public Shaming & Truth: The Performance Art of James Frey, Celebrated Writer of Ill-Repute
James Frey is the author of "A Million Little Pieces," a book that spoke to the deepest, darkest parts of countless readers in early recovery. This conversation explores his journey to become literature's bad boy, his heroes like Baudelaire and Henry Miller, and his philosophy of "prowling with the panther."
Rich Roll discussed A million little pieces by James Frey. James Frey recommended Paris Spleen by Charles Baudelaire and Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins, and discussed Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
A million little pieces
Discussed“I just want to say at the start that, you know, I read A Million Little Pieces when it came out, 2003.”
Where to get it
-
Tropic of Cancer
Discussed“I mean the larger story is when I was 21 I read a book called Tropic of Cancer, right? And it it was by Henry Miller.”
Where to get it
-
Paris Spleen
Recommended“Go read Paris Spleen. It was published as [ __ ] poetry even though it's like a novel of short stories.”
Where to get it
-
On the Road
Discussed“There's an interesting parallel with Carowak where the original draft of On the Road had all the characters real names in it and they debated whether to publish it as fiction or non-fiction.”
Where to get it
-
Hollywood Wives
Recommended“I had read a Jackie Collins book for a Hollywood guy. He's a buddy. He was thinking about adapting it. I loved it. After that, I Hollywood Wives. Hollywood Wives. It's [ __ ] great.”
Where to get it
-
Bright Shiny Morning
Discussed“It was Bright Shiny Morning, a book about Los Angeles. The very first sentence of the book says, "Nothing in this book should be considered accurate or reliable."”
Where to get it
