What is a memoir? How is it different from a novel or an autobiography?

How does James's self-loathing both aid and hinder his recovery at the Clinic? Is self-loathing always a negative trait?

How does Frey's writing style and the format of the book contribute to the story? Does it detract from or enhance the plot and themes of the memoir?

Do you trust Frey's telling of this story? Do you believe that his version of these events is truthful and unbiased? If so, why? If not, how is his story biased?

James believes that AA is only effective because it substitutes one addiction for another: addiction to alcohol becomes addiction to support meetings. Do you agree with James? Why or why not? How do the experiences of the patients at the Clinic support your opinion?

Compare James's real-life experiences to other depictions of...