Coreyography: A Memoir Hardcover – October 29, 2013

is how I would best describe Corey Feldman's new memoir. And, last, but certainly not least, it's also "Triumphant."SINCE THIS IS A LONG REVIEW, I DECIDED TO WRITE MY 'TAKE-AWAY' MESSAGE UPFRONT:Corey Feldman proves himself to be a fighter, a true survivor and an inspiration to anyone who might be facing any number of major life challenges and at varying degrees of severity. I personally think that he was extremely brave to write this book, which chronicles the extreme number of highs and lows that often go hand-in-hand with childhood fame, especially when addressing the taboo subject of sexual abuse/molestation of minors in Hollywood. And after having hit rock bottom a few times, becoming sober (and finally staying sober), while also staying true to his craft in his most recent years, by only picking projects that he feels a strong connection to, as well as something he believes his now 10- year old son, Zen would be proud of (whether he sees it now or in the future, depending on its age-appropriateness) is what made me truly admire the actor, and more importantly the PERSON, Corey Feldman - a name that I've been familiar with almost my entire life, as I approach my 43rd year.Now before I elaborate on the any of content of this book, some of which people will already know going into it, I wish to emphasize the following about the essence and prose of it: while it flows well and is easy to follow, it is also so riveting, descriptive and masterfully constructed that many readers will feel like they were transcended in time and along for (Corey's) ride, before they even knew that they had 'signed up' to be a passenger! (now, if that's not the mark of a great writer, than I don't know what is, but I digress)...Not only does Corey Feldman explore and reveal to his readers of his own personal journey of child stardom and its potential pitfalls (and their aftermath), but on a broader scale, he addresses, throughout the book, such topics as what it means have strength, resilience and forgiveness as a human being, as was demonstrated so many times by the author's struggles with, and stories about: familial relationships, friendships, one's self-esteem and self-worth, child abuse, living the oft 'roller coaster' life of a child star, the devastating impact of addiction, hitting rock bottom (sometimes more than once), and finally, finding peace and redemption in one's own time and course. And while some fans or other interested parties might initially purchase this book, in order to learn first-hand more about Corey Feldman's life and career, particularly as it pertained to the "Two Coreys," a term that would be familiar to most any Gen Xer, which, of course, was in regards to his dear friend and often co-star, the late Corey Haim, most of the issues he takes on in this book are not unique to the rich and famous. They are universal themes in the lives of all human beings, which is perhaps why the book is so relatable to the average reader (however, there's no doubt that some of the aforementioned issues, such as sexual abuse and addiction, are often magnetized and/or even made worse, when growing up in the spotlight). And Corey does a magnificent job of exploring all of these things, which include A) the mistakes and poor choices he made as a youngster/young adult (and their subsequent consequences), which were mostly due to the fact he had very little guidance and emotional support from the adults closest to him as a child and B) of all of the wrong-doings done to him, AS an innocent child (e.g., the physical, emotional and sexual abuse he endured), which literally made me want to travel back in time to the mid-70s, in order to pluck this innocent and adorable little boy out of the chaotic life into which he was born. It was heart-breaking to me how toxic and dysfunctional his family life was from the get-go, which was indeed, was sadly plagued by extreme mental illness (of which his mother was the prime example), and otherwise other unstable/unhealthy adults, who weren't looking out for his and his siblings' basic needs and well-being.One notable irony I found in reading (and now reviewing) Corey's book, was that although we are literally 6 months apart (so, just as all of us have famous contemporaries that we, in essence, feel like "grew up with or "alongside," one of mine happened to be Corey Feldman. And while I certainly remember going to several his movies with my junior high school friends ("Stand by Me" is still one of my favorite 'coming-of-age' movies) and I genuinely enjoyed his other work, I never would have considered myself a "huge fan." Now, other than the fact that some of his other movies didn't appeal to me all that much (e.g., like things having to do with vampires and the supernatural), there's no particular reason I can think of as to why this is, or why any teenage girl (or boy, for that matter) gravitates towards a particular celebrity (or celebrities) to "crush on"; for example, I DID have a bunch of pictures of Ricky Schroeder and Jason Bateman on my bedroom wall and in my locker, not to mention some 'older' actors (and/or of different eras). Therefore, I think it's worth noting, only because I started Corey's book with perhaps less (or lower) expectations, as compared to say, perhaps one of his "diehard" fans from the 80s and/or present-day, if that makes sense (???). So in this way, I think it makes my review, for lack of a better word, very genuine (NOT to imply any of his huge fans wouldn't be 'genuine'); however, I didn't feel an attachment either way towards Corey, nor, did I know much about his personal life before reading his book, so I didn't really have a "dog in the race," as they say.As an objective outsider, while my heart broke for Corey and his siblings, it wasn't that hard to feel some compassion for his mother, in particular, because she was so sick, However, what I found to be so incredibly amazing about Corey, which I believe is indicative of his humanity and the wisdom he possessed that were beyond his years, was that early in his adult life, he was able to forgive these people, and even feel grateful for the lessons that they did provide for him, intentionally or not. And this also comes through loud and clear, when he speaks of his now 10-yr-old son, Zen (he and Zen's mother divorced after 7 yrs of marriage). I was so moved by how he was able to articulate such a deep love for his boy (something that I believe was perhaps healing for him as well, in terms of finally overcoming his extremely difficult childhood). It literally brought tears to my eyes when he refers to Zen as his "beautiful, amazing, brilliant, handsome, sweet and loving son" and of whom he calls his "proudest achievement."Finally, Corey delves into the details of many of the notable friendships (and eventually) romantic relationships he had as a child, adolescent and young man, with contemporaries (and others, notably his friendship with Michael Jackson) in AND outside the industry. And he bravely opens up about the brutal underworld of pedophiles in the entertainment industry, who preyed on ambitious young actors like Corey Haim and himself - and unfortunately, continue to do so today. He also chronicles his struggles with his addiction to both street and prescription drugs, and how he has lost so many friends and fellow co-stars to the abuse they suffered and often subsequent addictions, either directly (e.g., River Phoenix having OD'd at age 23) or indirectly, as Corey Haim died at age 38 of pneumonia, according to the official autopsy result; however, he doesn't downplay the weakened state that his friend's body was in when he did die, from years of drug abuse and severe issues with weight fluctuations.***In sum, I suspect that many people will enjoy "Coreyography," for a variety of reasons - some of which I've already mentioned: e.g., that many will be interested in learning more about what was going on behind the scenes in the 80s, at the height of his career, as well as the never before things he's revealed about Corey Haim's personal demons, as well as what drew them together and bonded them in friendship, until Corey Haim's tragic death in 2010.Corey, if you happen to read this, I can't say enough good things about your book!! Thank you for writing it, and best of everything to you and Zen - you worked so hard to achieve the happiness and peace in life that you have, and you deserve the best, now and forever.

UPDATE- There are not enough stars to give Corey for writing this book. He has helped shed light on a dark and evil side of Hollywood. I understand completely why he didn’t name anyone... he fears for his family and himself. Who can blame him?This is just the tip of the iceberg. It is far worse a situation than anyone can ever imagine. I know because after reading it, I decided to do further research. Then boom- the “pandemic” hit and trafficking was brought up again. It is definitely one of the most difficult pills I’ve ever had to take.Wow. I knew evil existed, I guess I just didn’t connect all the dots. While he doesn’t address it all and with good measure, it is definitely something to research. Please research and help protect all children!This book detailed his life from beginning to current. It’s missing bits and pieces of details concerning the family dynamics. I’m not even sure why or how his parents decided on an acting career for their children. It was a way of exploitation of their children and themselves.Corey didn’t paint them in the best picture, but I can’t blame him. His mother appears to be a selfish human being, whether she’s still doing drugs is never mentioned.His dad is another story all together. I feel bad for Corey in that it seems as though all through his childhood he had absolutely no one to love him or depend on. He, as every human being does- deserve love. UPDATE- this would make him the prime target for this type of evil.This book also took some jabs at Corey Haim that I was not prepared for. It was almost as if Corey Feldman was exploiting him most of the time. Something I felt disturbed by considering he calls himself a friend to Haim. UPDATE- I’m still confused about Haim. I believe he was hurt and I only can pray that he is resting in peace now.Feldman claimed he had enough to write about his own life that he didn’t feel he could write on Haim as well. This book, however says differently. The claims made regarding Haim and the lifestyle he chose seems so dark and depressing. As a Mother I can deeply understand why Haim’s Mother doesn’t condone this book. (I still stand by this, but maybe on the level she feels guilty for not doing more?)This book leaves you to your imagination as to where Haim’s ‘loving’ family was during his career. They had, after all picked up and moved to CA from Canada. Obviously the love or the exploitation was there as well. This confuses me regarding his Mother, little is said about her- if anything. Where were his on set guardians when he was accosted by said individuals? (Again, this makes him the perfect target.)I understand that sometimes parents aren’t to blame, but I can’t help but question how these two young actors were left unsupervised. By this I mean, unsupervised and left on their own?They were children left to make adult decisions. Decisions that I don’t know of any “normal” human having to deal with. This left me bothered, realizing that this probably paints one of the worst pictures of Hollywood. (Actually, I’ve learned there is even far worse going on in Hollywood than ANYONE can imagine!)With all set aside, this book was a good read- however I couldn’t help but believe that Feldman hurried the ending up to get it out. I felt rushed reading it, and he may have felt rush to finish it. At times I felt a little embarrassed with the details, so be prepared. But, it’s reality and Feldman definitely didn’t shy away from description. He neither held back from discussing Haim. As difficult as it was to read about Haim, it was just as difficult to believe that Feldman painted himself so much of a victim. I do believe him, sadly he was victimized but I am left to wonder why he has been so secretive about it — until recently. At least with all his Dr. Oz shows I hope now he is getting what he’s always thought he deserved- money for appearances. I really liked him, I feel sorry for him. I don’t believe he is crazy or attention seeking, I believe that Feldman truly is a great actor, so much so he had my attention. Each and every appearance, I liked him. Now, I’m not so sure. He’s a great actor, so I don’t know if what we see is just the part he wants us seeing. (Update- with all the suspicious people dying there’s no wonder he doesn’t want to name names!)This is a tale of “Two Corey’s”. One being stabbed in the heart and being unable to defend his side of the story. This is also why I find it so heart-breaking. Haim is not here to defend his actions, to tell his side of the story. He only has a Mother, who I pray Feldman has the decency to respect in any way possible. May she find the peace she is searching for.I thought this book would allow me the opportunity to understand better, but now I feel like I’ve read this dark and twisted memoir. Disturbing with an abrupt ending.****Please take note that in all honesty their life in Hollywood was before my time. I read this because I had been following the story and unfortunately became engrossed in this horrific tale. I’m left now with just one side of a story, wondering if it just that- a story. A very sad one. No I don’t doubt either one was subjected to abuse and I believe the allegations.It’s just too sad to realize that Corey Haim (who I know little of) is a person left with a legacy of being the ‘pretty’ little boy- not only in life but in death. I pray that he is at peace now and feels love and light that he seemed to need desperately in this sad world. I do wish that Corey Feldman would have mentioned more of the positive traits of Corey Haim. Instead I am left thinking that he truly did not have a true friend in Feldman. If this helps you to decide to read- then great. I do recommend it. It is definitely a memoir (dark) worth reading.Whether you know the tale of “two Corey’s” or not..... this is what the book is supposed to be about. Victims, both alive and dead. One with a voice and one without.Hollywood is darker than I thought- I’ve done so much research as a result of reading this book.For Feldman- you are truly a talented and brave person. Keep being true to yourself. In the end there are people that do wish you happiness and peace. I am one of those.

This book was well written and covered some very difficult and disturbing subjects.I was a fan of all the 80's movies that Corey starred in and after reading this book I cannot help but feel the films are now tainted by those who exploited the children involved.I personally think Corey Feldman is very brave to write his biography especially given the strong allegations which he has presented and faced ridicule for (Barbara Walters). I hope now with the current situation in Hollywood people will start listening and uncovering the truth and save others from a life time of pain and in Corey Haim's case death.

Growing up watching films like The Goonies and Lost Boys as soon as I heard Corey had released a bio I knew I had to read it.It's an honest tale about life under a microscope. No stone is unturned and no punches are pulled. At times it was tough to hear about the troubles he had with abuse and drugs but I was amazed by the fact he seems to have come out the other side a sane person. It must've taken a lot of courage to be honest about everything but it's an impulsive read as I couldn't put it down.

As a 70s child myself Feldman and Haim were very much my era of growing up and to read of what they went thru is diabolical an industry that should protect the stars of tomorrow abused them and spat them out, I wish you every success in your future Corey and may the Haimster rest in peace and I hope his and your abusers may eventually be brought to justice one day soon I thank you wholeheartedly for the movies you gave me throughout my child hood and can still say to this day The Lost Boys is still my favourite film many thanks

I like Corey Feldman, I've watched three of his films so I was intrigued when this autobiography appeared in one of my daily book emails. It was a heartfelt, open and honest account of his life and career. He's been quite frank about his accounts and I found I have more respect for him as a person after years of bad press. I would file this under a must read, even if you are only vaguely aware of who he is.

A quality read around. A in-depth journey on the crazy life of being in the film industry at a young age in Hollywood & surrounding areas. Kids with little knowledge of adult life & being lead down paths that some would definitely not go down twice! I’ll ain’t all what it seems when there’s no boundaries set. Brutal as it sounds, you could wind up dead when you have the money, looks, drugs on speed dial & no one to tell you No! Corey Feldman was a pro in his earlier productions, even with the madness he & Haim was getting up to off set. I grew up on his films which were always great to watch time & time again! I would definitely recommend this book for a kid who grew up in the 80’s👍🏼