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This book was a good read, but a sad one. I true story of a fathers love for his terminally addicted son, and how more often then not it cuts through the addicted persons loved ones like a knife.
Our local schools convey a healthier message with their Say No to Drugs campaigns. I'm sure that sounds naive but I want to read a story that doesn't depress me and make me afraid of the world.
And they are in grade school. This book made me scared, sad, hopeless and afraid for the future of my own children.
He's happy, married, has kids and is a brilliant father. I don't need this fear undermining me and making me second guess my parenting choices.
I read the book to the end with the fervent hope that I would read an epilogue that was happy and hopeful; something along the lines of Nic struggled but has been alcohol and drug free for ten years. I need to be strong so I can teach that skill to my children.
This book tells me that try as I might, the game is stacked against my kids and no matter how hard I try, how smart I am, how endless my wallet is for rehab, it's all for naught.
I wanted to see the other side. It did me.
I have a son with similar problems and was currently living the nightmare, so I didnt know if I could handle reading it. But I did, and I am glad I did.
I was hesitant to read, but it was suggested to my by a friend. If you have an addict child, this book may benefit you.
It helped me to know that what we have gone through isnt new and we aren't alone. By reading what the author went through I learned alot to apply to my own situation.
I read the sons book right after. Both books were helpful to me, now that my son is currently in jail, I will also send them to him to read.
Most of the time though, I was rivetted buy it. This book is the true story of David Sheff and his son, Nic, who gets hooked on drugs. It tells how his family deals with it, but at times it goes off the track. Great story and I recommend you read it. I didn't love it, but I liked it a lot.
As a parent that struggled with my own teenager - after reading Beautiful Boy I don't feel I could compare to what David Sheff endured with Nic and the way he put it into words; words that only a parent that has experienced difficult times can feel deep down - is nothing short of amazing. As an author (Wit's End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen) I felt Beautiful Boy was done exceptionally well, very compelling and painful - brutally honest and completely put my struggles into perspective.I applaud, commend and wish only the best for David and Nic Sheff and his family - and thank him for allowing all of us to learn from his experiences.
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