Book reviews: Tweaked and Beautiful Boy

[Storyteller.]

Book reviews: Tweaked and Beautiful Boy
By Maria (Gidig)

Methamphetamine, you’ve probably heard the word, it's an awful, addictive drug. One young man unfortunately got addicted to it, and the books Tweaked: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff and Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff, explain the whole story.

David Sheff is the father who watches his son waddle through the struggles of life. Unfortunately, once the drugs start, there is no way to stop them. Time and time again Nic comes home high until eventually, Nic simply doesn't come home. His father has to continue on with his life, taking care of his two younger children and Nic’s step mother. This was no easy task.

David Sheff wrote his tragic and heartbreaking memoir after being forced to make decision after decision in what to do with his son. He goes through the “I promise I’ll stop this time” over and over as many people who know an addict can recall. Then David even begins to blame himself for the path Nic has taken. Reading this memoir is bound to help anyone struggling with a close friend or relative who is an addict. The feelings of being on that side of the drug world are described so flawlessly, truth stuffed in to every word; you can't help but try to connect with David's voice.

After “just” trying marijuana, and “just” smoking this and that, eventually Nic is hooked, and he can’t stop himself. At times, he wants to stop. He goes as far as going to rehab to get help for his addiction. But as any addict can tell you, at some point there is no stopping them. Nic is on a roll with his drug life, and even thought at times that things were perfect for him. As the reader, you cringe wondering how he can possibly believe this about his life.

He worries about various aspects of the new life he’s living, but that final high pulls him back each time. Falling through a shower door doesn’t even phase this addict. Sex is like candy. He forgets to remember his own well being. We even learn that not mentioned too much in Beautiful Boy, Nic also uses heroin, cocaine, or whatever he can come across.

Nic Sheff wrote this eye-opening memoir that is bound to bring out the caring side of you. It almost makes you want to go and help him, even after getting sober. He’s had relapses here and there, but as of June 4, 2009 on a showing of Oprah, he has kept himself clean.

Both of these books grabbed my attention faster than a book has done before. Hearing the voices of both the addict and his father is invaluable. They both follow the same story line, which helps their credibility. If you want to know more about drugs, what it’s like to live on drugs, or even just enjoy memoirs, these are the books for you!