Nic Sheff

A book of astonishing emptiness, a manifestation of The Nothing in a real Neverending Story. This book is difficult to read because of the cloying hopelessness, but what doesn't help is the writer's completely overrated skills. Son, "or whatever" is not a great metaphor, and repeating words three times does not evoke good imagery. The story can't even be trusted as real. Really? A person drugged out of his mind remembers crossing his arms or legs in middle of a random conversation? Perhaps show more addicts might say that this is the best that can be written in the fog of drug addiction. Fine, he's still not a talented writer. This is an aimless, sad, sorry book, and the author gives little insight or access to why he is the way he is. The best he can do is blame the hipness of his father? Come on, he can do better. show less

What an emotional rollercoaster!
Sadly, one I can relate to as well being a former drug user and addict. This book takes you to all of the emotions you felt when you were a user and running from your own life and self. It was often hard to read. It was too raw and real at times and I'd have to put it aside for a bit. I still had to get through it though and pray that Nic got to his light at the end of the tunnel, so-to-speak.
This is an incredible memoir!
I hope Nic's life and experiences can show more help someone else. Addicts feel like no one understands, when surprisingly there is usually someone who does. It's just finding that someone that can help you see your own destrictuve self from their experiences. That's how some of us addicts can heal. Seeing your true self can be so hurtful, that's why you can't do it alone. Everybody needs somebody sometimes, man that line is so true!
I am now going to watch the film adaption, Beautiful Boy. It stars Steve Carrell and Timothy Chalomet. It's gonna be a ride, and emotional one, but I look forward to it. show less

Wow, this book took my breath away. It was terrifying, inspirational, insane, unbelievable, and heartbreaking. I've never had the urge to do hard drugs and this book firmly cemented my belief.

I'm an anxious reader as it is and I always get nervous when a character does something I know they shouldn't do or that they'll get in trouble for later (you could say I get waaay too invested in my stories) and this book had me hyperventilating. I was practically yelling at the book, "Don't do it show more Nic! Don't relapse! That's a horrible idea! What are you thinking??"

This memoir is haunting and heartbreaking but you really have to admire the guts Nic has in sharing his brutal story about addiction. He spiraled out of control multiple times and he leaves nothing out. He was using dirty needles, prostituting himself, stealing from his family, doing every type of drug imaginable and he lays it all out for the reader. It took a lot of failed attempts but he finally got clean, testament to, no matter how bad your life is you can turn it around.

A truly great (but terrifying) book. show less

Read Beautiful Boy, then read this book! BB explores the point of view of the father of a bright, talented boy who spirals into heavy drug use. His anguish is palatable, and it filled me with dread.

Nic Sheff, the son/drug user is an even better writer than his father. I wish I knew how much of this was written when he was actually using, and how much is written in hindsight! You understand the lure of the drugs, the shame he feels and shudder at the hold the drugs have, and will continue to show more have on him forever.

The most interesting thing is seeing the differences between the father's perspective and the son's reality. A true cautionary tale!

This book is being marketed primarily as a youth selection, which is unfortunate, since every parent should read it! show less