It took me a little bit longer than I like to read my most recent book selection, but hey my life can’t stop just because I want to read (though I wish it could. lol).  The book that I read was “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction” by David Sheff.  This was a book that I learned about last year at our yearly work Seminar.  I am SO glad that I kept it on my radar.

The book is about David’s son, Nic, and Nic’s addiction to Meth and alcohol, but that only skims the surface.

David and Nic’s mother divorced when Nic was very young and David gets custody during the school year and he is with his mother during the summer and on holidays.  David is a really “cool dad”.  He shares everything.  He is very involved and active with Nic his entire childhood.  He does all the things that he should/needs to do for Nic to have as “normal” a life as he can.  Nic is highly intelligent, top of his class, and all those good things.  Nic’s drug use began with marijuana when he was in junior high school, but (like most parents would), David reprimands Nic and thinks that things are alright.

Well, it was not alright.  Throughout the book, Nic’s addictions progress into so much more.  That is the where the bulk of the story takes us.  It is how David and the entire family have to cope with Nic’s stints in rehab, Nic’s relapses, Nic’s betrayal, etc.   Every time that Nic relapses, David does absolutely everything that a person can do for their son.  Every time that it happens, David tries to stay strong and use “Tough Love”, but ultimately he gives in and helps his son.  Who wouldn’t, really?  Who knows if this will be the stint that makes him better?

David becomes obsessed with his son’s addiction.  Why did this happen?  Was it the divorce? Was it the fact that David shared stories of his drug use when he was younger?  It is quite a journey.  I found myself often mad at Nic and sad for David and his family (his 2nd wife and their 2 kids that love their big brother more than anything in the world).  There are movies/books/trails/parks, etc that always will and do remind him of his son when he least expects it.

Most people that know me, know that my favorite line to quote is Jackson Browne’s “Don’t confront me with my failures, I have not forgotten them”.  Well, on page 230, David thinks about when he saw a movie where that song was played and he quotes that exact line!  I already loved the book, but when I read that I really connected to David on another level.

Needless to say, I loved it.  It was a very inspirational and emotional read, but well worth it.  I will not tell you how it ends, in case you want to read it.  I have told you a lot here, but I didn’t even scratch the surface.  Trust me.

bye for now.