57 pages • 1 hour read
Beautiful Boy
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Book Brief
326
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • Contemporary
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 2008, David Sheff’s memoir, Beautiful Boy, explores his experiences of coming to terms with his son’s addiction to methamphetamine. Sheff and his wife Vicki are overjoyed when they have their son, Nic, and, despite their divorce affecting Nic deeply, he grows into an intelligent, passionate child. As Nic enters his teens, his drug use escalates into full-blown addiction, and Sheff struggles with denial and guilt while seeking to help his son, ultimately learning to detach for his own well-being. This book discusses addiction and mental health challenges.
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
101,181 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Beautiful Boy by David Sheff is widely praised for its raw, honest depiction of a father's struggle with his son's addiction. Critics commend Sheff's engaging prose and emotional depth. However, some feel the narrative can be repetitive and overly detailed. Overall, it's a compelling read that provides valuable insights into the impact of addiction on families.
Who Should Read Beautiful Boy?
Readers who would enjoy Beautiful Boy by David Sheff are those interested in memoirs about family struggles, addiction, and resilience. They may also appreciate works like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, which similarly explore personal and familial turmoil.
101,181 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nic Sheff
Nic Sheff
Sheff’s son from a previous marriage whose life is significantly impacted by his battle with addiction, influencing his family relationships and personal development.
Karen
Karen
Sheff’s wife, who becomes a significant maternal figure to Nic and faces the challenges that come with Nic’s addiction and its impact on their family.
Jasper and Daisy
Jasper and Daisy
Nic’s younger half-siblings who witness the turmoil in their family due to Nic’s addiction and navigate their understanding of the situation while maintaining a delicate balance with their parents.
326
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
California • Contemporary
2007
Adult
18+ years
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