This was an amazing, touching book told from the other side of addiction - a side not heard very often - the side of a parent watching their child slowly spiral out of control due to addiction.As a recovering addict myself, (13 yrs., 11 mos., 11 days), as well as a parent, it was really hard for me to read at times but I'm SO glad I did.This is an amazingly touching book that is at times funny, emotional, heart wrenching, and hopeful. I would recommend this to book to everyone but especially to those struggling with either side of addiction.

This is a remarkably well-written story. It is also offers helpful advice--not so much for those who are wondering how to protect their children from drugs, but more for those who are struggling with loving a family member struggling with an addiction.The story is absolutely riveting and heartbreaking. Like many other readers, I couldn't put it down. Even though it doesn't offer a great deal of advice about what parents can do to prevent their kids from using drugs, it makes all parents aware of the need to prepare themselves for whatever may come. It emphasizes the importance of having a plan to help your kids avoid the dangers of drugs, and, in the event the a child makes choices that harm them, having a plan to take care of yourself and the rest of your family.Therefore, whether you want a great story or some practical advice, Beautiful Boy has both. Highly recommended.

A very genuine story about the tragedy of drug addiction, but it seems like the quality of the book could have been better. The last 100 pages seemed to be the same thing over and over again, which I guess fits with the theme of feeling frustrated...

This book is a must for anybody dealing with a family member addicted to ANYTHING. It doesn't have to be crystal meth...it can be alcohol, heroin, pills, whatever. After reading this book, I feel like I lived through the entire process. David Sheff does a fantastic job of describing his son's life and the events that led up to his addiction. His book is so thorough that I don't have any questions about why his son was addicted. Sometimes you read a story about a person's sad life and you have so many questions like, "where did it go wrong?" David Sheff has probably over analyzed every aspect of why his son was addicted. Every time I thought, "maybe it was because of_________", the author addressed that question. He holds nothing back. He is polite, respectful, and very honest. He is a wonderful writer and the book flows easily. What a sad and tragic story. I am happy there is such a book out there for anybody suffering with a family member who is addicted. I enjoyed reading the experience from a man's point of view. Many men are "closed" emotionally and the author shares his deepest emotions and feelings. I am excited to read Nicolas's book as I'd like to hear both sides of the story. I would also like to read the biological mother's side of the story as well.

This is what its really like living with an addict... it will consume your whole life because you will always believe that you can make it better, this time it will be different, this time its gonna work, but its just an illusion you create for yourself so you can survive..To the Newbie... When you choose to take that first pill for fun, u are not just making that choice for u, you are making the choice for everyone who cares about you. Cause when u become addicted you have chosen the addiction for them too without their permission, and that will be the most selfish thing you can do to someone....