Helpful Score: 4
This was a great book, that I read after reading his father's book Beautiful Boy, giving his story about Nick. It must have been painful for both of them to write their books, however it shows the enduring power of love. It also demonstrates that sometimes tough love is the way to go. It was hard to imagine the pain that was endured by both.
Helpful Score: 4
ok- this books took me quite some time to read... you see, i am an addict. the insanity of addiction is real and well represented in this book. i identify with this book totally.
please understand this book is not some over the top glamorization of addiction- it is a brutally honest look into the depths of addiction.
if you have a loved one who is in trouble, please read this book- it just might help you understand what you are up against.
addiction is not a moral failing. or a choice. it is a serious disease- as deadly as cancer and just as unwanted in your life...
recovery is possible- hard, but not impossible.
this book is a nice compliment to "beautiful boy" written by his father
please understand this book is not some over the top glamorization of addiction- it is a brutally honest look into the depths of addiction.
if you have a loved one who is in trouble, please read this book- it just might help you understand what you are up against.
addiction is not a moral failing. or a choice. it is a serious disease- as deadly as cancer and just as unwanted in your life...
recovery is possible- hard, but not impossible.
this book is a nice compliment to "beautiful boy" written by his father
Helpful Score: 4
I am a huge fan of memoirs and was interested to read Nic's story. The first hundred pages are shooting up and getting high, shooting up and getting high, shooting up and getting high...you get the point. He gets his life turned around and gives the reader a reprieve from the monotony of a drug addict's day-to-day life only to throw it all away again. I became frustrated with him and his story. I didn't feel that I could trust him at the time when he decided to write this book, as I'm not sure he's really at a point to reflect on his life as an addict. He is still too vulnerable and shaky. Ten years from now, if he is able to remain sober THEN I'd like to read his reflection. This comes too early in his journey.
Helpful Score: 2
Going into this book, I wasn't entirely prepared for the graphic explicitness. But it opened my eyes to the world of drug use in a sort of intimate way. If you want to read something that will shock you, but make you sympathize, this is a great book to read.
Helpful Score: 2
I think this is an interesting look at the life and thought processes of an addict. Definetely not a good book for an addict, too much to tempt. I think its worth a read for those who can, but for myself having dealt with an addict, it was pretty painful.
Nic Shef , in my opinion is such an overly spoiled, entitled brat. Sure, he may come from a broken home at an early age but these days that seems to be the norm! I really enjoyed reading this book because it gives you insight on this sort of "poor lil rich kid" lifestyle. He has life in the palm of his hand and yet he chose the "rig" in his arm. It gets slightly boring in the middle.. but once you get over that hump it picks up again! Now I know what it's like to be a drug addicted spoiled brat-- I would love to read a TRUE comeback story! Someone please show me a memoir by a poverty stricken drug addict that MADE IT and it clean, sober and prosperous without having to ride the coattails of mommy or daddy!
Helpful Score: 1
Not for the faint of heart. It is brutally honest and raw in telling the story of drug addiction and, in my opinion, addiction to "crazy" love. The author Nic Sheff is a rich entitled brat though.
Very well written. I couldn't put it down.
I hope Nic Sheff can find peace in his heart. Evidently he's relapsed about 3 times since this book was published. So don't assume "happy" endings. He may need to go a few more rounds. And, without sounding too judgmental (I hope), he really needs to get over his silver spoon, entitled upbringing. That seems to be his biggest problem.
Very well written. I couldn't put it down.
I hope Nic Sheff can find peace in his heart. Evidently he's relapsed about 3 times since this book was published. So don't assume "happy" endings. He may need to go a few more rounds. And, without sounding too judgmental (I hope), he really needs to get over his silver spoon, entitled upbringing. That seems to be his biggest problem.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this directly after finishing his father's memoir "Beautiful Boy", a parallel account of the author's addiction, but from a parental viewpoint. As bad as his father thought it was--it was worse. Very gritty. Made me want to take a shower. Sure hope he stays clean...
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book in one day -- couldn't put it down. Sheff doesn't give a glamorous depiction of the life of an addict, bless him. More than that though, his writing makes him a sympathetic character, unlike William Burroughs' "junky," for example. You WANT Nic to get better, and you're so happy when he does...and then it knocks the wind out of you when you can see him getting back into the pattern again. Every time he fucks up, you want to cry and punch him at the same time. I appreciate the fact that Sheff addresses his issues outside of drug use, because meth addiction rarely occurs in a vacuum, and he is honest about this.
Helpful Score: 1
This book gives a powerful and insightful description of what it is like to be truly addicted to drugs. It shows the devastating effects it has on the individual and every single person involved. If you really want to get inside the mind of a drug addict to understand this kind of lifestyle, it is a GREAT book to read. Hard to put down.
Great Book Could not put it down , great for people in recovery, healthcare workers or anyone interested in addiction
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book....liked it better than his dad's. Really hope this guy makes it staying sober.
i really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down
Hard to read because of Nic's honesty, but a MUST if you have kids, especially kids that have used drugs.
Heartbreaking and real. I bought this intending to to give it someone I love with a drug problem. After reading it I changed my mind, it was so real and true to the emotions of the author I was afraid it might actually become a trigger to my loved one. It gave me a new perspective into the mind set of a drug addict which has helped my understanding and my healing.
great book for people fighting addiction and for those who have family/friends that are in active addiction.... I cant wait to read nicks fathers view point of nicks meth addiction in "Beautiful boy"
Unfortunately this is a subject I know too much about. The book is graphic, but then so is the lifestyle. I wouldn't even go out on a limb & say this is should be in the 'young adult' category; it should be a cautionary tale... you can almost smell the desperation in Nic's writing at times. Not for the weak of heart, or at times stomach.
This was a hard book to read. It's got some pretty graphic and very raw. Perhaps because I am a parent, I did enjoy his father's book, Beautiful Boy, more. However, I cannot say I didn't spend more than a few pages in tears while reading this. I can honestly say that Nic changed my mind a bit more about addiction. Nic wrote some things in this book that angered me. But he was honest. Sometimes I feel like memoirs are glossed over. I didn't feel like Nic held much back. It also made me realize that they can't just stop. I found it interesting that even though his dad was being "mean" by not helping him, he seemed to realize somewhere deep down that his dad was doing it because he really HAD to.
Having said that, my heart goes out to this young man. Nic, stay sober. You are worthy of a wonderful life. Your dad deserves to have his son. He loves you, many many people are thinking of you that you have never met...
Having said that, my heart goes out to this young man. Nic, stay sober. You are worthy of a wonderful life. Your dad deserves to have his son. He loves you, many many people are thinking of you that you have never met...
I really enjoyed this book.
I love how it was written from his point of you and how he didn't sugar coat things. when things were bad they were bad and he stated how bad they were. I found this a bit inspiring during the positive parts and shockingly heartbreaking during the negative parts.
How someone could endure this sort of life style then pull themselves out of it countless times proves the strength of someone's soul. This book I recommend to others but advise drug addicts or those in recovery to proceed with caution because I can see how it would be somewhat of a trigger.
I love how it was written from his point of you and how he didn't sugar coat things. when things were bad they were bad and he stated how bad they were. I found this a bit inspiring during the positive parts and shockingly heartbreaking during the negative parts.
How someone could endure this sort of life style then pull themselves out of it countless times proves the strength of someone's soul. This book I recommend to others but advise drug addicts or those in recovery to proceed with caution because I can see how it would be somewhat of a trigger.
I believe this book is an excellent attempt at giving readers a B rated look at addiction. I found some of the book realistic and other parts not as grounded in truth. It is as if Sheff tried to shield readers from some of the ugliness and grim related to addiction. Although he hints at some of this, he gives a muted picture. I know many addicts who were addicted for much longer periods of time than Nic went through between recovery periods. The world of Meth and Heroin gets much darker than what is portrayed in this book. In addition, Nic's parents were angry, but they still loved Nic. Many addicts no longer have family to turn to or to even hope to win back. I know many people felt this book was dark, but if you want to know the truth about addiction you will have to dig into much darker material than you will find here.
That being said. This could be a good book to read with your older teens in an effort to discuss the dangers related to drug use. It could be a tool for talking to them about drugs.
That being said. This could be a good book to read with your older teens in an effort to discuss the dangers related to drug use. It could be a tool for talking to them about drugs.
One of the best drug-addict books I've ever read. Can be triggering, but it's an enjoyable read.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
This is what I call a "roller-coaster of a ride" book. Fast paced and a very personal look at crystal meth addiction. Highly recommend this one and also "Beautiful Boy" by his father.
Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com
Methamphetamine use, commonly known on the street as crystal, tweak, the New Prozac, and crank, has become a growing problem in the U.S. in the last several years. From what I have read, there is no worse drug addiction than crystal meth. It not only affects the person using but the personal relationships they have, as well. It is not just my humble opinion when I tell you that these drugs have the power to kill or cause great harm. A great example would be Nic Sheff, the author of TWEAK. At an early age, just a babe himself, Nick had his first taste of drugs and alcohol. Drug use escalated in Nic's case - he went from just smoking pot to abusing cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth. For over a decade, on and off, Nic used drugs. The book opens up with a bang - Nic relapsing after 18 months of being clean and sober.
You can call TWEAK a young adult book if you like, since Nic is a young adult, just in his twenties, but in actuality it is a book that will appeal to any age level, young and old alike. Teens will definitely gravitate to Nic's story because of the fact that it is someone about their age using drugs, and they can relate to it (maybe not completely but on some level). The general public may find it of interest, because it will give them an insight into the mind of an addict. Perhaps a reader may find comfort in this story, knowing that he is not alone.
It occurred to me as I was reading TWEAK that the book was like a cleanser for Nic; a way to cleanse his soul. Writing TWEAK couldn't have been easy for him, as Nic had to relive everything he did and put it down on paper. Some of what I read admittedly shocked me. I can't imagine what goes inside an addict's mind. The book was so honest; at times I ached for him. Other times I wanted to strangle him for what he was doing to himself and his family. I hate to say that I didn't think his clean and sober status was going to last very long. It was as if it was too good to be true. At the end of the book, we learn that Nic is now clean and dealing with his demons on an everyday basis. I expect that this is not going to be an easy road for him or for his family.
Everybody participates in addictive behavior in some way or another. Some people believe that people get involved in addictive behaviors because they are reckless, self-absorbed, and have no self-control. For the most part, I stand in the camp that believes that drug and alcohol addictions are diseases. You may choose to get treatment, but once an addict always an addict. Nic is never going to escape the addict label even if he does remain clean the rest of his life.
Nic's father, David Sheff, also has written a book about meth addiction. BEAUTIFUL BOY looks at Nic's addiction through the eyes of a parent. Mary Pipher, a psychologist and the renowned author of the book REVIVING OPHELIA, says on the jacket of David Sheff's book: "When one of us tells the truth, he makes it easier for all of us to open our hearts to our pain and that of others." Good reason to read Nic's book and his father's. Pick up your copies today.
Methamphetamine use, commonly known on the street as crystal, tweak, the New Prozac, and crank, has become a growing problem in the U.S. in the last several years. From what I have read, there is no worse drug addiction than crystal meth. It not only affects the person using but the personal relationships they have, as well. It is not just my humble opinion when I tell you that these drugs have the power to kill or cause great harm. A great example would be Nic Sheff, the author of TWEAK. At an early age, just a babe himself, Nick had his first taste of drugs and alcohol. Drug use escalated in Nic's case - he went from just smoking pot to abusing cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth. For over a decade, on and off, Nic used drugs. The book opens up with a bang - Nic relapsing after 18 months of being clean and sober.
You can call TWEAK a young adult book if you like, since Nic is a young adult, just in his twenties, but in actuality it is a book that will appeal to any age level, young and old alike. Teens will definitely gravitate to Nic's story because of the fact that it is someone about their age using drugs, and they can relate to it (maybe not completely but on some level). The general public may find it of interest, because it will give them an insight into the mind of an addict. Perhaps a reader may find comfort in this story, knowing that he is not alone.
It occurred to me as I was reading TWEAK that the book was like a cleanser for Nic; a way to cleanse his soul. Writing TWEAK couldn't have been easy for him, as Nic had to relive everything he did and put it down on paper. Some of what I read admittedly shocked me. I can't imagine what goes inside an addict's mind. The book was so honest; at times I ached for him. Other times I wanted to strangle him for what he was doing to himself and his family. I hate to say that I didn't think his clean and sober status was going to last very long. It was as if it was too good to be true. At the end of the book, we learn that Nic is now clean and dealing with his demons on an everyday basis. I expect that this is not going to be an easy road for him or for his family.
Everybody participates in addictive behavior in some way or another. Some people believe that people get involved in addictive behaviors because they are reckless, self-absorbed, and have no self-control. For the most part, I stand in the camp that believes that drug and alcohol addictions are diseases. You may choose to get treatment, but once an addict always an addict. Nic is never going to escape the addict label even if he does remain clean the rest of his life.
Nic's father, David Sheff, also has written a book about meth addiction. BEAUTIFUL BOY looks at Nic's addiction through the eyes of a parent. Mary Pipher, a psychologist and the renowned author of the book REVIVING OPHELIA, says on the jacket of David Sheff's book: "When one of us tells the truth, he makes it easier for all of us to open our hearts to our pain and that of others." Good reason to read Nic's book and his father's. Pick up your copies today.
