Babbling about Books--Thursday

Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction
By David Sheff
Autobiography
(2008)

A dear friend of mine just found out her 23-year-old nephew is on black tar heroin. Her heart ached for her extended family. She felt fear for the future of her nephew.

I recommended that she read (and give to her sister) the book, Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff. I had read the book a couple of months ago. It is the true story written by a father whose son became addicted to meth. It is a heart wrenching story of decline, rehab, sobriety, and decline in meth—over and over again. The book’s facts on meth and other drugs are astounding.

Now, it is not a Christian book, so beware of language and such. David Sheff (the father) has no relationship with God. He mentions that throughout the book. However, he was told by rehab professionals, “You will believe when you’re through this journey with your son.” Although he does not have a salvation experience, by the end of the book he has turned toward God to pray, “Heal Nic. God, please heal Nic.”

Although I have never faced this type of addiction with my children, I know many parents who have with their children or even with themselves. I recommend the book if you are searching for more information on drug or alcohol addictions. I cannot say it is an “uplifting” book, but it is compelling to the end. Below is a brief review of the Beautiful Boy found on Amazon.com.


“This is a stunningly written, intense and emotional memoir of a father's struggle to deal with his brilliant, charismatic and caring son's addiction to methamphetamine. It is honest and authentic and raw and heart-rending and fascinating. It is unforgettable. As I read, I felt many emotions for both the father and son---everything from anger to sadness to grief to fear. I felt as though I was right there on the emotional roller coaster with the author.

Even if you have no personal experience of a loved one's addiction, you will be moved by this father's struggle to cope with his son's substance abuse turmoils. Despite methamphetamine being this country's most problematic drug, many of us, including me, know very little about it, and may not initially feel too interested in finding out. However, the author's struggles and emotional journey are so poignant and compelling that any reader will find themselves caught up in this memoir, will benefit from what they learn and most of all, will be glad that they read it. If you know and/or love an addict, this book will be even more important---it will be vital---as you will find much to identify with and perhaps even be able to better process some of your own emotions.” Review by O. Brown on Amazon.com.

Thankfully, our Lord Jesus is stronger than any addiction. He was sent to free us from the torment of prisons we place ourselves in with poor life choices. No matter what your child is struggling with, know that God wants to set her free from the oppression—and you, too.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”Luke 4:18-19 (NLT)

Also, if you are praying for a child with waywardness, please consider my book, Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents: What to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say. It will aid you in praying freedom for your loved one.

Do not give up hope! God is bigger than any addiction!