Baring / Bearing it all

Nic Sheff does exactly that in this brutally honest memoir which compliments his father's own memoir - Beautiful Boy.
Whilst sometimes appearing a spoiled wasting brat - Nic Sheff also manages to bare his soul in this tumultuous memoir. At times rambling and undoubtedly written in maybe more detail than it is reasonable to expect - Nic nevertheless manages to ask us to look into our own imperfect selves before casting any kind of judgement.
I for one am pleased he seems to have kicked his 'past' demeanors firmly into the past where they belong and hope he has the strength to maintain sobriety for his own sake as well as for his family's sake.
Compelling!

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1 person found this helpful

Touching, beautifully written, teary

Really loved this book and equally it’s narrator, Paul Michael Garcia, who fluctuated brilliantly between characters without sounding like he was forcing an accent. Nic’s story is so interesting and his emotions so believable. I felt so sad for his parents having to constantly put their lives on hold through every relapse - they obviously did their very best to raise him so creatively and articulately. LA life certainly sounds full of total shallow pricks!

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Honest, interesting, captivating, sad, well writte

I really enjoyed this book. Despite being about a tragic topic, it is refreshingly honest and full of hope

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For anyone who has ever struggled with loving themselves

Written in first person present tense, the story picks you up and places you behind Nic’s eyes. In his head, you see the thought processes unfold as he justified his actions to himself, and the confusion of trying to do the right thing. Nic is so very relatable. Utterly moving and tragic, the book gave me insight into my own struggles with self love and being a 20-something searching for acceptance.

Excellently performed, the characters came to life.

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Very honest and had me hooked

This book was written brilliantly, and it perfectly and honestly portrayed the problems that come with addiction.

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Couldn’t stop listening

Disturbing but inspirational, no matter what your issues. Displaying the strength involved in picking yourself up however many times it takes, and finding the right way to sort it all out, you cannot help but root for Nic.

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A detailed insight. Chilling.

Wonderfully narrated, a real showpiece. Well done! Great insight for those who love an addict, but get yourself a 12-step programme to help save yourself, learn about the disease, about your issues and to recover enough to be there to support the addict if s/he manages to find their way. I wish I could have done more.

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Great book

Really great book. Really delved deep into the world of addiction. A must read. X

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beautifully narrated

the way this story is told by Paul makes it so alive and tangible, I love his narration. thank you!

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I’m the mum of a meth addict

Nicks story is dreadful and horrific but also hopeful. At times I was on the edge of my seat when relapse seemed inevitable but then disappeared as quickly as the cravings. At one point I couldn’t remember why or how Nick did relapse and I guess that’s just how easy it is. It’s given me an insight into what it must be like and how much recovery rests with the addict but also how important love and family connection is in that process. As parents of addicts I guess we keep trying and learning so we can be there when our loved ones need us most.

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