Book Being Reviewed:
Sheff, D. (2008). Beautiful boy: A father's journey through his son's addiction. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Reviewer:
Debbie Sturm

Genre:
Non-Fiction Adult

Subject Headings:
Substance abuse drugs

Review:
In 2008, after his story "My Addicted Son" appeared in the New York Times, the overwhelming response from parents of addicted children prompted David Sheff, an award winning author and journalist, to share the full story of his family and his son's addiction. Beautiful Boy is the result. Sheff tackles the story of his son's addiction and the co-dependency and turmoil he experienced as a parent. Here he tells the story of their relationship, the creation of their extended family, the entry of addiction, and the rollercoaster of relapse and recovery. In addition to his heartfelt honesty, Sheffs detailed research on the process of understanding addiction and treatment serves as an invaluable backdrop to the story and a tool for those hoping to gain a better understanding of the experience and maze of options.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this book is Sheff's ability to bring the often unspoken angst experienced by families to life. Hearing the voice of this father will help counselors understand the experience of families dealing with an addicted child. Counselors will also be better prepared to create a space for family members where the hope, the fear, the anger, the distrust, and the moments of uncertainty all have a place of acceptance. The honest narrative and depth of research will help counselors normalize that experience for parents who feel shame about the negative feelings and help them value their own mental health as much as the health of their addicted child.