Beautiful Boy

By David Sheff

Gary gave us all a copy of this book. I finished it soon after he gave it to me. It is a tragic story with some happy parts. I don't know how bad life ever really got for Gary, but I'm sure it was horrible. He never, luckily was homeless or disappeared like this young man, as far as I know. It really tore at me about divorce and the effect it has. I am so grateful Gary is in recovery. This young man goes in and out of sobriety sometimes after over a year so that was unsettling. He however could not grasp the concept of God so AA was difficult for him. I have read in the AA book about how people without this belief can still do well. I also felt at times that it was unfortunate that the parents had so much money for all the things they were able to provide. They would not just give money in the end. They learned that lesson as we all must. Lots of swearing. I don't know if the read would be the same for you as siblings as for a parent.

Once again I marvel at how people can be on drugs and function (?) if you can call it that.

I think this is a window into Gary and what his life was so for that I highly recommend it.

I think his inscription says it all,

"This book really gave me a look at what the other side of addiction does to all the people involved. I could not have made it here if I didn't have you in my life. I love you. Gary"

Having Gary back is on of the greatest gifts I have been given.