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Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 12,898 ratings · 1,554 reviews

Nic Sheff was drunk for the first time at age eleven. In the years that followed, he would regularly smoke pot, do cocaine and Ecstasy, and develop addictions to crystal meth and heroin. Even so, he felt like he would always be able to quit and put his life together whenever he needed to. It took a violent relapse one summer in California to convince him otherwise. In a vo...more

Paperback, 322 pages

Published January 6th 2009 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (first published January 1st 2007)

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Aug 24, 2011 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: shelf-09, bio-memoir, addicted

Opening Line: "I'd heard rumors about what happened to Lauren, I mean, I never even knew her that well but we'd sort of hung out a few times in high school"

There's been a lot of buzz around Nic Sheff's bestselling memoir TWEAK and for good reason, its un-put-downable. This candid, gritty and detailed struggle with addiction is an amazing story but what entranced me most here wasn't Nic's decent into methamphetamine hell or his subsequent struggles to remain sober and find some kind of peace with...more Opening Line: "I'd heard rumors about what happened to Lauren, I mean, I never even knew her that well but we'd sort of hung out a few times in high school"

There's been a lot of buzz around Nic Sheff's bestselling memoir TWEAK and for good reason, its un-put-downable. This candid, gritty and detailed struggle with addiction is an amazing story but what entranced me most here wasn't Nic's decent into methamphetamine hell or his subsequent struggles to remain sober and find some kind of peace within himself, it's the way this story is told. Nic Sheff the author has a gift and I adored his short choppy style of writing. His ability to put into words the pain and loneliness we all at times feel even during the height of his addiction when the words purposely become vague, paranoid and crazy. I can only hope that he continues to write as I would read anything he publishes.

Tweak chronicles 642 days in Nic Sheff's life. Beginning on day 1 we bare witness to Nic relapsing after 18 months sober. Nic hadn't planned on relapsing that day, his life was working "I'd made so much progress" but without a second thought Nic picks up right up where he left off and in a matter of 32 days loses everything... again. We follow Nic during those 32 days, learning about his history, his insecurities and disappointed family. We watch Nic score and scheme (and dream) and get high and get really sick. Only quitting when he runs out of money and can no longer function. Nic's family will have nothing to do with him but he gets one more chance from his sponsor, who in a tough love way helps get Nic back on his feet...again.

Spenser brings Nic into his family, taking him to meetings and working the 12 steps. As readers we finally get to see sober Nic. Following him on his obsessively long bike rides and feeling his excitement as he begins to write and reconnect with his family. On day 278 Nic gets a call from Zelda, the love of his life and despite warnings from friends and family Nic can't stay away from her. Quickly becoming as addicted to the beautiful but toxic Zelda as he was to drugs. Within a matter of months Nic is using again, this time its heroin and crack and the fall he takes here is faster and harder than before. Almost losing an arm to infection from a dirty needle his 22 year old body soon starts to give out.

It was despairing as a reader watching this unfold. I could feel Nic's desperation and loneliness, his inability to fit in and need to be loved but I also felt myself becoming angry when he relapsed because I wanted him to succeed so much that it was hard to read, I just wanted to shake him and say what are you doing?

This is a raw and honest look at the up and down life of an addict, it's heartbreaking, ultimately uplifting and truly enjoyable. The paperback edition also contains a group reading guide and a new afterward by the author. (less)

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Jul 11, 2008 Jenn Dawn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Readers of Beautiful Boy

Shelves: non-fiction

I heard about Tweak/Beautiful Boy through the provocative NY Times book review a few months ago. The idea of having such a harrowing story told from two opposite perspectives really piqued my interest.

Tweak is nothing if not engaging. That being said, I find the writing to be sub-par, at best. After listening to a Nic Sheff podcast, I learned that Nic writes exactly how he speaks. Filled with "like, you know"'s, I found myself frequently wondering if this was the caliber of work that landed him...more

18 likes · like · see review

Apr 25, 2008 Marianne rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I tried reading this book after reading Beautiful Boy and I couldn't get through it. This guy's writing was published in Newsweek? Once you get beyond the extremely graphic quality of it, I thought it was terrible. He touts himself as an accomplished writer for his age, yet he uses "amazing" to describe things at least 3 times in the first 50 pages. Come on.

However, it was interesting to read the opposite side of this story after reading Beautiful Boy. Nick is more honest than his father about t...more

16 likes · like · see review

May 12, 2008 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

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 exam...more 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. (less)

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Apr 14, 2008 Jeremy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: All

Recommended to Jeremy by: Dennis Miller

Shelves: people-biography

This is the memoir by Nic Sheff that accompanies his father, David's, memoir. The book is an extremely honest look at addiction written by an addict, Nic Sheff.
This book is heavy emotionally. Everything from details on cooking meth to abcsessed arms the size of baseballs are included. Along the way Nic prostitutes himself, steals from strangers, and in a heart-breaking scene, takes $5 from his little brother's piggy bank.
Nic holds nothing back, and what is left on the page is something that is c...more

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May 29, 2008 Beth rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: memoirs-bios

I'm not sure what to make of this book. It felt like at times it was trying too hard (to sound cool, to be edgy, to be desparate), and at times it was not trying hard enough (Sheff alludes to his "troubled past" that is supposed to be even more messed up than his present relapses, yet never gives any real details to back it up). Ultimately, the book ends up reading like a cliche that we've read and seen and heard too many times to make it fresh anymore. And although the book is "true," there are...more

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May 11, 2008 Michelle Bouchor rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm currently reading this book and I'm not sure I'm going to finish it. I have a hard time feeling any sensitivity toward the author who is a basic train wreck. It's so incredibly obvious (after reading Beautiful Boy) that his many problems start out with his parent's divorce, his dad having an affair and his mother abandoning him to move far away. How hard could it be to figure out the kid was going to end up on drugs? I think there has to be a point when someone has to take responsibility for...more

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Jul 28, 2009 Anastacia rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wish to God that Goodreads had a category or designation for THE WORST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ, because this would definitely be in it. The schtick is a pretty good one - the drug addicted son writing his version and his father writing his own version, but the execution is just awful. The kid, Nic, is just one more selfish, entitled kid (who brand-name and name drops excessively) who goes down a wrong path and has a family to keep picking up the pieces for him, giving him chance after chance. It...more

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Aug 28, 2008 Shana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I truly enjoyed this book. I just finished it and I am excited to write this review. I had just finished Beautiful Boy, which is written by this author's father regarding and is about his son's (the author of Tweak, Nic's) battle with drug addiction prior to picking up Tweak. Both books were compelling and it was amazing to read about the same story from the son's perspective after reading about the experience from his father's perspective - a rare experience. Having read his father's book first...more

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May 13, 2008 Cassie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Being that there is drug addiction in my immediate family, my mom has been researching. She's bought videos, watched tv broadcastings, attended NAR-ANON meetings, spoken with drug&alcohol rehabilitation centers...you name it. Coincidentally two books came out recently: one based on a father's telling of dealing with his son's crystal meth addiction and the other one the son tells his story. TWEAK is the son's book and I've begun reading this one first. Within the first 20 pages it becomes ob...more

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Jul 09, 2008 Deb rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: parents of teens and teens who think they are too cool to listen to warnings about drugs

Here is the story of David Sheff's Beautiful Boy from the son’s perspective. He is not the writer that his father is, but hearing his voice, so clearly the voice of a damaged soul, and also possibly a narcissist, fills out the picture. In its own way, this book was hard to put down, despite its shortcomings. (Poor editing?) I gained a great deal of insight into the devastation of addiction. And I find that helpful in many ways. Despite all the damage he wrought and his desperate struggles to go...more

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Apr 22, 2009 Jenny rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I definitely prefer the father's book over the son's, not to say that the son's memoir isn't powerful, it just isn't enjoyable to read. First, it clearly reveals the seedy, dangerous and horrific underbelly of drug abuse and addiction in American cities.

It's hard to say if it is by design, but you begin the book expecting to feel sympathy for Nic and his drug addiction, but as you ride the roller coaster of addiction, sobriety, and relaspe with him, you begin to feel the frustration that his par...more

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Apr 25, 2009 Moira Russell rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-50-new-books-challenge

The Twit-like update box is not enough to contain my ennui and annoyance at this point(p 259). OH MY GOD. You can just tell when Zelda enters his life again everything is about to totally fall apart, and lo, it does. Story of an addict's life. But, just as the writing about drugs is sort of totally emotionless, this has a real I-was-at-a-movie-and-it-went-like-this quality now -- it's told _about,_ but the people are really hard to get a handle on, or even to see, and therefore to care about. Th...more The Twit-like update box is not enough to contain my ennui and annoyance at this point(p 259). OH MY GOD. You can just tell when Zelda enters his life again everything is about to totally fall apart, and lo, it does. Story of an addict's life. But, just as the writing about drugs is sort of totally emotionless, this has a real I-was-at-a-movie-and-it-went-like-this quality now -- it's told _about,_ but the people are really hard to get a handle on, or even to see, and therefore to care about. The detail of the starfucker who immediately plugged the names of speakers at Hollywood meetings into imdb.com to see whether or not they were big shots was amusing, tho....but it's more like a Hollwood-novel detail. "When the shots are strong enough you get this feeling like your head is just pounding with energy. Your ears ring and you almost pass out and it is just amazing." Dude. What the hell kind of druggie description is that? I get that kind of feeling when I drink too many lattes in a row. If I'm going to get dragged along through someone's drunkalog I at least want some moments of good dirty nostalgia as the price of the trip.

ETA: Best bit of the book so far, sadly on page 288: "I don't sleep for four days and nights and the fucking bugs won't leave me alone....I go into the counselors' office and demand to be taken to a hospital. A silver-haired Austrian woman with shimmering blue eyes suggests, 'Why don't you just lie down and invite the bugs in? Experience the bugs crawling on you. Become one with the bugs.'

"I tell her what I think of that idea."

I really have to wonder how this guy writes -- some other reviews mentioned hearing him speak on NPR et al, and apparently he sounds just like his writing style. It really almost reads like a transcript of someone speaking, every 'uh' and 'like' intact.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I think this is the first book I've seen to have not only an afterword to the paperback edition, but also the first post of his blog, which I guess his publisher encouraged him to set up? because the story's so obviously not over. But he recently abandoned it, so. http://nicsheff.blogspot.com/(less)

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Feb 17, 2009 Mike rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Tweak is a tragic tale of a guy trapped in his own spiraling demise. The reason for his down hill slide is him and only him. He blames the many worldly problems, his life problems, his relationship problems, but in spite of him finding God and working for a better life, he goes back to the old habits. I think more than twice he quits and relapses but I don't remember specifically. This book is best if you want to read and understand how the human mind can lie to you and take you to a place you t...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 13, 2012 Joanna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2000s, amurika, californyah, biography

I don't like Nic Sheff. But he is okay with me not liking him. In fact, throughout this entire memoir, I believe he is pracitally daring me to hate his superficial, self-absorbed, rentable ass. Showing us all his past faults is part of the theraputic nature of memoir writing, I guess, and I don't actually resent him for that. God knows he's entitled to his therapy. And actually... I don't think I resent him all that much. He knows his problems. He's very intelligent, and able to look at himself...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 05, 2008 Andria rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2008

A book in need of an editor. But maybe that is the definition of an out of control life of a teenage/young twenty drug addict, a life in need of an editor.

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Dec 28, 2008 Sarahbeth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book very quickly. I read the father's book, "A Beautiful Boy" first. Both give insight into the devestating world of addiction. I felt a lot of emotions reading both books and was very tearful at times with the dad's book because I think I could relate to him. As a parent you just want you children to be happy and whole and to watch him 'lose' his son to drug addiction is heart-breaking. I won't go into my own personal experiences with those I love and their addictions but let's jus...more

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Oct 04, 2008 Julie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography-or-memoir, young-adult, 2008, from-library

Tweak is a tale of addiction describing the experiences of Nic Sheff, who was for many years addicted to various drugs (meth and heroin to begin with, later coke and various prescription medications). This book was actually written in response to a book by David Sheff called Beautiful Boy, about the experience of dealing with his son's addiction(s) and their consequences for his family.

The first third of Tweak is a demonstration of the kind of depraved lifestyle Nic's addiction leads to—a study...more Tweak is a tale of addiction describing the experiences of Nic Sheff, who was for many years addicted to various drugs (meth and heroin to begin with, later coke and various prescription medications). This book was actually written in response to a book by David Sheff called Beautiful Boy, about the experience of dealing with his son's addiction(s) and their consequences for his family.

The first third of Tweak is a demonstration of the kind of depraved lifestyle Nic's addiction leads to—a study of how quickly an addict can move down the downward spiral to the point where he or she will do absolutely anything for drugs, or money for drugs. Stealing (even from family members), prostitution, selling more drugs... nothing is out of the question.

In this book, Nic repeatedly addresses the question of how far a person can sink before they realize they need to climb out of the hole. Sheff enters rehab multiple times, but for various reasons relapses into heavy drug use despite a few near-death occurrences and an absolutely unsustainable lifestyle.

Each time he tries to climb back to reality, Sheff reaches out to his family and close friends, but not surprisingly, after several times of hearing the same song the relationships become more and more tenuous and even family members stop believing that he will remain sober.

I have to say: at the beginning of the book, I was expecting to get more insight into Sheff's behavior and to gain an understanding of (and therefore sympathy for) his choices and lifestyle. This didn't happen. First off, I was truly shocked at just how depraved and desperate his lifestyle became each time he descended into the depths of heavy usage. Friendships and family ties meant nothing, except as a means of gaining money to fuel the drug habit.

Second, I became increasingly irritated at how many chances he had to pull himself out of the mess, or at least TRY to pull himself out, or had even GOTTEN out and chose so easily to return... I really do think that he behaved in an entirely self-centered, self-destructive way, completely refusing to open his eyes to the truths around him. I guess that's the point, really—that the drugs were a side effect of depressing truths in his life that he was too afraid to acknowledge. Still, I completely understand how after the first few times of listening to him go on about how his life had changed, etc., they would stop believing that he would stay sober. I'm not sure I even believe it now.

I guess that I am glad I read Tweak, if only to open my eyes a bit to just how bad an addiction can be, how strongly deep-seated insecurities and unresolved issues can affect the addition, and how difficult it is to bring oneself out of the cycle; but overall, it frustrated me too much for me to really enjoy it.(less)

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Oct 19, 2008 Marianne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Marianne by: Heather

For some reaon, I love books about addiction. I think that if I were still pursuing a career in social work that that's where I would be.

Meth is something that is so prevalent in our society, but a drug that I know very little about. This book taught me a lot about how it feels to take Meth and how it has become so common among kids and other users. Having read Beautiful Boy first, I sort of knew the outcome of Nic's story so the element of surprise was gone but it did not in any way take away f...more For some reaon, I love books about addiction. I think that if I were still pursuing a career in social work that that's where I would be.

Meth is something that is so prevalent in our society, but a drug that I know very little about. This book taught me a lot about how it feels to take Meth and how it has become so common among kids and other users. Having read Beautiful Boy first, I sort of knew the outcome of Nic's story so the element of surprise was gone but it did not in any way take away from this book. I was also afraid that the books would be written paralell to each other (his dads view/Nics view of the same event) but that was not the case. In fact, I dont think Nics father was really truly aware of the extent of Nics usage.

The story is haunting and very blunt. He does not mince words and tells everything like it is. There were a few parts that were difficult for me to read, mainly the abcess in his arm and how it felt to get cotton in the needle and then up his arm to his brain. I also could not believe the amount or the variety of the drugs he used. He did not discrimante. If it was available, he tried it.

I knew right away that his relationshp with Zelda was a bad idea and I was so glad when i read that his therapist had picked up on his relationship with Zelda being a reflection of his relationship with his Mom. I sort of picked up on that right away. I also felt that in the beginning of their relationship, when he was still sober, he basically traded one drug for another. The other being her.

I also wonder what finally makes an addict decide to open up and work the program. Nic had been to many rehab centres, had a solid long term sponsor and still wasn't ready to commit to sobriety until it was rehab or jail. Is it a combination of personality's or does it just take that one speical therapist to get to Nics core and help him with the true issues. I loved reading about the different therapies offered at his final rehab, especially the ones that focused on breathing and getting in touch with the physical side of emotions through Somatic Experiencing. What I also found very interesting was the abscence of any mention of the 12 steps in his rehab.
(less)

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Jul 26, 2008 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone

Recommended to Heather by: Danny & Justin

This book gives us an honest and transparent account of life as an addict. It's hard to imagine what an average day is like for a drug addict, but this book illustrates that for us, including some of the worst days as well. The insight provided on the thoughts in an addict's mind, and how an addict views life and circumstances, is enlightening and intriguing. I believe it will evoke many different emotions for each different reader, as it's a very 'personal' book to read. After 'hearing' what wa...more

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Apr 22, 2008 Melissa Scholling rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who doesn't mind a good cry :)

Recommended to Melissa by: a friend

So this book is written by the son from the book "Beautiful Boy". Some people who know me and know that I have read both of these books now think I might be torturing myself... However I found this book to be helpful in understanding why people make mistakes. I'll admit it was extremely emotional for me, a roller coaster really, complete with tears, breathlessness, and fright! It's amazing to see how drugs can change a person, how their lives can be overtaken in such a powerful way. It's scary t...more

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Jun 11, 2008 Joanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read "Beautiful Boy" first and was so moved by the father's story that when I found out the son had written his version of the events, I couldn't wait to read it. Nic has a totally different style of writing, which is in keeping with his age. It is rare that you get to read two memoirs about the same events told from different perspectives. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is graphic and dark, but painfully honest. I am haunted by Nic's story.
I read some of the other reviews and I...more

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Dec 09, 2008 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-5-star-books

Incredible story from the view of the addict, at times this was very difficult to read.....I hope this young man can stay clean.....Read this first & then I read the father's book , Beautiful Boy.

Not sure what makes one person become an addict & another a casual user & someone else have no interest at all. While I read this I got a feeling that there was a lot of impulsiveness from Nic & from his dad. There seemed to be no or very little boundaries with Nic when he was young &...more

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Apr 27, 2008 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I actually picked up this book after reading a review of "Beautiful Boy," written by this author's father. Both are about this young man's methamphetamine addiction. I wanted to read them because meth is huge here, and a big part of so many of the crimes we cover. There are a lot of nitpicky things that bugged me - this kid had a pretty pampered life, and blames a lot of problems on his parents. He brags that his dad took him to parties and he hung out with adults, then said that robbed him of a...more

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Jun 25, 2008 Anina Ertel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

In my neverending pursuit to read other random things and never get through Hunger Games (it's good but depressing!) so I can give it back to Elissa, I read this.

I love to read about methheads. I don't find it depressing, which probably means I am a bad person. When I worked for Medicaid in upstate NY they made us take a class about meth because it is a big problem there. And I am just really into teeth, so I got really into learning about meth-teeth. My interest was peaked and now anything abou...more

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Jul 01, 2008 Amy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bookclub

Overall, it was just an..."eh, so what" feeling about the book. I wasn't incredibly impressed with Nic or his writing. While it was very difficult to read and he bared a lot, he mostly came off as whiny and self-absorbed. It could be that we are dulled by movies and the plethora of personal grief stories about the impact of drugs and how they suck the soul from people. Specifically: Spun, Trainspotting, Go Ask Alice, Girl Interrupted and even A Million Little Pieces, although it was fake.

I am l...more

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Dec 01, 2008 Neets rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reading Nic Sheff's tale of addiction and recovery really gave me an insight into an addict's mind. It was fascinating to see how much of daily life was focused on getting high. If he wasn't t actively getting high, the rest of his time was spent planning how to get high. Sort of shows you how most people cannot be "functional" addicts -- if they were physically able to put the same amount of effort into work, hobbies or any other interests, they'd be the most productive people on earth!!

Very i...more

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Jun 19, 2008 Melissy Falcon rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Honestly after reading Beautiful Boy this book was a let down. I felt our writer was one of the most selfish, self-inflated narrative voices I have read in a long time. By the end of the book I hated the kid--and found that he glamorized and legitimized his meth addiction. I am curious if this book was only published thanks to Nic's father's connections. A cliched story of an addict who really is too concerned with his California land of plastic existence. Barf. I am sure the movie starring so g...more

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Jun 15, 2008 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: memoir lovers

Shelves: 16-18, memoir, drugs-and-alcohol

I love the way that Nic Sheff portrays himself in the most unflattering way possible. And that you can (somehow) continue to root for him. I'd like to read Beautiful Boy now because I had NO sympathy for David Sheff by the time I got to the end of the book.
Maybe it's because I know too many people who are like Nic, it was so accurate at times I was picturing my friend. (who luckily got out of it too)
The book does get a little long and repetitive at times, but the end is so satisfying, and I thin...more

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Mar 17, 2009 Cheyenne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone.

Recommended to Cheyenne by: a friend.

I don't mean to put down other people's opinions but you all are being incredibly harsh. This is Nic's true story, of growing up on Meth, and unless you have also overcome such a drug, it's not your place to call him a horrible, pathetic person. And to say that throughout some of the book, he's putting the blame on other people is wrong and you've obviously misunderstood. He looked up to his father a great deal. I remember him writing about how him and his father used to go on walks together and...more

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About Nic Sheff

Due to his parents' divorce, at age 4, Sheff spent much of his childhood bouncing back and forth between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. He began using alcohol and drugs early on, even before his teen years. By high school he was a regular user of ecstasy and cocaine. Living on the street much of the time, Sheff became involved in various destructive behaviors such as selling drugs and...more

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Quotes from Tweak: Growing Up On M...

“It's like if the music is loud enough I won't be able to listen to my own thoughts. ” — 112 people liked it

“And though I have done many shameful things, I am not ashamed of who I am. I am not ashamed of who I am because I know who I am. I have tried to rip myself open and expose everything inside - accepting my weaknesses and strengths - not trying to be anyone else. 'Cause that never works, does it?

So my challenge is to be authentic. An I believe I am today. I believe I am.” — 89 people liked it

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title link	preview: Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6095862-tweak?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347689140l/6095862.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6095862-tweak?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff[/url]

Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines

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