tobyyy's review against another edition
3.0
I don't have a ton to say about Tweak, except that if you read it... prepare for an incredibly real story of addiction and relapse. It is heartbreaking in parts, but really brings the reader into the intensity of the life of an addict. To me, this book is not just about meth addiction. Nic's substance abuse parallels how it feels to have an eating disorders (which is technically an addiction, even if it is an ED that involves restricting) and also how it feels to be a self injurer (which is also an addiction). I could relate on so many levels... but in another sense, it taught me a lot about what addiction to drugs is like from the addict's perspective. That is so different from anything I myself have experienced, and will most likely help me in work in the D&A field.
denise42's review against another edition
4.0
Sheff is a talented writer and the book could be eye opening for the young adult audience it was intended for, though as a middle age adult I connected more with his dads version of the story, Beautiful Boy. The story is frustrating on many levels- you just want to shake Nic sometimes and scream “stop using! Drop that girl!”
But nonetheless it is a painfully authentic portrait of why it is so hard for ale one to stop using. Until he was able to admit he has mental health issues that needed constant treatment (bipolar), that he needed affiliation ( with fame, hence Zelda), and that he just hated himself, he just couldn’t face life.
You will root for Nic, get frustrated with him, feel pain with him. He takes you deep into the mind of an addict that is frightening sometimes in its intensity. You will leave re book hoping he stays sober.
But nonetheless it is a painfully authentic portrait of why it is so hard for ale one to stop using. Until he was able to admit he has mental health issues that needed constant treatment (bipolar), that he needed affiliation ( with fame, hence Zelda), and that he just hated himself, he just couldn’t face life.
You will root for Nic, get frustrated with him, feel pain with him. He takes you deep into the mind of an addict that is frightening sometimes in its intensity. You will leave re book hoping he stays sober.
drakean8's review against another edition
4.0
I was hoping for some more resolution at the end of the book, I wanted to know how long he'd been sober when he wrote the book, I wanted to know how his break-up with Zelda went, and how his relationship with his parents was now. Other than that, I thought it was well written. I love the description and his honesty. I'm also curious how his arm healed, he mentioned that it was closing up, but never said if/when it fully healed. I guess I feel like the book ended too soon or that his epilogue should have been more complete.
odettebibliopile's review against another edition
5.0
I actually want to give this book a 3, but I feel bad because the reason i didn’t like it was due to a lack of anticipation but i already read the dads version so where was that meant to come from? love nic
cleo_j's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, and Drug abuse
chloeeereads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
ju1iagrace's review against another edition
4.0
read this for school. definitely really difficult to read but so worth it
alexpelican's review against another edition
4.0
i understand why people have problems with this book but imo it accurately characterizes addition. not very literary or the most well written but is powerful in story all the same