friendofdorothea's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I appreciated Nic sharing his own personal experiences with addiction in the book. Those were some of the moments I appreciated the most.
I enjoyed parts of this book, but I didn’t like how much negativity there was based on weed. Weed is addictive psychologically but not physically and it should have been stressed that weed has helped a TON of people in pain. Plus, alternative medications for pain that has been prescribed are a lot more dangerous.
I enjoyed parts of this book, but I didn’t like how much negativity there was based on weed. Weed is addictive psychologically but not physically and it should have been stressed that weed has helped a TON of people in pain. Plus, alternative medications for pain that has been prescribed are a lot more dangerous.
It was also stated that weed is a gateway drug which is a myth and that weed is as addictive as other drugs which is just a blatant lie. It does happen with many people who are struggling and using drugs to replace therapy, but it’s not a gateway drug otherwise. If you’re over 25, not driving and smoking, or have a medical card, weed is very safe; safer than even alcohol or caffeine. I feel like a lot of this book was reinventing the DARE program which worked for almost no one.
The book was very preachy, and seemed like the audience for this book is kids/adolescents/young adults but I think the authors were way too preachy for that audience base. Lots of cautionary tales that I don’t think a majority of kids will be listening to.
Also I think in a lot of moments the way some drugs were talked about in the book would make people more curious about using.
I think this book is educational in a lot of ways (minus the weed thing because I think talking about weed in that way is somewhat irresponsible) but I think the audience should probably be parents or counselors or something that would learn about these facts to help the kids they have around them.
Additionally, not sure why they kept separating bipolar disorder and depression. Depression is a part of bipolar disorder so that was a little redundant
Additionally, not sure why they kept separating bipolar disorder and depression. Depression is a part of bipolar disorder so that was a little redundant
Also thirteen reasons why was a suggested book in the resource section for suicide???? That is a terrible choice and not going to help kids struggling with suicidal thoughts
I give it a 3/5 because I did learn a lot and there were parts I appreciated. Although I think some things could have been executed a lot better.
avery31415's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Addiction
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
hannahleanne's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a huge fan of both David and Nic Sheff’s writing. I can tell they are really educated on the topic of addiction - both through experience and through research. As someone who works at a detox facility & in with those suffering from addiction, I found this really quick-paced and easy to comprehend. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because it was intended for a younger audience. I do believe that many people will be able to understand the basics of drugs and addiction after reading this though! My favorite thing about this book was reading Nic’s reflections on his addiction and recovery process.
bethmitcham's review
3.0
This is an earnest and sincere story by a man and his father who have seen the worst of what drugs can do, and want to help others avoid the pain they went through as Nic wandered high through junior high and high school and then sunk into deeper addictions that left him crazed and desperate. I'm not sure who the audience is, though. Kids thinking about experimenting might find it too lectury -- I know I tuned out all the lectures from former addicts in school. There is a lot of talk about how much drugs will screw you up and how no one expects to become an addict, but I'd prefer a more direct look at why drugs are so appealing. Yes, some are like Nic and almost instantly become addicts, but it's a slower pace for most so maybe acknowledge why many casual users are willing to risk things. Otherwise it is just more lectures (truthful! honest! but lectures) from people on the other side.
sarahwarr's review
4.0
Very informative! A great use of personal stories, I felt very connected with the people whom shared their lives.
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