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This wave represents one of the messages displayed in the novel being that there is only so much that you can control. Once you realize that, it is easier to ride the wave and go with the flow.

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This represents Nic and David's emotional journey since there were a lot of ups and downs throughout the novel, as well as some rocky times.

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Nic was questioning why his father still cared about him and why he needed to enter another program. His father then explained, "'Last week when I knew that you could die at any moment, I couldn't bear it. I live with the knowledge that you could black out or overdoes or go psychotic or do some irrevocable damage or die - it could happen anytime'" (Sheff 290). This event impacted the writer since he was terrified for Nic's life the most during this moment in the novel. The fact that David was willing to help Nic even after everything Nic put him through, gave Nic hope. He realized that his father still cared that he was safe. Although David was hopeful that this would be the turning point for Nic, he knew that he could not get his hopes up too much. Nic claims he will do whatever it takes for his life to go back to normal which also gives the author hope that he is going to follow through with that want. This moment impacted both the author and Nic because David was willing to stand by Nic during this time which made Nic feel cared about, and gave him motivation to get better.

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Sheff has used King's advice in order to enhance his writing. An example of this is incorporating research to make the writing more informative. This is shown when a specialist explains to David, "'Considering the level of maturity of young adolescents, the availability of drugs, and the age at which drugs are first used, it is not surprising that a substantial number of them develop serious drug problems,' writes Robert Schwebel, Ph.D., in Saying No Is Not Enough" (Sheff 98). This is important because it gives the reader background information on the topic. It helps the reader to understand the situation better especially since it is from a reliable source. By adding research to the story, it not only teaches the reader more, but it makes it more interesting. To conclude, the author used King's advice by adding research to his writing to make it informational and easier for the reader to understand what is going on.

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The author has used King's advice about writing memoirs in different ways; one of them being symbolism. Throughout the novel, Nic's eyes were mentioned a lot because they showed whether Nic was high or not. This is shown when David has a talk to Nic. He says, "He eyes me warily. 'About?' 'I know you're using again. I can tell.' He glares at me. 'What are you talking about? I'm not.' His eyes back on the floor" (Sheff 8). This is important to notice because whenever Nic's eyes are mentioned throughout the novel, they tie to him using or being high. This author did this in order to give more depth to the meaning behind Nic's glances. The author could tell what was going on with Nic based on his eyes. This relates to the advice King gave since his eyes are symbolic of Nic's addiction.

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An example of a beautifully written passage is, "Grief fills the room up of my empty child,/ Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,/ Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words,/ Remembers me of all his gracious parts,/ Stuffs out his vacant garments with his form;/ Then have I reason to be fond of grief" (Sheff 272). This is implying that grief fills up the emptiness. Even though Nic is very absent within their lives, the grief fills up his space therefore it is not just nothing. This also implies that it gives one a reason to like grief. It is better than nothing. This writing is beautiful because it puts grief into a different perspective that one would normally not imagine it to be.

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An example of a piece of beautiful advice mentioned in this novel is when the family is watching a Harry Potter movie. Dumbledore says to Harry, "'Numbing the pain for awhile will make it worse when you finally feel it'" (Sheff 251). This is considered beautiful writing because sometimes it is important to just feel the pain in order to process and move on. The author is slowly realizing this throughout the novel. He now knows that in order to not feel the pain he must face it. This is why he would attend those meetings and even encouraged Jasper to. To conclude, this sentence stood out because I think that it could apply to multiple situations and is a helpful piece of advice.

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An important message displayed throughout this book is to appreciate the things and people around you. This is shown when David is thinking about his purpose as a parent. He realizes that he cannot save his children forever, but he can try and help them find their way throughout life. He states, "I can try to protect my children, to help and guide them, and I can love them, but I cannot save them. Nic, Jasper and Daisy will live, and someday they will die, with or without me" (Sheff 255). This shows how David is thinking about his role as their parent. He is mentioning how it is his job to guide them but he cannot save them. This implies that he must cherish moments with them since Nic has proven to him that they are not always guaranteed. David has learned to appreciate the moments he does get to spend with his children and attempting to guide them in the right directions.

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Even though Nic and David's relationship can be a bit rocky during some parts of the novel, it is truly an important factor. Nic was David's first son and has been through a lot with him right by his side. When David was in bad condition, Nic was there for him as stated, "'Hey, Pop.' 'Hey, Nic.' 'So good to see you.' 'You too.' I sleep for long chunks of every day, but Nic sits with me and holds my hand" (Sheff 247). Even though Nic has been absent recently, the times that he is there significantly impact the author and his family. Later in the novel, the author mentions how he misses their humorous conversations or the dynamic of their relationship. When Nic is present not only in his own life but also David's, he radiates an energy that no one else can. There will always be a spot in David's heart for the old Nic. The old Nic was always there for him when he needed to be.

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A theme proven throughout this novel is that there is only so much that you can control. Although the author continually worries about his son, he soon realizes that there is nothing more he can do about it than what he has already done. He realizes this when he was talking to Nic who at the time has seemed to turn his life around. He stated, "He says that his rides with Randy enliven and sustain him. 'The high is so so so much better than drugs ever were,' he says, 'It is the high of a full life. Riding, I feel it all.' Yes I am optimistic. Do I stop worrying? No" (Sheff 238). This news makes the author happy for Nic, but does not eliminate the worrying. Although he is concerned, David knows that he has done everything that he can for Nic. There is nothing else him or Karen can do, it is all up to Nic. There is only so much you can control.

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A moment that was emotionally devastating in the novel was when David was sent to the hospital and could not recall any basic information. They did not know what was going on and if he would recover. He failed to remember any important details of his life during this time and stated, "The broken suitcase, my brain. Filled with everything I am. I cannot remember my name and I do not know where I am and I cannot remember his telephone number, the digits have spilled from the suitcase with the noise and mess of an overturned bucket of Legos or Nic's collection of tiny seashells from China Beach when he was - was he four? They have spilled out because the lock has broken" (Sheff 243). This was a frightful moment in the novel of which the author depended on Karen to take care of the children. Although he could not even remember his own name, Dave kept asking to call his son Nic. The writer realizes how precious life is and to be grateful for everything, even if life seems as if it is not going how one would expect it to.

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The relationship between David and Karen was crucial throughout this novel. When Karen saw David especially struggling, she managed to reel him in and keep things as good as they could be for the other two children. The author realized this the most when unexpected events occurred and Karen was always there for him. When David's unknown medical emergency occurred, Karen was there to keep him and the kids on track as said, "And mostly I feel better when Karen is here... She rests with me and she reads to me and I fall asleep. She is juggling the kids, everyone else, everything, our lives but I want her with me, need her with me. When she is here, everything else falls away - worry, fear" (Sheff 244). This is important to notice because without the help of Karen, David and the children would not be where they are. She takes care of David and makes sure that he does not have anything to worry about during this time. Even when Nic relapses, she is there to calm David down and help sort out the issue.

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Many beautiful pieces of advice are mentioned during this novel, but one that stood out reads, "'It ain't why, why, why. It just is'"(Sheff 179). This stood out because it is an important lesson that the author learned during this whole experience. Sometimes you are not able to change the way something or someone is and you have to learn to accept it. During the novel, the author realizes this and that he can only do so much in hopes to change Nic's lifestyle. It is important to realize that you shouldn't question the way things are but rather just learn to accept and adapt. This is crucial in helping David move on with his life and to keep everything going as it once did. Once he realized there was only so much he could do, he was able to put more of his focus into other aspects of his life.

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A common strategy found within Sheff's writing is imagery. Sheff describes things to the reader, creating a picture in their mind. This is shown when Nic and his father were driving to rehab. His father describes, "I drive the old Volvo, faded blue and rusty from the salt air of the coast and dented from Nic's misadventures. It smells of his cigarettes. It is the car he had taken. Nic flops like a rag doll, pressed as close to his door, far away from me, as possible" (Sheff 125). Rather than stating how Nic is feeling, the author chooses to describe their surroundings to paint the picture of the situation. By saying that the car is old and dented, reeked of cigarettes' and by describing Nic's body language, it shows the reader that Nic does not want to attempt to switch his lifestyle.

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Relationships play an important role in this novel due to Nic being an addict. Forming close bonds and relationships with people helped the writer heal and recover from all of the trouble Nic has put him through. This could apply to the other folks who attended the meetings, as well as his other own two kids. Having a good relationship with his two younger kids helped David keep his life moving and on track. The kids were always busy as stated, "The kids race through the house, collecting homework and cleats, stuffing them into their backpacks. Karen takes on Daisy's tangled braids, and then heads out to drive them to school. When they're gone, I am left to fall apart. Again"(Sheff 214). This is important to notice because without the distraction of the other two kids, the author would be left alone with his thoughts. Having a relationship with the children and having to take care of them, helps David get his mind off of Nic and focus on them. Overall, this relationship is important because if it weren't for the kids, David would not feel as pressured to keep his life on track and they help to prevent him from completely falling apart.

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Throughout the novel "Beautiful Boy," by David Sheff, the protagonist Nic struggles with addiction. His father writes about their journey of their efforts in trying to turn Nic's life around. The main obstacle that is stopping Nic from changing his life for the better is himself. Even though they are going through the countless efforts of trying to put this lifestyle to an end, it is a struggle for Nic to maintain these new habits. Although he seems like he is headed down the right path at times, the disease aspect of addiction kicks in causing Nic to ruin his progress and start all over again. This is shown when Nic's father received a phone call early on a Sunday morning, "Nic is in a hospital emergency room after an overdose. 'He is in critical condition and on life support'" (Sheff 200). Nic's dad was not surprised to receive this phone call. Nic has been to different rehab programs in order to try and get his life back on track. This set them back since Nic has now lost hope. He could not stand being in the hospital any longer and checked himself out. Nic now realizes how terrible the situation has turned out to be and begs his father to enroll him in another rehab program. They work to overcome this obstacle by trying again and giving Nic another chance at staying clean and avoiding the old habits.

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The most emotional devastating moment in the story is Nic's struggle to remain sober. Moments when Nic felt motivated and was working to have a good future for himself gave the author hope. During certain points of the novel, Nic was staying on top of his sobriety and maintaining it. He attended many AA meetings and at one point was even attending college. This gave the author joy and brought hope because it seemed as if Nic wanted to change his life for the better and overcome the addiction. David started to lose hope when he arrived home and realized things were all out of sorts when he says, "Slowly I realize that Nic is gone, and he has robbed the house of cash, food, and a case of wine... I am in panic"(Sheff 93). This is an example of when the writer was most frightened. This is because Nic had stolen things out of the house and his father had no idea where he went. He was worried Nic was going to fall back into his bad habits again. Events like these greatly impacted Nic's family. It caused his father to become stressed and restless. He was constantly worrying where his son was and if he was safe or not. Since David was constantly worrying, his relationship with Karen and his two other kids were not top priority and the whole situation was putting stress on the entire family.