David Sheff's book, "Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction," explores the profound challenges faced by families dealing with addiction. In this poignant narrative, Sheff examines the struggles and heartbreak of his son's journey through drug addiction, shedding light on the complexities of parental love and the difficulties of coping with a loved one's choices.

Anne Lamott's reflection on Jesus at seventeen highlights the universal uncertainty and rebellion that often characterize adolescence. She humorously suggests that the absence of biblical accounts regarding this phase implies that it was fraught with difficulties, much like the experiences Sheff recounts in his own family. Together, they provide insight into the struggles of youth and the enduring nature of parental concern.