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1. Describe the setting depicted in the introduction.

The introduction of Beautiful Boy is focused on the occasion of Nic's welcome-home party. He has been away at college and has just completed his freshman year, albeit late, since he had previously dropped out of Berkeley in his true freshman year. Nic has two much-younger siblings and a stepmother, none of whom he has seen in the last six months.

2. How do the themes of secrecy and deception emerge within the memoir's introduction?

The themes of secrecy and deception emerge within the introduction when David first reveals to the reader that by his count, Nic has been clean from amphetamines for 150 days upon his return from college. However, he soon discovers that Nic has relapsed and is, in fact, in the thick of his addiction once again.

3. Discuss Sheff's purpose for providing statistics about methamphetamine use in the introduction.

On page 10 of the introduction, David Sheff states that at least 12 million people in the United States have tried meth, "and it is estimated that more than one and a half million are addicted to it. Worldwide, there are more than 35 million users; it is the most abused hard drug, more than heroin and cocaine combined” (10). Sheff introduces these statistics in order to widen the scope of his own projected purpose. By showing the reader how prevalent the problem is, Sheff can increase the power of his very personal story.

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