Beautiful Things

A Memoir

By: Hunter Biden

Narrated by: Hunter Biden

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

“I come from a family forged by tragedies and bound by a remarkable, unbreakable love”, Hunter Biden writes in this deeply moving memoir of addiction, loss, and survival.

When he was two years old, Hunter Biden was badly injured in a car accident that killed his mother and baby sister. In 2015, he suffered the devastating loss of his beloved big brother, Beau, who died of brain cancer at the age of 46. These hardships were compounded by the collapse of his marriage and a years-long battle with drug and alcohol addiction. 

In Beautiful Things, Hunter recounts his descent into substance abuse and his tortuous path to sobriety. The story ends with where Hunter is today - a sober married man with a new baby, finally able to appreciate the beautiful things in life.

©2021 Hunter Biden. Photograph courtesy of Joe Biden. All rights reserved. (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

So painfully raw it was almost hard to listen to

I wasn't expecting Hunter Biden to be so open at just how ugly his addiction was. Not a very flattering picture many times, (he didn't try to make excuses at all). Good job on narration as well, not all authors are good narrators (and I mention this because bad narration can ruin the story).

Lots of negative reviews on Amazon from people who haven't read the book and just want to spout their political opinions. I found the book almost uncomfortably raw at times. The love and support Hunter had from his family was touching, yet it wasn't enough to help him overcome.

Also a real eye opener to just how addicting crack cocaine can be. Helped me to understand why some remain addicted even when it's costing them everything dear to them.

Recovery is a journey, not a destination

It took a lot of courage for the author to share his journey. Anyone in recovery knows we all find our recovery in different ways and at different times. It is almost impossible to pin down why it happens: genetics, life trauma, etc. All that matters is that for about 1 person in 10 it DOES happen. Once the monkey is on a person's back it's difficult to dislodge. The "drunk-a-log" or "drug-a-log" is one often heard in rehab centers and 12-step meetings. I'm a bit amazed he survived his addiction because of the extreme depths to which it took him. However, his sharing of experience, strength, and hope is what turns this into a beacon instead of a downer.

It was also nice to take a look into a loving, supportive family. Far too many people who struggle with addiction are utterly abandoned by their families. That part was meaningful. That alone is a benefit to families who have members who struggle with addiction. It's fine to "hate the addiction", but separate the problem from the person.

Worth the read.

Wishing the author many years of recovery and a brilliant future.

All around winner

I smiled and cried throughout and listened in one day. I bought the book out of idle curiosity expecting to have all
of the salacious tabloid gossip debunked. Instead I listened to a heartfelt story of love and redemption. The Biden story is heartbreaking but the love this family has for each other has allowed them to overcome tragedy and celebrate life.

It could have been better. He left out a lot.

It was an ok book. He left out the parts where he cheated with his dead brothers wife or that his niece claimed he had sex with her and was abusing her sexually and got a stripper pregnant. Tell it all Bro! stop holding back. His dad is a good man, his brother was a good man, he is not.

Beautifully honest

What a deeply, brutal honest book. This book was really good. Keep in mind bad reviews are most likely based on a dislike of Joe Biden and politics - not the actual book. Really a great book and great audio version

RAW AND EMOTIONAL

The love that exists in the Biden family is totally unconditional-the truth sets us all free!
All Americans (Republicans and Democrats) have family, friends and neighbors who possess these demons- President Biden and his immediate family have shown us that love, devotion and faith can help us overcome our adversities- let’s pray that Hunter and his family defy the odds- Amen!

Beautiful, Raw, Heart-wrenching

The amount of love in that family is amazing. As someone in recovery some of this was so hard to hear, but I'm glad I continued. It's astounding Hunter is still around, there must be a greater purpose for him, and this book is a start. I hope it reaches people who need to hear it. I wish Hunter all the best. He deserves it, and given the beautiful letter to Beau in the epilogue, it seems he may finally believe it himself.

Raw

Hunter Biden pulls no punches. I wish him and his family nothing but the very best life full of beautiful things.

Revealing, raw, exceptionally well written

I listened to this book in one day. Not a book about politics, or hate, but a story that highlights the power of love and perseverance. Hunter is brutally honest as he walks you through his painful struggles, without being the victim . The haters either didn't listen to the book, or have a personal, political agenda. I recommend this book.

Loved it

This was such a great book! Made me cry a few times. I hope Hunter remains on this journey.