5) 3 Truths

1) People are solely responsible for their own actions.

Throughout the book, James insists that he is responsible for his problems and that he is the only one that can fix them. Even when told to rely on a higher power, and put some of the responsibility into a higher power, he insists that it is his responsibility and not that of a deity to save him.

2) Good parents will always love their children.

When James’ parents come to participate in the family program at the rehab centre, James has to sit down with them and admit everything he has done. He tells them about how he managed to hide his drug use from them for so many years. He tells them about the crimes he has committed and the fact that he might face substantial Jail time. This sort of thing would be very difficult to hear from one’s own child but James’ parents support him. They are upset to hear all the things he has done, but they still love him and want what is best for him.

3) People have incredible strength when fighting for loved ones.

When Lilly runs away, James goes after her. He finds out that she has gone to a drug house down the street and decides to go in to rescue her. For a recovering addict, the presence of the drugs is almost unbearable. James wants more than anything to sit down and join the addicts in the house, but knows that he would then be giving up on Lilly. He fights the urges and manages to get Lilly out of the house. Later, Lincoln comments on how brave and strong James had been. He said that for a recovering addict, being in the presence of drugs and not using them takes an incredible strength that most people don’t have.