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Burroughs' book is remarkably funny. But, given his upbringing, it could almost only be funny. A life story such as the one told in "Running With Scissors" will either be hilarious or tragic, and Burroughs chose hilarity. That's to his credit - the story is too ludicrous to be believed as a tragedy. Burroughs' writing is compared to David Sedaris', but their accomplishments are not the same. Sedaris is probably the better writer, because his family is so apparently normal. Burroughs' "family" are anything but. You don't have to search very hard to find the humor inherent in the situation.
That said, the narrative voice is entertaining. Burroughs manages to keep the reader compelled and interested in his faintly repulsive cast of characters. He even manages to make them sympathetic human beings most of the time. All in all, an imperfect book, but one still worth the money.
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Running with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs
Madeline, October 15, 2006
Burroughs' book is remarkably funny. But, given his upbringing, it could almost only be funny. A life story such as the one told in "Running With Scissors" will either be hilarious or tragic, and Burroughs chose hilarity. That's to his credit - the story is too ludicrous to be believed as a tragedy. Burroughs' writing is compared to David Sedaris', but their accomplishments are not the same. Sedaris is probably the better writer, because his family is so apparently normal. Burroughs' "family" are anything but. You don't have to search very hard to find the humor inherent in the situation.That said, the narrative voice is entertaining. Burroughs manages to keep the reader compelled and interested in his faintly repulsive cast of characters. He even manages to make them sympathetic human beings most of the time. All in all, an imperfect book, but one still worth the money.
(25 of 52 readers found this comment helpful)