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About This Book
ISBN13: 9780312422271 |
Powells.com Staff Pick
"Burroughs has a way of writing reminiscent of David Sedaris. His mock-naivete is a little shocking, a little naughty. He confesses to things that most people just don't admit to in polite conversation. But the twinkle in the eye is there, the nudge in the side encouraging you to "c'mon, admit it ? you thought it was funny." Also, like Sedaris, Burroughs makes laugh-out-loud fun of his family, his own quirks, and his experiences growing up. Yet Burroughs's family life is pretty damn extraordinary ? his account of his teenage years tends to have you clutching your stomach with laughter, while covering your mouth in horror and utter disbelief." Georgie Lewis, Powells.com (read the entire Powells.com review)
Synopses & Reviews
Publisher Comments:
Gratitude doesn’t begin to describe it: Jennifer Enderlin, Christopher Schelling, John Murphy, Gregg Sullivan, Kim Cardascia, Michael Storrings, and everyone at St. Martin’s Press. Thank you: Lawrence David, Suzanne Finnamore, Robert Rodi, Bret Easton Ellis, Jon Pepoon, Lee Lodes, Jeff Soares, Kevin Weidenbacher, Lynda Pearson, Lona Walburn, Lori Greenburg, John DePretis, and Sheila Cobb. I would also like to express my appreciation to my mother and father for, no matter how inadvertently, giving me such a memorable childhood. Additionally, I would like to thank the real-life members of the family portrayed in this book for taking me into their home and accepting me as one of their own. I recognize that their memories of the events described in this book are different than my own. They are each fine, decent, and hard-working people. The book was not intended to hurt the family. Both my publisher and I regret any unintentional harm resulting from the publishing and marketing of Running with Scissors. Most of all, I would like to thank my brother for demonstrating, by example, the importance of being wholly unique.
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Synopsis:
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About the Author
Possible Side Effects Augusten's newest collection, is now available in hardcover from St. Martin's Press.
What Our Readers Are Saying
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Average customer rating based on 6 comments:
-
Madeline, October 15, 2006 (view all comments by Madeline)
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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Tracy, October 1, 2006 (view all comments by Tracy)
I could not put this book down. Augusten Burroughs tells the true story of his disfunctional childhood in a way that makes you feel that you are right there next to him. It is fortunate that they are making this into a movie (for those who don't read). But if you are on this website, you obviously DO read, so don't miss out on this book!
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Faith, September 27, 2006 (view all comments by Faith)
I love this man. I love his writing style and that he has the ability to draw the reader into his, at times, crazy world. I was initially full of contempt for Augusten's self absorbed mother who I felt never deserved to be a part of his world. But I soon came to see that this was through no fault of her own as her illness dictated many of her actions and the ill conceived decisions she would make concerning Augusten.
As you will learn - if you read this book - Augusten would spend most of his life in the Finch family, who believe it or not, end up making Augusten's life with his mentally ill mother and alcoholic father appear normal.
There a couple of times throughout the book that I felt there was way too much disclosure - you will know what I am referring to as you read the book - but on the other hand I also felt this just made the acts that often involved the 13yr old Augusten more disturbing.
Now don't get me wrong 'Running with Scissors' is definitely about more than dysfunctional families - well actually that is not true. But you would not believe just how hilarious living with dysfunction can at times be. I recall a few occasions where I could not read another word due to the tears of laughter streaming down my face.
While reading this book I often found myself shaking my head and wondering why no one intervened in this boy's life - no one who was semi normal - but it also forces me to respect this boy who managed to become a successful advertising executive; a recovering alcoholic; and a best selling writer. Sometimes good things do come from seemingly bad situations, and for those who wait - or go out and take hold of it.
View all 6 comments
Product Details
- ISBN:
- 9780312422271
- Author:
- Publisher:
- Picador USA
- Author:
- Location:
- New York
- Subject:
- General
- Subject:
- Literary
- Subject:
- Social life and customs
- Subject:
- Novelists, American
- Subject:
- Childhood Memoir
- Subject:
- Amherst
- Subject:
- Personal Memoirs
- Subject:
- General Biography
- Copyright:
- 2003
- Edition Number:
- 1st Picador ed.
- Series Volume:
- TR-03-5
- Publication Date:
- May 2003
- Binding:
- Paperback
- Language:
- English
- Pages:
- 320
- Dimensions:
- 8.28x5.62x.85 in. .68 lbs.
