Customer Comments

I find it disgusting that this book is even available at Powells! I am all for freedom of speech but when that freedom provides materials that give a step by step guide on how to manage, train and inevitably kill pit bulls then this material should be banned. Do we really need to give a step by step guide to the sick individuals in our society who choose to abuse pit bulls in dog fights throughout this country?

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.