Running with Scissors: a Memoir

What Our Readers Are Saying

Share your thoughts on this title!

Average customer rating 4.4 (14 comments)

---

`

"brilliant."

`

The author's memoir, Running With Scissors, is a personal account of his life growing up with his mother's psychologist. At twelve years old, Augusten Burroughs, formerly known as Chris Robinson, finds himself living with this unorthodox family after his mother tells him she must focus on her writing rather than be a good mother to her 13 year old son, who she believes is distracting. Despite the slightly horrifying stories that make up this memoir, Burroughs' writing style is interesting and humorous, making this a great read. Some readers may find that this memoir is full of grotesque stories that could appear to be made up, and according to the lawsuit filed against Burroughs in 2005, they are. However, by looking past this and instead focusing on the author's growth as a writer and an individual, it is clear he has become a free thinker who is confident in his notions about life. Initially, he was a young boy obsessed with his dreams and his hair, but by the end, he is an adult who is aware that he has the ability to make his own decisions. I found this memoir to be extremely riveting. Yes, the stories within the story are often disgusting and sad, but overall, I thought it was a fantastic book. The author reels you in from the opening chapters and continues to engross you in his childhood tales. I often asked myself while reading, “Did that really just happen?” This book is definitely for a mature audience, but anyone falling into that category can enjoy it.

`

Excellent book. Full of experiences that are twisted to the point that many people can actually relate to them. A nice change from the banal cookie cutter life that doesn't really exist and few can ever connect with. Great work as usual from Augusten Burroughs.

`

This book is great. Well written, compelling, and funny as hell. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to laugh, cry, and realize that their family is not as crazy as they think.

`

Augusten Burroughs recounts his bizarre childhood with frank clarity and a fresh voice.

`

Never has a journey through a narrator's dysfunctional family life sparkled with such naked candor and wicked humor. Easily my favorite read from the last decade.

`

My favorite book by far... A tragic story told with a sense of humor is the only true way to survive.

`

A lot of people have told me this memoir is "hilarious." This kind of makes me wince. Yeah, parts of it are funny, but for the most part, it's funny in that "if I don't laugh I'll recognize the true horror of this situation" sort of way. Well-written, but nauseating.

`

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.

`

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!

`

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.

`

I read this book, and i found it fascinating. I mean, sure, i'm only 16, and a bookworm, but, oddly enough, i believe the author. I heard that it was being made into a movie, and I am extremely excited. As for Exaggeration, i believe that that is the authors choice. Creative Leeway is given to an author, unless its supposed to be fully based on fact. Look at the Memoirs of Nat Love. He was an african american cowboy in the mid 1800's. He exaggerated himself into legend. Does this not give this author the right to creative leeway? i mean, should he not, in essence, give his readers soemthing to read about? I personally believe him. I have read the whole book, twice, and i love it. I can't wait for the sequel, and the movie.

`

I found the author just wanted to shock and frankly do not believe half of what was written. A disturbing read which left an unpleasant aftertaste.

`

This is a horrifying, yet entertaining childhood memoir that makes the rest of us feel like we grew up in a functional family!