(
) I'm usually an enthusiastic Burroughs reader, but this book was a thorough disappointment.
I trudged a little over halfway through the book until I finally let myself stop. Avoiding a book simply for the content is not okay. Yet I still pushed forward since this is by Augusten Burroughs. But as I said, I came to the conclusion that this was just not worth my time.
It's a basically a big whine about his father, and more sob stories of his adolescence. Yeah, there's a lot of comedy mixed in. Too bad it's not enough to save this load of profit-inspired garbage.
Sorry Burroughs. I'm not quite the fan I used to be.
(
) As with much of Burrough's work, there are some very original, entertaining aspects of his storytelling. And his life is far from ordinary, so he's certainly got some interesting things to say.
Many of his tales are wildly hilarious, and even gave me activity ideas to fill my own time. (Like composing fake personal ads.)
The author doesn't hold back. He is the first to criticize his own past thoughts/actions, and to make light of everything and anything around him. Though not all of his tales are particularly funny-ha-ha.
One that is especially dark, "The Forecast for Sommer," describes an instance of suicide. A family friend shows him how she uses her own coffin as a bookcase. Not long after, she kills herself.
He also speaks of his mother's mental illness, the various frustrations he encounters during his advertising years, his alcoholism, and 'his' dating scene.
This author continually leaves readers wondering if he's actually describing real events from his life. But truth is often stranger than fiction. And I like his honest stories much better than his fake ones. (e.g.
Sellevision) Of course, I've always been a sucker for reality.
(
) Same author as
Running With Scissors. Tells the author's story of alcohol abuse, rehab, and relationship difficulties. Puts a personal spin on addiction that can make almost anyone relate.
It starts off following Augusten through his social and professional life, both of which are continually interrupted by his alcohol abuse. It isn't until a work intervention that he is put into rehab. The rehab center first seems like a joke, but it's purpose and effective strategies soon become clear. When he gets out, everyone around him seems to be relapsing. Also, a coworker is harassing him. But even through this, Augusten remains somehow strong and sober. It isn't until a close friend, once lover, leaves Augusten's life forever that the real internal conflict occurs.
It's a good story that lets us see through the eyes of an addict, and view almost-firsthand the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
(
) I'm usually an enthusiastic Burroughs reader, but this book was a thorough disappointment.
