About this title: When his dysfunctional family sent Augusten Burroughs away to be raised in the home of his mother's therapist, he became part of an even more dysfunctional and unusual family dynamic. In this bestseller, which has become a classic of the wackier side of memoir literature, Burroughs doesn't flinch at any grotesquerie or atrocity, recording it all--no matter how bizarre--with relish and with a delightfully twisted sense of humor.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Picador USA
Date Published: 2006
ISBN-13:9780312425418ISBN:0312425414
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 315 p. Audience: General/trade. Used, but still in great reading condition. read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Picador USA
Date Published: 2006
ISBN-13:9780312425418ISBN:0312425414
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Pages in like new condition but have yellowed slightly. Cover shows some very slight wear. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 315 p. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Picador USA
Date Published: 2006
ISBN-13:9780312425418ISBN:0312425414
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Very Good+++ A like new copy with only a faint crease to corner of cover. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 315 p. Audience: General/trade. read more
"The thought that a child could actually be treated this poorly and raised in this manner -- make that multiple children being raised to raise themselves with unscrupulous parents and no guidance what-so-ever -- is truly, utterly disturbing. All that being said, Augusten Burroughs did a fabulous job telling his amazing story. This is one heck of a page turner!"
"To be totally honest, I actually watched the movie, “Running With Scissors” before I read the book. However, the movie is what interested me in the stories of Augusten Burroughs. In my opinion, “Running with Scissors” took some major bullocks to write. The story is so intriguing that you just cannot put down the book. I found myself completely drawn into the world of a boy, Augusten Burroughs, attempting to become an independent entity while struggling with obstacles beyond the boundaries of even the most active imagination. The story of his life is sad, yes. However, he seems to find the humor in his turmoil flawlessly.
Dealing with a psychotic mother, Deirdre, and the “adopted” Finch family that is perhaps even worse off, Augusten somehow stays true to himself. I admit, this book is not for those of a high moral standard with preconceived notions of “normal”. This book is also not for close-minded, judgmental people either. No, this book is for those of us that know life is truly flawed and that very bad things can happen and almost always will. It is also a testament that good people who get put in drastically horrible situations will either flounder or prevail. Well, Augusten definitely prevails.
The characters are engaging and somewhat mysterious at times. For me, it was slightly difficult to put my finger on what motivated Agnes (the wife of Finch) and Hope (daughter of Finch). However, they both play intricate roles in his story.
The other characters, however, all had extremely potent personalities. Finch (the Psychiatrist of Deirdre), is an unusual patriarch in many, many ways. I mean, at one point, he actually believes that his excrement will dictate the family’s financial situation. Odd, hmmm? Natalie (youngest daughter of Finch) is a force of nature. I believe that she helps Augusten realize that it is ok to be himself. She supports him and him and is the closest thing he has to a friend. At the other end of the spectrum is Bookman, (lover of Augusten, adopted by Finch as well), an extremely complex, psychotic character. The way he approaches the world and the people in it is an enigma, to say the least.
I can’t say much more without completely giving away the entire plot to the book, so I will end with this. I highly suggest ALL of Augusten Burroughs books. Trust me, I have read every one and they are all more than fantastic.
I hope this review was helpful to you and that you might have even enjoyed it.
"Eva completes her training and is sent on a series of missions at the behest of Romer, her tutor and recruiter. She finds herself suddenly in a glamorous world of subterfuge, travelling extensively and living in occasional luxury as she undertakes her responsibilities as an agent. We follow Eva on her travels as she perfects the art of espionage, until one final climactic assignment leaves her fighting for her life. At this point, the character realises she has been double-crossed and must flee for her own safety. Eva falls in love with Romer and the two conduct a clandestine affair. However, due to the nature of their respective roles and positions, the relationship draws to its inevitable conclusion"
"So your parents seperate and neither of them are capable of taking care of you. So what does your unstable mother do? She lets her psychiatrist become your legal gaurdian. Sound sane? No, but not much in Augusten Burroughs life sounds sane either. From living with the Finch clan in their broken down victorian home to discovering your sexuality with their grown "adopted" son Bookman. Burroughs shares with the reader a harrowing time in his life and shows us you can find humor in any situation. From bible dips to reading signs in one's bowel movements. If he can turn out somewhat adjusted then there's hope for us all.... maybe."
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