Augusten Burroughs

[mister_noel_y2k]

Anyone else read this guy's work? I read "Running With Scissors" after reading an extract from his latest book (then) "Dry" which I'm reading now, and both books have been superb. Auto-Biography about a 21st century John Self, I think he's just brilliant, anyone else read his stuff/ like him/ want to discuss his work?

:banana:

[Yorkie]

Hi, mister_noel_y2k.

I read "Running With Scissors" towards the back end of last year. I thought it was quite a good read, althoughI didn't feel that it was consistent throughout the book. His type and level of humour appealed to me, and if the book had been written by a lesser writer could have come across as overly sentimental or schmaltzy, or worse self-pitying. That he avoids this is, I feel a credit to him, both as a person and as a writer. Despite that, 'though, I wouldn't go out of my way to read another of his, although with a couple of strong reviews I might be persuaded.

Yorkie.

[mister_noel_y2k]

i recently finished his second book "dry" about his battle against alcoholism following the success of his first book and thought it was utterly fascinating. his humour is immature at times (like mine) and cynical but it always is endearing to me. the things that go on in the book as he goes to rehab and recovers then relapses and the characters he meets are all very heart rending and with another writer as you say they would seem self pitying but burroughs does an amazing job of making even the most devastating accounts (his best friend dies of AIDS and leaves him a present- youll see) seem jolly and light hearted. despite that i found myself sympathising with him and though i haven't read any other books on alcoholism this one was certainly eye opening and downright interesting. one of the best books ive read this year, i heartily recommend it, even better than his previous memoir though others have disagreed with me there.

:banana: