Helpful Score: 7
I don't think it's fair to write this book off due to "ick" factor.
It's a memoir. This is someone's life. Augusten Burroughs presents an era of his life, the way he perceived it at the time. If you read his later work, you understand that he views the time period that spans the length of this particular book to be a series of very bizarre experiences that he does not consider normal.
But that's the beauty of Running with Scissors. It's the story of a young man who is thrown into the oddest of situations, some of which, yes, are incredibly disturbing. But, as in all of his work, it's Burroughs's dark sense of humor that carries through.
It's a memoir. This is someone's life. Augusten Burroughs presents an era of his life, the way he perceived it at the time. If you read his later work, you understand that he views the time period that spans the length of this particular book to be a series of very bizarre experiences that he does not consider normal.
But that's the beauty of Running with Scissors. It's the story of a young man who is thrown into the oddest of situations, some of which, yes, are incredibly disturbing. But, as in all of his work, it's Burroughs's dark sense of humor that carries through.
Helpful Score: 5
I'm in the (mental health) field, and enjoyed this immensely. From what I've heard, it's a bit rougher for those who are less familiar with the ins and outs of mental illness.
Helpful Score: 5
I always enjoy books were I am reminded that my childhood was not as unusual as other people. This memoir is a candid collection of stories about a mother with mental illness, an alcoholic father and the Finch's. It never ceases to amaze me what happens behind closed doors!
Helpful Score: 4
This book is written in a very emotionally detached way so that it seemed even more disturbing than if it had been another "poor me" tale. It's horrific to read about the childhood Mr. Burroughs had, but it is refreshing to have it told in a humorous rather than ranting way. He has every reason to be bitter about how things happened when he was growing up, but he chooses not to.
Helpful Score: 4
Extremely graphic (sexually explicit) memoir of a boy raised in a world without limits. Funny and shocking. Strong narrative voice. People under age 35 might not "get" some of the pop culture references. Brave biographical tale. Page-turner.
Helpful Score: 3
The Book is ten times better than the movie. The writting itself is excellent! I was less than thrilled with the movie,it didn't protray the chacters as well as the book does.You either love Augusten Burroughs or hate him, because of his in you'r face type of writting .
Helpful Score: 3
I did not like this book in the least. In fact, I quit reading it about a quarter of the way through, something I almost never do. Maybe because I'm a therapist, I couldn't find the humor, and saw a lot of pain being dealt with inapproptiatly or exploitatively but I thought this was a simply terrible book. Other people obviously thought differently, but I'm glad to get rid of it, and not in the least concerned that I don't know how it turns out.
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this book- the author manages to relate his trainwreck teenage years with a sense of warmth and his funny bone obviously made it through intact. The events he describes may appall and/or shock but you are left feeling that, as dysfunctional as the whole bunch may be, there's a great love binding these people together and when it's all said and done the book is a great example of the saying 'one can get used to anything'. A warning for those who may be uncomfortable with it: there are some very graphic descriptions of homosexual acts.
Helpful Score: 3
this has got to be one of the strangest memoirs i have ever read. all in all, it's a wonderful book. disturbing, funny, indescribable.
Helpful Score: 3
Honestly, I looked at the back cover several times to be sure that this was truly a memoir and not fiction, it was so hard to believe the craziness at times. I thought this book was well-written, interesting, definitely not like any story I've ever read. It amazes me that kids are able to survive and thrive after years of neglect.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book, I didn't want it to end. It made me wince and laugh at the same time. It has some very nasty parts to it. I was grossed out, but I couldn't stop reading it.
Helpful Score: 3
Augusten Burroughs' childhood was so incredibly unusual and bazaar. It's an entertaining read, but not for the faint of heart. I also agree with a previous comment...this book is a lot funnier if you have previous knowledge of mental illness or are familiar with the field of psychology. I was laughing out loud at some of the wacky psychology-related conversations in the book.
Helpful Score: 2
I absolutely HATED this book. I was in the hospital and this was in the gift shoppe so my husband got it for me... and I was SHOCKED by the contents. It is graphic and unbelievably awful. I can't believe it is an autobiography. Horrifying. You've been warned.
Helpful Score: 2
Be prepared----this is an "R" rated book. Explicit scenes with gays and lesbians. Augusten Burroughs was just twelve years old when his mother gave him away to be raised by her unorthodox psychiatrist who lived in a world in which rules were unheard of and a pedophile resided in a backyard shed. It is a painfully funny and unforgettable account of his outlaw childhood---now the basis of a major motion picture. It is horrifying that a child could grow up in these circumstances!
Helpful Score: 2
It is hard to believe someone can come out of this harrowing childhood and come out even marginally functional, let alone successful is a miracle. It just proves how resilient children can be.
Helpful Score: 2
ick. just ick. dont waste your credit or your time.
Helpful Score: 2
I found myself laughing hysterically at this book while simultaneously shaking my head in horror. It's the story of Burrough's life from the age of roughly 13 to 16. Burrough's lived a middle-classed life, but the people around him were gradually losing it. His mother began to have "psychotic breaks" (although it sounds like she may have had bipolar disorder) and hooked up with a bizarre psychiatrist - Dr. Finch. Soon, every aspect of their lives are touched by Dr. Finch and his equally bizarre family. At times, the events are horrifying, such as Burrough's molestation by Dr. Finch's adopted son. Remarkably, Burrough's manages to find the humor even in these situations. People are likely to compare Burrough's to another gay humorist, David Sedaris; however, Burrough's stories are far darker than those of Sedaris, although both of them write great funny stories. This book was a tremendously quick read, and I laughed out loud more than any recent book I've read. Highly recommended on that basis, but some readers are likely to be highly offended by some of the content.
Helpful Score: 2
Amazing. Never before have I read a book that not only shows you how whacked up a life can be when you live in a world where the norm is the un-normal, where pedophiles aren't believed to be wrong, etc. But not only does this book creep you out, letting you know the harsh reality some children live in, that doesn't include abuse, but its written in a way in which all you can do is laugh and marvel at how astronomically odd life is.
Helpful Score: 1
I think Burroughs is very talented with a lot to say. His stories keep me entertained and wanting to read more. Short stories are a nice change and give me a quick break when I need it.
Helpful Score: 1
A memoir that's makes most disfunctional families look like Father Knows Best. The author handles some horrifying experiences and characters with hilarity and pathos.
Helpful Score: 1
Seriously this was one of the WORST books I ever read. No, wait, I can't even say that because I couldn't finish it.
A co-worker gave it to me to read and in 2 days I gave it back to her. Told her that if it was my book I would have thrown it in the trash! I love reading dark humor and almost nothing bothers me....but this??????
Don't waste your time with this. I can't even believe that there are any actors out there who would read the script to this and think "Hey I want to be in that movie". It is pure trash.
Mr. Burroughs has another book that just came out to the bookstores....you can bet that I won't be picking up that one!
A co-worker gave it to me to read and in 2 days I gave it back to her. Told her that if it was my book I would have thrown it in the trash! I love reading dark humor and almost nothing bothers me....but this??????
Don't waste your time with this. I can't even believe that there are any actors out there who would read the script to this and think "Hey I want to be in that movie". It is pure trash.
Mr. Burroughs has another book that just came out to the bookstores....you can bet that I won't be picking up that one!
Helpful Score: 1
Pretty good book. This writer is compared to David Sedaris, but I definitely don't agree. The book is clever and easy to read, but it made me feel sad, if this story is true, this person has lived a very sad life.
Helpful Score: 1
A good book. I am always amazed at what people can do to others, and especially children. It is a wonder sometimes that so many survive. At least Mr Burrows can talk about his experiences with some humor.
Helpful Score: 1
This guy had an interesting childhood. A good read, much better than the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
Weird but compelling. I have to say, I definitely like "Dry" better. It's his second book.
Helpful Score: 1
The book was well written and very easy to read. What an unbelievable and bizarre life the author had. Some people may find this book offensive due to the language and content.
I did enjoy the book
I did enjoy the book
Helpful Score: 1
Brilliantly written, must read, and re-read! I wasn't sure what I was getting into from the start, but found myself unable to put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
Augusten Burroughs has the gift of presenting us with depravity and dysfunction, and pulling out the beautiful and hilarious. A great memoir from a new author with an incredibly unique voice.
Helpful Score: 1
Hysterical, dark humor. I was disturbed only because I know it has to be true. No one could make up a childhood so sad and twisted if they tried. For what he's been through Augusten Burroughs deserves to make money off it!
Helpful Score: 1
It is extremely hard for me to believe that everything that this man claims to have happened really happened. If it is, in fact, accurately a portrayal of his childhood then it is a miracle he was able to even write this memoir. Very bizarre, graphic X rated, disturbing.
Helpful Score: 1
Especially for anyone who's ever:
-- had an muddled relationship with parents
-- been in therapy
-- been confused about life in general.
THIS IS A MUST-READ.
If you enjoy giggling while feeling shocked and amazed, pick this one up.
It's not a fluke that it's on so many best-seller lists.
-- had an muddled relationship with parents
-- been in therapy
-- been confused about life in general.
THIS IS A MUST-READ.
If you enjoy giggling while feeling shocked and amazed, pick this one up.
It's not a fluke that it's on so many best-seller lists.
Helpful Score: 1
A little odd, but definitely entertaining.
Helpful Score: 1
Augustus Burrough'account of his totally unorthodox upbringing - full of charactors so wacky and unorthodox, it is almot impossible to believe this is not a book of fictional. Great writing style, good believable characters. Reommend highly
Helpful Score: 1
My reaction to this book alternated between humor, sadness and disgust. It's well-written and really holds the reader's interest. There are just 4 CD's so it's not a long book, just long enough to give you a real sense of the amazing, interesting childhood the author had with his real parents then his adopted family. I strongly recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book to be a study of dysfunctional families and individuals. It was well written, entertaining at times, and very disturbing at other times.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is a work of riveting and disturbing genius. Not for the faint of heart, it is the story of a boy who is lost in a world where his mother would give him to her phsychiatrist so she can focus all of her attention on herself. If this book were a piece of fiction, it would be ludicrous and demented, but the fact it is truth and the author writes so eloquently about such a painful time in his life shows its tremendous merit. Many of the details are graphic and distasteful, but the overall weakness in the characters thought to be strong and the strength on the characters thought to be weak demonstrates what complex creatures humans are. I loved this book, if for no ther reason then it made me appreciate my mother and family on a whole new level. I could not put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
Brilliant!
Helpful Score: 1
Great story telling, some disturbing topics.
Helpful Score: 1
A very quick read...a very disturbing childhood.
Helpful Score: 1
A quick read; humerous, but not a "laugh out loud" book; some gross parts. Based on the book, I have no interest in seeing the movie.
Helpful Score: 1
To say that Augusten Burroughs had an unusual childhood would be an understatement. His eccentric mother -- a poet -- left him in the care of her shrink, a man who might have benefitted from a little therapy himself. Somehow, Augusten survived, and the result is this memoir, one both horrifying and hysterical.
Helpful Score: 1
Like a trainwreck, but a funny one..I couldn't stop reading.
Helpful Score: 1
These people make me feel normal.
Helpful Score: 1
I just put it away this morning, I couldn't finish it. Firstly I just cannot believe all of his story. I feel a lot of it was made up for shock value. I also had a problem with some of his "penis" references, sometimes the reader doesn't really need to know things in THAT graphic of detail.
As an abuse survivor, 2 of the "relationships" in the book really bothered me. I trudged through it, hoping it would get better, but when I hit the chapter "Toilet Bowl Readings". I couldn't finish it.
If you want to read something very disturbing, gross and unbelievable, then I guess you will enjoy this book. I feel I wasted a credit and I rarely feel that, even about books I don't enjoy. This book just sickened me on many levels.
As an abuse survivor, 2 of the "relationships" in the book really bothered me. I trudged through it, hoping it would get better, but when I hit the chapter "Toilet Bowl Readings". I couldn't finish it.
If you want to read something very disturbing, gross and unbelievable, then I guess you will enjoy this book. I feel I wasted a credit and I rarely feel that, even about books I don't enjoy. This book just sickened me on many levels.
Helpful Score: 1
I hated this book. Oh, well.
Helpful Score: 1
Funny but a little too much seemingly gratuitous raunch for me.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful. It will make your hair stand on end!
Helpful Score: 1
The first chapter was a little slow, after that I really got into it. Haven't seen the movie yet.
Helpful Score: 1
I simply expected more from this memoir. At its core the art of memoir is self-indulgent, so I anticipate that at the get-go, but frankly the author of this work thought his life was more remarkable than I did. It was an odd upbringing, with compelling characters that I couldn't help thinking were probably more multi-faceted and interesting than the author painted them to be. I think this book was so popular because it was the most-twisted true tale that the average white-bread public is comfortable enjoying, not because it was of significantly more literary value.
Helpful Score: 1
A review on the back of this book called it "wickedly, ridiculously funny." Call me a bore, but I found nothing funny about the author describing, with wry sarcasm, his boyhood rape and subsequent relationship with his abuser. Nor did I find "hilarious" his growing up in a home filled with such mental illness that his surrogate father has his children remove his own excrement from the toilet. Be warned that this is the comedic version of A Child Called It.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was terrible, and really resented the person who compared it to any of the writings of David Sedaris. However, I know that other people have liked it, so here it is.
Helpful Score: 1
I was able to finish the book, although I didn't take much from it. It was quite strange. But, the views on it are mixed, and some people might like it.
Helpful Score: 1
There is a part of me that is horrified at the subject matter of mental illness and the whole story is a little nuts. However, it is a quick and hilarious read in a twisted way that I did find entertaining. Well worth reading.
Helpful Score: 1
Gripping and humorous tale of a dysfunctional childhood. The only part I didn't like was the two-page epilogue.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book, just not to my liking. Some great moments of humor though!!! Good condition-read once.
Helpful Score: 1
The twisted tale of augusten burroughs childhood years. Sick and funny. good stuff.
Helpful Score: 1
It is sad that someone had to go through this kind of a childhood. The situations are so bizarre that they are funny.
Hilarious read! Burroughs is an excellent writer and has a great sense of humor.
Laugh out loud funny; bizzare humor that leaves you in awe at the fact that someone actually experienced what is described in this memoir.
This was one of the best books I've ever read. A heart rentching story told by the person who went through it so hillariously! His follow up book "Dry" was even funnier, has been requested by me and has already been sent out. If you want a real story, told in a fashion that leaves you laughing, get these two books!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, definitely not for those who are easily offended. I found it extremely disturbing, graphic, and twisted. It was difficult to put down, like watching a train wreck, not that I've ever watched a train wreck, and yet it was quite funny. Augusten Burroughs had a bizarre childhood, talk about your dysfunctional family! I highly recommend this book.
Soon to be a movie starring Annette Bening & Gwyneth Paltrow - read this New Yprk Times Bestseller first!
Completely gripping memoir of the author's life up through the teen years. His mother is completely wacko and totally self absorbed. His father is basically non-existent. He ends up living with his mother's shrink and the shrink's crazy "family". It's wild, weird, funny, heartbreaking and, what's most astonishing, true.
Very funny an d sand story.
Wow. Just finished this. Have just requested his next book. I have a feeling I won't be forgetting Augusten or his unconventional, and sad in many ways, childhood. What a skilled writer he is, despite not finishing school. Just goes to show, we all have different talents and we learn in different ways. Schools are not set up for alternative learners. Felt very bad about the parents he was dealt, the sex predator who stole his childhood, and most of all - the sham therapist who made a living "helping" people, but probably caused a lifetime of problems in his wake.
Fills in all the blanks in the movie. Dark and absorbing.
Good Read. Looking forward to his next one Dry. Don't think this will make a good movie though.
Horrible, awful and so depressing I could not finish it. People say it's funny but I found nothing funny about such a sad childhood. Absolutely not recommended and one of the worst books I have attempted to wade through in a long time.
Very well written. If Augusten was going for shock value and laugh out loud at the same time-he succeeded.
Strange read made me laugh tho. A bit disjointed in how it is written.
Didn't like it at all! Felt very pieced together, no story flow. Some very disturbing scenes, and some very unbelievable events. Called a memoir but listed under fiction, so it's hard to say what really happened and what was embellished.
worthless
Good book. Sad, funny, and made you think about how other peopel are forced to live.
Soon to be movie about Burrough's strange childhood. Was on New York Times Best Sell List.Horrifying,yet funny.
A very strange book. It was an interesting read.
This is possibly one of the worst books I have ever read. It is disturbing on so many levels that I could not push myself through it.
I really enjoyed this book. Some of the stuff this boy lived through is so crazy you really wish it were fiction.
This memoir is hilarious and fascinating. If everything really happened to this guy, then it's pretty amazing. Some of it seems kind of implausable, but I liked this book!
I didn't find this book funny at all. It was certainly shocking, not to mention disgusting and plainly horrifying in parts. Unlike _Magical Thinking_, this didn't have the feeling of David Sedaris' writing at all. This was hard to believe, and mostly just sad. I just didn't enjoy reading it. It was hard to put down though, in the same way it is hard to speed past a crash site.
This book is very entertaining until you stop and realize that it is not fictional. Then it becomes deeply disturbing.
I loved this book. It is much better and goes into alot better detail than the movie. I find it amazing that a person can go through a hellish childhood like that and come out "ok". I am looking forward to reading more works by Augusten Burroughs.
Good book, but the characters are ODD
The Title caught my eye, as my grandmother always told me not to run with scissors. This clever writer gives us a good,easy read.
Fun to read either before or after reading the Vanity Fair expose on who August Burroughs and the family really are....
This book was definetly weird but really funny
Was funny and tragic. The writer has a gift with words, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
The kindest thing I can say about this book is that it is "odd". There are pretty graphic and abusive scenes in the book that made me feel "icky" while reading. I'm not sure how anyone could survive this type of upbringing and it was difficult for me to read about it.
Disturbing yet excellent. . .
Memoirs of a gay child spending his formative years in a hosehold of misfits overseen by his mothers shrink who believes children are free to make their own choices at 13. Just imagine the chaos!
Like watching a train wreck. You're embarrassed to be so transfixed by another's disaster. This story is by turns hysterical, unbelievable, sad and heart-breaking. It will make you appreciate whatever kind of dysfunctional childhood you thought you had.
Great book. a little on the dark side, but all for a purpose.
Bizarre non-fiction story of a young teen whose alcoholic father and psychotic mother abandoned their parental responsibilities and placed the narrator in the home of a "therapist" who seems to have been more disturbed than most of his patients.
memoir of an unusual childhood - interesting to see how they turn it into a movie
Hillarious pitch-black humor.
Good book. i didn't see the movie. The book was a little weird. I like David Sadaris better, but still a good read.
not what I expected - I bought the book because I read it was funny, it is funny but also very crude and disgustingly descriptive in places. Even so the story is really well written and very good. By the time I got to the last chapter I was sad it ended & wanted to read more... so I'm getting the next book. It's the first true story I've read about a life so bad - come across almost as normal. He makes the worst situations seem so comical you want to cheer him on, not pity him.
Bizzarre. Even more bizzarre when you remember that it's all true.
This is a painfully funny memoir of a fellow whose mother gave him away to be raised by her unorthodox shrink in his disordered household.
It's rare that I give up reading a book so quickly. I didn't care for the writing style nor the story.
331 pages of strange, very strange and even more strange. You'd have to read it to almost believe it!
Great book! He keeps your attention all the way through, and keeps you laughing too!
You have to have a little bit of the crazy, to really enjoy this book. ;)
Didn't enjoy this book at all. Didn't get the point- was there a point?
Great book. It took me a minute to get into it.. but once I did, it was quite a ride. Funny & horrifying all at the same time. Each chapter focuses on a specific event or series of events that occured during his childhood, starting from about 11-12 years old, and ending at 17. As far as memoirs go.. this one will probably be the most interesting one you'll ever read.
I'm looking forward to watching the movie -- although I'm sure there's LOTS that will be left out.
I'm looking forward to watching the movie -- although I'm sure there's LOTS that will be left out.
My book has a different cover than the one shown.
Funny, twisted, occasionally disturbing. You read this and find yourself wondering just how true it really is. At times, it is so fantastical that you don't think there's any way someone could have made it up.
A new York Times Best seller. Does look like of the Left Field wall. A modernized version of something Franz Kafka might have written. Really strange . Whether true or not I leave to the reader
I echo "penguin" -- ick.
I could not put this down at all. It is very well written, and is an amazing story. I am definitely putting Augusten on my list of favorite authors!
I know this is supposed to be a true story but all through it I kept saying "I can't believe this!" Excellent read.
I hated it - but maybe you won't...
With all the strange and disturbing stuff that goes on in Augusten's young life, it is truly a miracle that this man is where he is today.
Weird book!
Entertaining at moments but not impressed
This book was sick, twisted, nasty, vulgar and I couldn't put it down! What does this say about me?
Funny, sad, crazy & bizzar - but I couldn't put it down!
Much more in depth than the movie could ever be
A disturbing true story of child neglect, abuse, and psychiatric malpractice.
Didn't finish, I thought it was a comedy turns out it's a tragedy.
This book was quite unique. It says it A Memoir but i dont believe that to be true. read it to see what i mean. Dont get me wrong though, it is a good read. It kept me interested.
Foul language, crazy people, and totally vulgar behaviors. I did finish the book bc I had invested time into it & I had yet to get another one from PaperBack Swap.
Awesome! You should only read this book if explicit content is not offensive to you. I don't think the book would have the same impact w/out the vivid details. It is a really good book...and you love the author by the end...
Yes, I realize it is a story of a totally disfunctional family, and I tried to make it through the book. The humor kept me going, but some of the situations were just so bizarre that I could not handle reading more than half of the book. I can't wait to see who orders this book from me. I dare you to make it through the entire story. If you do, you can tell me how it ends!!
I cannot describe this story, you simply have to read it.
Funny. Funny. Funny. Funny. Funny.
Read it if you think your family is nuts. Shew!
Read it if you think your family is nuts. Shew!
Thoroughly depressing, and I have to believe, so far-fetched that I can't imagine why anyone would recommend this book to another, nor how it managed to get on The New York Times Bestselling list.
Pretty crazy and wild book
Burroughs writes a fascinating story of his life as a child - his mentally unstable Mother, her equally unstable therapist, and Augusten. This boy, an introverted child without a clear sense of self, is thrust into the family of his Mother's therapist - becoming the only family he really felt at home with - despite the Christmas tree in the living room in July, the dirty dishes and garbage everywhere...Great read and highly recommended!
Funny and disturbing all at the same time.
A good read.
now part of my email reading group
liked it as well as, liked the movie
liked it as well as, liked the movie
Page 110 really isn't that interesting. Don't read it first.
I found this to be a disgusting book covering immoral people who never got the appropriate help they needed. T is laced with homosexual acts.
Trying to spin yarns attempting to make normal the pitiable hard times of tragic figures is, to me, despicable.
This is a tragic tale of folks whose sad lives led them down dark halls of loneliness. I couldn't finish it.
Trying to spin yarns attempting to make normal the pitiable hard times of tragic figures is, to me, despicable.
This is a tragic tale of folks whose sad lives led them down dark halls of loneliness. I couldn't finish it.
