laugh out loud funny
|
I just loved this book and finished it quickly. I went to the store to buy Clarence Thomas' new memoir and saw this had come out. If this was in hardcover, I missed it, but I grabbed it the second I saw it!
Augusten Burroughs is one of the funniest writers and most enjoyable to read. I've read all his books and would recommend them all thoroughly. There are many things to praise about Burroughs. Among them is his self-deprecating humor. He wants to be a good person (he is actually a good person) and fights the negative thoughts he has almost constantly. He's a bit insecure. I think he used to be a bit unlikeable, but he's grown up a lot in this book.
When I read Laurie Notaro's first book, I loved it. When she grew up, however, and wrote her second book, she just wasn't funny anymore. That's not the case here. Burroughs has actually gotten better with age. He faces his fears, he is more honest than he used to be, he struggles with issues like the rest of us, but does all he can to be the best person he can be. And, he writes about it with spot-on insight and humor.
All of the book is excellent, but the vignette called Moving Violations was completely hysterical and a definite must-read to anyone who appreciates Burroughs' writing and the weirdness of life.
|
|
slight disapointment
|
|
'Running with scissors' had me captured. I did not move from my chair (and at some points, the toilet) for a whole two days until I had read it, I was that captured by Augustus' spell!! Although I did find this book amusing at times, I thought that it dragged on some what. I love his style of writing, it really does hold your attention but there were some points at which I was thinking to myself: "and the moral/point of this anecdote is... hmmm, I'll keep reading, it might be leading somewhere..." but then being gravely disapointed. I've read some classics in my time as well as some truely hurrendous stuff, however I'm going to relagate this book to the 'it's alright, not great, but alright' section.
|
|
|
Always in stitches.
|
I'm never disappointed in his books. I always find myself chuckling out load and in awe with his wit. Like the above review, I did find myself questioning some of his accounts. But I checked into his website, and found what I was curious about is true.
If you're questioning whether to buy this book or not, give 'Running with Scissors' a try first. Trust me, you'll end up buying his other books soon after.
|
|
Only problem--there is never enough!
|
|
Another "laugh out loud" work from the current master of cynic/egocentric humor. If you loved any of his other books (i.e. Running with Scissors, Magical Thinking, etc.), then you are sure to love this hilarious follow-up collection of short stories. As Augusten takes you from one corner to another in his insane past experiences (buying defective dogs, suffering torrential nosebleeds, taking holiday at an inn creepily decorated with one too many dolls), you will find yourself quickly and happily moving along. Though I find myself more and more often questioning the accuracy of his accounts, I am willing to admit I don't really care. Keep 'em coming, Burroughs.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada