Augusten Who?
October 1st 2006 21:19
I was very pleased when Possible Side Effects, a book I had been waiting for finally arrived. ‘Great,’ I said. ‘Augusten Burroughs’ new book. I’ve been waiting for this!’
‘Augusten who?’ was the response.
‘Augusten Burroughs.’
In fact, ever since I discovered Augusten, everyone I mention him to says the same thing … Augusten who?
Augusten Burroughs is the author of Running With Scissors, which is, without a doubt one of the strangest childhood memoirs you could possibly imagine. But unlike Frank McCourt or David Pelzer, Burroughs takes his incredibly dysfunctional family and the calamity of his childhood and turns it into one huge belly laugh. From the word go, his sense of humour had me addicted. I actually read his later memoir, Dry first, (something about a sardine upside down in a martini glass appealed to me) enjoyed it so much I went looking for more. I soon had them all read, and I still wanted more.
His approach to life is, from where I stand, totally original. Augusten does not pretend to be anything other than someone who has lead an extremely bizarre existence from a very early age. And his memoir Dry gives you a first hand look at the destructive nature his childhood pressed upon him. Still, there is no blame aimed at anyone (except for maybe a little at his mother now and again) just a general acceptance of his life laced with unwavering humour.
His novel Sellevision is a complete joy. He does a brilliant job of depicting the absurdity of today’s media and those in the industry. I recognise a little Nick Hornby (gone slightly off the rails) in writing style, who I also enjoy when I’m in the mood for a laugh.
Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects are simply amusing little anecdotes and musings that are at the same time hilarious and engrossing. And very addictive. Once you start reading these narratives it’s hard to stop. Every thing from an unfriendly encounter with a woman in an elevator to stepping on a child’s hand while shopping is told with clever comic wit that can produce a small chuckle or a full volume, uncontrollable cackle. Put simply – they’re a scream.
Don’t feel out of the loop if you haven’t heard of him. Burroughs is not, as yet widely known in Australia although he was here last year for the Sydney Writers Festival, and was on Denton’s Enough Rope. So you may have come across him without realising he is the author of some of the most entertaining books you could get a hold of. Try one, but tread carefully, addiction is one of the possible side effects.
‘Augusten who?’ was the response.
‘Augusten Burroughs.’
Image: www.stmartins.com
In fact, ever since I discovered Augusten, everyone I mention him to says the same thing … Augusten who?
Image: www.stmartins.com
Augusten Burroughs is the author of Running With Scissors, which is, without a doubt one of the strangest childhood memoirs you could possibly imagine. But unlike Frank McCourt or David Pelzer, Burroughs takes his incredibly dysfunctional family and the calamity of his childhood and turns it into one huge belly laugh. From the word go, his sense of humour had me addicted. I actually read his later memoir, Dry first, (something about a sardine upside down in a martini glass appealed to me) enjoyed it so much I went looking for more. I soon had them all read, and I still wanted more.
His approach to life is, from where I stand, totally original. Augusten does not pretend to be anything other than someone who has lead an extremely bizarre existence from a very early age. And his memoir Dry gives you a first hand look at the destructive nature his childhood pressed upon him. Still, there is no blame aimed at anyone (except for maybe a little at his mother now and again) just a general acceptance of his life laced with unwavering humour.
His novel Sellevision is a complete joy. He does a brilliant job of depicting the absurdity of today’s media and those in the industry. I recognise a little Nick Hornby (gone slightly off the rails) in writing style, who I also enjoy when I’m in the mood for a laugh.
Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects are simply amusing little anecdotes and musings that are at the same time hilarious and engrossing. And very addictive. Once you start reading these narratives it’s hard to stop. Every thing from an unfriendly encounter with a woman in an elevator to stepping on a child’s hand while shopping is told with clever comic wit that can produce a small chuckle or a full volume, uncontrollable cackle. Put simply – they’re a scream.
Don’t feel out of the loop if you haven’t heard of him. Burroughs is not, as yet widely known in Australia although he was here last year for the Sydney Writers Festival, and was on Denton’s Enough Rope. So you may have come across him without realising he is the author of some of the most entertaining books you could get a hold of. Try one, but tread carefully, addiction is one of the possible side effects.
| 44 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Homer Joyce
That is one great post.
You've convinced me.
I'll be reading Burroughs to see if we are related.
Homer
Comment by Joanne
Open Book