Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs

Title:  Running with Scissors:  A Memoir
Author:  Augusten Burroughs
Length:  352 pages
Loved it!

Yet another book that I should have read when it first came out, but, for some reason, I didn’t.  I did, however, see the movie when it first came out on DVD.  At this point in time, I cannot recall how similar it is to the book, but I do recall enjoying it.  I’m not even really sure what drew me into reading this book now, but I was browsing for the next title to consume, saw this, and bought it without a second thought.

While reading this it is difficult to really wrap your head around the fact that this is supposed to be a memoir — meaning, these events supposedly really happened.  There is even a point in the book where one of the individuals tells our narrator that he really needs to write a book about all of this — to which he agrees, but points out that nobody would believe that it’s true.  And, based off some legal action taken by the real-life family against Burroughs, it could be argued that maybe the details AREN’T 100% true.

However, a part of the revised author’s note calls out that the memories of the other members of the family may differ from the author’s.  Given this detail, I still feel that it is fair to call this a memoir.  I’m sure that my memories and perception of certain events in my childhood are very different from anyone else’s, but that doesn’t necessarily make them any less real.

Running with Scissors is entertaining, disgusting (at times), and always, always shocking.  If you are planning on reading this book, keep that all in mind, and commence comparing his bizarre upbringing with your own.  And I certainly hope that you can’t conclude that your history is crazier than his.
Buy Running with Scissors on Amazon.