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Search - Running with Scissors: A Memoir
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Running with Scissors: A Memoir Author: |
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Book Description:
RUNNING WITH SCISSORS is the true story of a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions of Anne Sexton) gave him away to be raised by her unorthodox psychiatrist who bore a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. So at the age of twelve, Burroughs found himself amidst Victorian squalor living with the doctor's bizarre family, and befriending a pedophile who resided in the backyard shed. The story of an outlaw childhood where rules were unheard of, and the Christmas tree stayed up all year-round, where Valium was consumed like candy, and if things got dull, an electroshock therapy machine could provide entertainment. The funny, harrowing, and bestselling account of an ordinary boy's survival under the most extraordinary circumstances...
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Top Member Book Reviews
Suzanne reviewed 8/2/2007...
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
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!
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
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Laura P. (sfreadergrl) - Denver, CO reviewed 9/13/2006...
+ read 147 more book reviews by this member
+ read 147 more book reviews by this member
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.
Soon to be a movie starring Annette Bening & Gwyneth Paltrow - read this New Yprk Times Bestseller first!
Marcy M. (331 pages of strange, very strange and even more strange. You'd have to read it to almost believe it!
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