
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.