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Augusten Burroughs

Running with Scissors

"Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs is a darkly humorous memoir that explores the author's unconventional childhood. The book opens with Burroughs's mother, a manic depressive poet with a drinking problem, sending him to live with her unorthodox psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and his eccentric family. As Burroughs adjusts to his new life, he becomes increasingly entwined in the Finch family's bizarre and chaotic world. From attending seances and participating in group therapy sessions, to witnessing his new legal guardian's erratic behavior and struggling to navigate his own sexuality, Burroughs's experiences are both shocking and absurd. Despite the chaos and dysfunction that surrounds him, Burroughs finds moments of connection and even joy in his new environment. He forms a close bond with Dr. Finch's daughter, Natalie, and finds solace in his own creativity and imagination. Throughout the memoir, Burroughs's voice is both witty and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and complexities of growing up in a dysfunctional family. The book is a raw and unflinching portrayal of mental illness, addiction, and the search for identity and belonging. "Running with Scissors" is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that challenges readers to confront their own assumptions about family, mental health, and the meaning of home. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creativity to heal and transform. Overall, "Running with Scissors" is a compelling and unforgettable memoir that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of reality and the complexities of the human experience. Burroughs's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for healing and redemption...