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5fourteen's review
4.0
This book contains what I think is the best line in any book, ever: "Her need is a like a vagina. And I do not like to see it."
shaarman's review against another edition
4.0
an amazing perspective on alcoholism - makes the issue very real if you have alcoholic in your family
brianlarson's review
5.0
Raw, brutal, & beautiful.
Augusten’s memoir could easily be a prelude or epilogue to ‘Running With Scissors.’ Although, all readers- those sober-curious, sober, & even moderate drinkers- will take something away from Augusten sharing his tumultuous journey to sobriety.
I loved most that Augusten did not typecast alcoholics or even addicts into a single box; throughout the memoir we meet all manner of people at varying levels of sobriety. I also thought it was extremely powerful for Augusten to share his early days in rehab, building his sober network, attending AA meetings... and eventually taking a tumult down a couple flights to a “new low.” I think sometimes we view sobriety as a struggle or a grimy quagmire when, in actuality, it’s one of the most beautiful gifts a person can give to herself/himself. Sure, as many readers will likely identify with, sometimes the journey to sobriety isn’t a straight line or even a zig-zag, yet the journey itself is still just one day at a time.
Augusten’s memoir could easily be a prelude or epilogue to ‘Running With Scissors.’ Although, all readers- those sober-curious, sober, & even moderate drinkers- will take something away from Augusten sharing his tumultuous journey to sobriety.
I loved most that Augusten did not typecast alcoholics or even addicts into a single box; throughout the memoir we meet all manner of people at varying levels of sobriety. I also thought it was extremely powerful for Augusten to share his early days in rehab, building his sober network, attending AA meetings... and eventually taking a tumult down a couple flights to a “new low.” I think sometimes we view sobriety as a struggle or a grimy quagmire when, in actuality, it’s one of the most beautiful gifts a person can give to herself/himself. Sure, as many readers will likely identify with, sometimes the journey to sobriety isn’t a straight line or even a zig-zag, yet the journey itself is still just one day at a time.
ilaiza_aviles's review against another edition
4.0
This was interesting. His struggle with substance use and mental health was explained in a way that I have not seen in other books. Listening to him explain the different levels of struggle and pain was heart breaking. At times, I did find myself laughing out loud because some of the things he got into or said were hilarious (but he acknowledges the good, bad and the ugly).
earthflesh's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Addiction, Drug abuse, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Toxic relationship
mitchelljoneill's review
5.0
I couldn’t put Dry down. Yesterday I picked up two more books by Augustan Burroughs (Running with Scissors, and Lust & Wonder), this is the first author that I think I am really obsessed with other than Mitch Albom.
I found this book hilarious, it gave me such an eager and impatient feeling to see what happens next. It really reads like fiction which is always the best.
Throughout Burroughs story we learn about his fucked up childhood (which I’ll learn about in “Running With Scissor”) and his problem with alcahol and how loved ones can channel us to make positive changes and even sometimes make mistakes.
Everything about this book is flawless, the writing style is so natural and funny, all of the characters have their own voices even though it is being recounted by Burroughs, and there isn’t a single aspect of this story that isn’t tied up in a nice little bow throughout which is very rare for a memoir.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more books by Augusten Burroughs, I think I will read Running with Scissors Next.
I found this book hilarious, it gave me such an eager and impatient feeling to see what happens next. It really reads like fiction which is always the best.
Throughout Burroughs story we learn about his fucked up childhood (which I’ll learn about in “Running With Scissor”) and his problem with alcahol and how loved ones can channel us to make positive changes and even sometimes make mistakes.
Everything about this book is flawless, the writing style is so natural and funny, all of the characters have their own voices even though it is being recounted by Burroughs, and there isn’t a single aspect of this story that isn’t tied up in a nice little bow throughout which is very rare for a memoir.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more books by Augusten Burroughs, I think I will read Running with Scissors Next.
stupidbears's review
3.0
Funny and honest recounting of Burroughs' life as a young adult struggling with addiction. Not my personal favorite out of his books, but it's a good one by all means.
marold's review
4.0
After reading Running With Scissors, I read Magical Thinking and craved more Burroughs. This book has his familiar, humorous, smart style and knack for writing about situations in a way that is totally relatable whether you can actually relate or not. This book is a little more serious than his others, but obviously heartfelt and honest. It's interesting to read about his bout with alcoholism and how he tackled it. If you're a fan of Burroughs, this is a must read. If you've never read anything by him, I would not start with this. His other books are much better and it would be a mistake to be introduced to this excellent author by starting with this book. Overall, good, entertaining read.
marksanders's review
2.0
An unfortunate case of the wrong memoir at the wrong time in my life. While I applaud his courage in battling alcoholism, I found very little to connect with & didn't enjoy following the train wreck of self-destructive behavior.