Dry: A Memoir
by Augusten Burroughs
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Book Reviews of Dry: A Memoir
Book Review: Dry humor
Summary: 4 Stars
After the completely crazy world that Borroughs took us to in "Running With Scissors" I thought this book would be somewhat of a let-down. I was pleasantly surprised. This book was not quite as off-the-wall funny and disturbing as Scissors, but it was more moving and no less interesting. Bouroughs takes us inside the world of addiction, AIDS, advertising, gay lifestyle and many more, and they are all equally captivating. Like his early life, Agusten takes things to extremes when it comes to his adult life. The story goes from funny to grave in a heartbeat. It's a great read for addicts and non-addicts alike. Also the fact that his books never seem overtly "gay" is good. Boroughs shows us the gay lifestyle (at least his) and focusses on the relationships, but we never feel like we're reading a "gay" story. It's simply a great and moving story by a fine writer. I read it in only a couple days. Definitely check this one out.Book Review: "Sometimes I feel like I have hives in my brain that I can't scratch..."
Summary: 4 Stars
I read RUNNING w/ SCISSORS not too long ago - and a friend passed along DRY. The book was fast - a well-paced fast, and for much of it, I had a very hard time putting it down. Burroughs' again sets his own tone - using the thick and painful material of which his life and esp. his childhood is comprised.
His long (long) investigation of substance abuse - and the twist that makes all of this substance abuse come across as if it might just be everyone else's fault for not giving him the right foundation and coping mechanisms wore thin after a bit.
Burroughs is at his best when he is getting on with the business of living. The inside journey at rehab, his relationship with a reformed crack addict and most especially, the HIV+ Pighead are indelible and incredibly revealing.
Once again, I really appreciated his writing, his humor (dry, sarcastic, poignant), and his spirit.
Book Review: Amazing, raw follow-up to "Running with Scissors"
Summary: 5 Stars
I had to run out and buy this book the minute I finished "Running with Scissors", and I was not disappointed. After getting over the initial shock that Augusten had managed to land a six-figure, seemingly glamorous advertising job, I was sucked into the story of him realizing that he had a problem, and through the ups and downs of recovery. (The "Benadryl moment" was really breathtaking, imagine taking 10-15 Benadryl a day to avoid the effects of the alcohol you keep pouring into your body--and not realizing that's a problem!) I really felt the pain of his relationships, especially in the death of his best friend. I highly recommend this book, and I hope that wherever he is, Mr. Burroughs is continuing his journey of recovery, and that he constantly reminds himself of the obstacles he has overcome to get where he is today, and the bravery it took to bring his story to all of us.
Book Review: Friend of a alcoholic-great read
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book as a recommendation from a LCSW and a good friend of mine. My best friend (not the one who recommended the book) is an alcoholic and I bought him this book. I decided to take the advice and read it for myself. I cannot tell you what a great book this is for someone who has a loved one in their life battling alcoholism. It's fantastic. Not having an addiction myself, unless it's shoes or Ebay, it really helped me understand what he was going through. My friend is also a guy and Augusten's humor and thoughts mimiced my friend to a T. I read this book in 5 hrs, I literally did not put it down. While the reality of alcoholism is depressing, Burrough's certainly has a way of making you laugh. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It had more impact on me due to my friend's addiction, and when I was looking for answers and trying to understand.Book Review: Glitters like Goldschlager
Summary: 5 Stars
If you like David Sedaris, or Burroughs' first novel Running with Scissors, you're sure to love his follow-up, Dry, in which the author discusses his surprisingly horrid battle with alcoholism. After missing numerous important meetings at the ad firm for which he works, Burroughs' superiors force him to choose between being fired and being put through a rehab clinic. His road to recovery leads him to several personal epiphanies, which have many lessons to teach about life, and the things one misses out on when allowing oneself to be overtaken by addiction.
With the tremendous talent he has, Burroughs could probably turn out a hilarious story based on the day's financial reports. Combine that talent with a life full of incredibly eccentric experiences and pure literary gold is produced. Dry and its prequel, Running with Scissors, are proof of Burroughs' Midas touch.