"Running with Scissors" is the true story of a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions of being Anne Sexton) gave him away to be raised by her psychiatrist, a dead ringer for Santa and a lunatic in the bargain. Suddenly, at age twelve, Augusten Burroughs found himself living in a dilapidated Victorian house in perfect squalor. The doctor's bizarre family, a few patients, and a pedophile living in the backyard shed completed the tableau. Here, there were no rules. There was no school. The Christmas tree stayed up until ...
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"Running with Scissors" is the true story of a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions of being Anne Sexton) gave him away to be raised by her psychiatrist, a dead ringer for Santa and a lunatic in the bargain. Suddenly, at age twelve, Augusten Burroughs found himself living in a dilapidated Victorian house in perfect squalor. The doctor's bizarre family, a few patients, and a pedophile living in the backyard shed completed the tableau. Here, there were no rules. There was no school. The Christmas tree stayed up until summer, and Valium was eaten like Pez. And when things got dull, there was always the vintage electroshock-therapy machine under the stairs... "Running with Scissors" is at turns foul and harrowing, compelling and maniacally funny. But above all, it is a truly amazing chronicle of an ordinary boy's survival under the most extraordinary circumstances. Running with Scissors Acknowledgments Gratitude doesn't begin to describe it: Jennifer Enderlin, Christopher Schelling, John Murphy, Gregg Sullivan, Kim Cardascia, Michael Storrings, and everyone at St. Martin's Press. Thank you: Lawrence David, Suzanne Finnamore, Robert Rodi, Bret Easton Ellis, Jon Pepoon, Lee Lodes, Jeff Soares, Kevin Weidenbacher, Lynda Pearson, Lona Walburn, Lori Greenburg, John DePretis, and Sheila Cobb. I would also like to express my appreciation to my mother and father for, no matter how inadvertently, giving me such a memorable childhood. Additionally, I would like to thank the real-life members of the family portrayed in this book for taking me into their home and accepting me as one of their own. I recognize that their memories of the events described in this book are different than my own. They are each fine, decent, and hard-working people. The book was not intended to hurt the family. Both my publisher and I regret any unintentional harm resulting from the publishing and marketing of Running with Scissors. Most of all, I would like to thank my brother for demonstrating, by example, the importance of being wholly unique.
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a well written bizare account of twisted family life endured & somehow survived by this young man growing up in so many directions, his thought processes are fascinating....I wanted to stop reading , but couldn't......
Swede
Dec 17, 2009
Well worth the read
There are a couple homosexual references shocking jolting to a hetero but if you can get past them, the book is a wonderful zany disturbing read.
The very definition of Dysfunctional Families.
carriej
Aug 24, 2009
Truly disturbing...
The thought that a child could actually be treated this poorly and raised in this manner -- make that multiple children being raised to raise themselves with unscrupulous parents and no guidance what-so-ever -- is truly, utterly disturbing. All that being said, Augusten Burroughs did a fabulous job telling his amazing story. This is one heck of a page turner!
Conundrum
Jun 13, 2009
Running With Scissors: Review by Conundrum
To be totally honest, I actually watched the movie, ?Running With Scissors? before I read the book. However, the movie is what interested me in the stories of Augusten Burroughs. In my opinion, ?Running with Scissors? took some major bullocks to write. The story is so intriguing that you just cannot put down the book. I found myself completely drawn into the world of a boy, Augusten Burroughs, attempting to become an independent entity while struggling with obstacles beyond the boundaries of even the most active imagination. The story of his life is sad, yes. However, he seems to find the humor in his turmoil flawlessly.
Dealing with a psychotic mother, Deirdre, and the ?adopted? Finch family that is perhaps even worse off, Augusten somehow stays true to himself. I admit, this book is not for those of a high moral standard with preconceived notions of ?normal?. This book is also not for close-minded, judgmental people either. No, this book is for those of us that know life is truly flawed and that very bad things can happen and almost always will. It is also a testament that good people who get put in drastically horrible situations will either flounder or prevail. Well, Augusten definitely prevails.
The characters are engaging and somewhat mysterious at times. For me, it was slightly difficult to put my finger on what motivated Agnes (the wife of Finch) and Hope (daughter of Finch). However, they both play intricate roles in his story.
The other characters, however, all had extremely potent personalities. Finch (the Psychiatrist of Deirdre), is an unusual patriarch in many, many ways. I mean, at one point, he actually believes that his excrement will dictate the family?s financial situation. Odd, hmmm? Natalie (youngest daughter of Finch) is a force of nature. I believe that she helps Augusten realize that it is ok to be himself. She supports him and him and is the closest thing he has to a friend. At the other end of the spectrum is Bookman, (lover of Augusten, adopted by Finch as well), an extremely complex, psychotic character. The way he approaches the world and the people in it is an enigma, to say the least.
I can?t say much more without completely giving away the entire plot to the book, so I will end with this. I highly suggest ALL of Augusten Burroughs books. Trust me, I have read every one and they are all more than fantastic.
I hope this review was helpful to you and that you might have even enjoyed it.
Thank you for your time.
kasur
Oct 30, 2008
guidline to kasur
Eva completes her training and is sent on a series of missions at the behest of Romer, her tutor and recruiter. She finds herself suddenly in a glamorous world of subterfuge, travelling extensively and living in occasional luxury as she undertakes her responsibilities as an agent. We follow Eva on her travels as she perfects the art of espionage, until one final climactic assignment leaves her fighting for her life. At this point, the character realises she has been double-crossed and must flee for her own safety. Eva falls in love with Romer and the two conduct a clandestine affair. However, due to the nature of their respective roles and positions, the relationship draws to its inevitable conclusion
