Magical Thinking: True Stories by Augusten Burroughs
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Book Reviews of Magical Thinking: True Stories
Book Review: Amusing Essays Read by Author
Summary: 4 Stars
Many readers are now familiar with Augusten Burroughs' bizarre upbringing (detailed in his Running With Scissors and the movie of the same name). This is a volume of essays about his grown up life, such as it is. Unapologetically narcissistic and at times thoroughly unlikeable as Burroughs seems to be in these first person narratives about his war with his cleaning lady or his belief that he successfully wished death on a horrid old boss, I nevertheless enjoyed this book. I listened to it as an audiobook and the author's own reading of the essays enhanced the experience. Like any assortment of short pieces, some are more memorable than others; I particularly liked the title piece and the ones featuring his partner Dennis and their French bulldog. Burroughs' personality (or writing persona--I'm not sure which it is) is such that it is best taken in small doses, which makes these essays perfect. It's a book you can read over time, one essay here and there, and enjoy it that way.Book Review: Entertaining
Summary: 4 Stars
These stories are what most people who write blogs are trying to achieve when they drone on about the minutia of their daily lives. The only difference is that Augusten Burroughs is able to make us laugh in the process, and often at our selves. He portrays himself as a tad absurd, and we can't help but relate. Sometimes his stories seem to touch on the profound, but it's often fleeting and never in a way that seems overly contrived by Burroughs. Occasionally while reading I would wonder what made this collection worthy of publishing instead of being banished to life on computer screens, but then I would read a particularly witty and insightful passage which would remind me of Burrough's unique gifts in story telling. I give this collection 4 stars instead of 5 because it lacks some of the emotional resonance I would want from a five star book. It's still an entertaining read, and one I would recommend to anyone.Book Review: This Book Might Make You Pee Yourself
Summary: 4 Stars
For the most part, I loved this book. Burrough's humor totally appeals to me. I find it hard to understand the reviews that take excpetion to his alleged cruelty to a mouse or accidently standing on a child's hand. You need to accept the author as he is, flaws and all. My favorite chapter was "Roof Work" - I laughed so hard I was crying. It was hysterical. Similarly the chapter about his cleaner and the mouse had me rolling. Some of the stories were less engaging and funny - and some, like the hilarious "roof work" ended on a very bathetic tone...it just petered out into nothing. I also enjoyed the warm stories about his new relationship and lover -- and felt so happy for them both - especially for Augusten given his messed up youth. The story about the dog poop thief as also wonderful. Overall, loved this book and recommend it highly!Book Review: Enjoyable if you aren't highly judgmental
Summary: 4 Stars
I see why other reviewers compare Burroughs to Sedaris. Yeah, they're both gay authors with a wry sense of humor. But Burroughs is a much bigger prick. Sadistic. Cruel to animals (and babies). And to top it off, he continually is haunted by his childhood and alcoholism.
What could be more entertaining than THAT?
If you like sick humor, you will love this book. If you get just a bit squeamish about explicit descriptions of gay sex, you'll still love this book. Some reviewers hopped on their high horse and gave this book a low rating because they don't agree morally with the author's actions. I don't agree with poisoning and drowning mice either, but I admit that it makes for a great read.
Burroughs as a human being: probably a D+
Burroughs as a storyteller: A-
Book Review: Great wrap-up a 3-part memoir system - funny and scary both
Summary: 4 Stars
As the wrap-up of his Augusten's 3-part memoir series: Running With Scissors, Dry, and Magical Thinking, it was great to see all the stages of his life, and to put the pieces together.
His wit can be sharp, but also poignant. Short and sweet, it's a great summer read.Running with Scissors: A MemoirDry: A Memoir, Dry: A Memoir