Running with Scissors

MAY INCLUDE SPOILERS!!!

I know that Running with Scissors has been made into a movie and the novel received some kind of critical acclaim, but I really didn't get it.

The family in the story lives in squalor, children are abused, people are eating dog food and running around naked. I just don't understand why people liked the book. I also don't understand how writers feel the need to purge themselves of the past by writing stories such as this one, then getting it published. Really, not everything needs to be read by your public. Running With Scissors is dark and disturbing-not quirky, fun, or uplifting. Not. At. All.

I find it interesting that there's now an apology in the Product Description over at Amazon that says, "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." The memoir was then deemed as a "book" rather than a "memoir."

I guess that's the problem with memoirs-how much can you really remember, unless you're depending solely on journals kept throughout the years. I remember that Oprah had James Frey on her show and was raving about his book A Million Little Pieces. I picked up the book after the hype and read it and thought it was great-so what if he fabricated some of it?

Is this something that memoir writers are going to have to do from now on? Have something explaining that there may be differences in how people remember things? I find so many memoirs, this one included, to be so detailed that there has so be some fabrication.

If you really want to read a memoir, skip this one. There are way better books out there.

While there were many times in this book that I had to momentarily stop reading to ask myself "did I really just read that?!" I truly enjoyed Running With Scissors. I couldn't go five pages without reading something that shocked, disgusted, or intrigued me. I can't believe some of the things that this boy went through by the time he was 16 years old. He went through more in those short 16 years than any person should have to go through their whole life. I can't wait to read Augusten's other books, and I'm even going to look into his brother's book(s?).

My family all liked this memoir. So did I for the 1st half, particularly the relationship between Burroughs and his mother. After a while, though, I tired of the antics at the crazy psychiatrist house. But hell, I only had to read about it.

If you're looking to read something original then chances are you won't finda anything more original than Burroughs's debut memoir. It was an enjoyable read definitely not what you would suspect someone to go through in ones life. There was some things that was so out there that I didn't know if this really happened or that he made up.

Augusten Burroughs has a different perspective and way of looking at the world... To know he is NOW a successful writer, happy in a long-term relationship and a loving father of two dogs... makes me hopeful and helps me believe in the power of the human spirit. Love ya Augusten!

This book was shocking. I can't believe the things that Augusten went through growing up are actually true. Some of the stories he tells are so completely out there and hard to imagine ever happening...which is what makes this book so wonderful. I would recommend this, it's funny and hard to put down because you want to know what his crazy family will do next. I've already ordered his next book and can't wait to read it.

I really enjoyed this book. It took me right back to the same era when I grew up, but it did it in a subtle, nonobvious way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who grew up in the late 1960s or early 1970s.

Dark and hilarious, quirky and disturbing, above all else, a clear reminder that a sense of humour can go a long way. It's a keeper!

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I had heard this book was "hilarious" and "uplifting". It was not. It was disturbing and shocking. It was like a train wreck -- I kept reading even though I wanted to look away. If any part of this book is true (and memoirs are supposed to be true), then the people responsible for raising this boy should be in jail.

A hilarious, funny but freaky autobiography. Clever writing - Burroughs really knows how to tell good stories. I enjoyed this book with many LOL moments, but would agree that this is not something for the conservatives or anyone with existing cardiac problems.

A story of a young boy's traumatic journey through his childhood. Has the dark overtones found in stories such as The Royal Tannenbaums. Helps one recognize that all families are dysfunctional, just a matter of degree really.

Wow.
Burroughs' writing is magnificant. It was difficult to put this book down. It is quite possibly the most disturbingly brilliant story I have ever read. A job well done in capturing the image of a broken family struggling with day-to-day life. Beautiful.

Fabulous book! Have an open mind..although the content may sometimes be slightly unusual this book is really worth reading. Burroughs shares his dysfunctional childhood making it witty and incredibly interesting!loved it!

This book is horrible. Period. How it became a best seller is beyond the realm of my comprehension.

Well once again another biography that leaves you wanting more. I really enjoyed this book but it is not for the person who is not open minded and willing to read some rather disturbing events.

It's hard to believe that one young boy has gone through such a traumatic childhood. His parents divorce, and the next thing Augusten knows, his mother has given him up to her shrink. From there, things get even more unreal. The family (to me) is a mix of The Adams Family and The Royal Tannenbaums. Hilarious, shocking and sad behaviors make an amazing read. I couldn't put this one down.

I didn't like this book at all. Many would find it offensive. It is a questionable "memoir" just like James Frey. I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody. It wasn't funny or enjoyable.

Craziest book that I have read yet. Loved it!!! Very Bizarre and unbelievable at times, I needed to keep reading so quickly to find out what unusual things were going to happen next.
"Dry" was a bit slow and predictable.

This book was inspiring! Day to day life has now become more optimistic, because of this book. I've never before read a book that made me laugh out loud so much. I can't believe some of the things that went on in Augusten's life. What is absolutely astonishing when you read it is that its hard to believe but you know its true. A MUST READ or watch the movie, which I have yet to see because I'm not allowed haha. Well its an amazing book, if your not an abide reader, just read this, you won't be able to put it down.

I was very interested in reading this book about a young boy in the ultimate disfunctional family situation as he is pawned off on his insane mother's even more whacked out shrink and his "the crazy apple doesn't fall far from the tree" family. I was shocked when I read the sexual experiences young Augusten (the author) had with a much older partner but that is because they ARE shocking! (As is this man's childhood in general.) I would have liked the memoir to have come to a happier resolve but I suppose the fact that he is writing this as a successful published author and that this book has been made into a movie starring Annette Benning pretty much screams "I'm Happy!" Augusten Burroughs is a brave person to share his story and is a prime example of the ability to THRIVE not just SURVIVE the epitome of the messed up childhood.