This is How

I'm obsessed with Augusten Burroughs. Easily one of his biggest fans. When I find something I reeeally like (which doesn't happen all that often) - whether it's an author, a band or a person - I go all in. I love the shit out of it...really hard. 

So, when I first came across "Running With Scissors" completely randomly at Borders one day, I did what any normal person would do. I read the back and then went in search of the paperback version...because who wants to buy the hardback version for like 12 bucks more? Not meee.

I think I read it in about 2 or 3 days. I guess a lot of other people liked it too because I believe it was on the New York Times Bestselling list for 4 years straight. I literally couldn't put it down because it was so extremely weird and unreal. It's a memoir about Augusten's childhood and the absolutely crazy, haunting and harrowing experiences he's gone through. Not only is the story uniquely fascinating, but his writing style is very specific, lovely and easy to read.

After that, I bought every other one of his books as they came out. It was like Christmas day every time he had a new one getting released. He's only written one fiction novel and the rest are all memoirs about different parts/times of his life. I'm not going to say what the books are actually about because...read them! They are great! I swear, you won't be disappointed. And, if you are, then quite frankly, I'm disappointed in you.

His newest book, which just came out on May 8, is called "This is How", and it's actually a 'self help' book where he talks about the mindsets, strategies and thinking he has employed to overcome so many of the obstacles and just plain weirdness he's endured in his life. It's a lot different than his other books, but it's really good and actually very helpful, as the title implies. Overall, it basically delves into looking at many different things at face value, for exactly what they are, without sugar coating. 

Even though I'm not finished reading it yet, I can definitely the see the merit in it. Sometimes it's good to have a completely neutral/objective 3rd person view on different matters. And, it's nice that it's straight forward and isn't clouded or cluttered with a bunch of fluff.

I know this sounds like a book review or some type of promotion for this author, but I swear, I just really like him and his books! 

Here's an interview with him...