Running with Scissors

Running with Scissors is Augusten Burroughs' memoir of his unconventional adolescence in the 1970s, chronicling his life from age 12 onwards. After his parents' separation, Burroughs' mother sends him to live with her psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and his family in Massachusetts. The narrative centers on Burroughs' jarring transition from his original structured home environment to the chaotic, rule-free household of Dr. Finch. The Victorian mansion where the Finches reside becomes home to an unusual mix of the doctor's biological children, adopted children, and psychiatric patients. Life in the Finch household operates without conventional boundaries or supervision, presenting a stark contrast to Burroughs' former existence. The memoir documents his navigation through this new reality while maintaining a connection with his unstable mother, who remains a significant presence in his life. The memoir explores themes of survival, identity formation, and the complex nature of family - both biological and chosen. Through his experiences, Burroughs examines how environments shape adolescence and the resilience required to overcome childhood trauma.

Readers describe this memoir as shocking, disturbing, and darkly funny. Many express disbelief at the events portrayed while acknowledging Burroughs' ability to find humor in trauma. Readers appreciate: - Raw, unflinching honesty about mental illness and dysfunction - Sharp, witty writing style - Ability to balance heavy subjects with humor - Vivid character descriptions Common criticisms: - Too graphic/explicit for some readers - Questions about accuracy of memories - Sensationalized portrayal of events - Uncomfortable mix of comedy with serious subjects Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (190,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (1,500+ reviews) Sample reader comments: "Like watching a train wreck - couldn't look away" - Goodreads reviewer "Manages to be hilarious despite horrific circumstances" - Amazon review "Found the attempts at humor inappropriate given the subject matter" - LibraryThing review "Had to keep reminding myself this wasn't fiction" - Goodreads reviewer

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Chronicles a nomadic childhood marked by unconventional parenting and persistent instability, presenting survival through a child's perspective of family dysfunction.

A Child Called 'It' by Dave Pelzer Documents the author's journey through an abusive childhood in California, depicting his methods of survival and resilience in a hostile home environment.

The Lifeboat by David Sedaris Presents interconnected essays about growing up in a Greek-American household with an eccentric family, capturing the intersection of humor and dysfunction.

An American Childhood by Annie Dillard Traces the author's coming-of-age in 1950s Pittsburgh within an unconventional family setting, depicting her path to self-discovery through keen observation.

The Liar's Club by Mary Karr Details life in a Texas oil town with volatile parents and unstable circumstances, presenting a child's navigation through family chaos and transformation.

🔹 The book sparked legal action from the real-life Turcotte family (called the Finch family in the book), who disputed Burroughs' account and ultimately settled for an undisclosed sum in 2007 🔹 Before becoming an author, Burroughs had a successful career in advertising in New York City, which he left behind after the success of "Running with Scissors" 🔹 The memoir was adapted into a 2006 film starring Annette Bening, Alec Baldwin, and Joseph Cross as young Augusten, though the movie received mixed reviews compared to the book's acclaim 🔹 The Victorian mansion where much of the story takes place was a real 19th-century estate in Northampton, Massachusetts, that had fallen into severe disrepair 🔹 The book spent over 2 years on The New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into over 16 languages worldwide