Lust & Wonder

Lust & Wonder is Augusten Burroughs' ninth book and a memoir that chronicles his romantic relationships and personal growth in New York City. The narrative focuses on three significant relationships that shaped his adult life, examining his struggles with intimacy and self-discovery. In this memoir, Burroughs recounts his experiences navigating love, career, and sobriety while working in advertising and pursuing his writing ambitions. The book traces his path through therapy, dating mishaps, and the complexities of maintaining relationships while dealing with his past trauma. The author's trademark dark humor and brutal honesty are present throughout the story as he examines his patterns in love and relationships. His perspective on the publishing industry and life in New York adds context to his personal journey. Through this exploration of romance and self-discovery, Burroughs presents a raw examination of how past experiences influence present choices, and how understanding oneself is crucial to finding authentic connection.

Readers describe this memoir as more subdued and less shocking than Burroughs' previous works. Many say it lacks the raw intensity of "Running with Scissors" or "Dry." Readers appreciated: - Honest portrayal of relationship struggles - Details about his writing career development - Mature perspective on past choices - Humor in describing dating mishaps Common criticisms: - Repetitive focus on failed relationships - Less compelling than his earlier memoirs - Slow pacing through middle sections - Too much focus on material possessions and spending Review scores: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (230+ ratings) One reader noted: "The self-awareness feels earned this time, not performed." Another wrote: "Missing the urgency and darkness that made his other books compelling." Several reviewers mentioned the book works better for existing fans familiar with Burroughs' story rather than new readers starting here.

Running with Scissors - Augusten Burroughs' earlier memoir depicts his unconventional childhood and teenage years, providing the foundation for understanding the relationship patterns explored in Lust & Wonder.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls This memoir chronicles a dysfunctional family life and subsequent journey to self-discovery in New York City through unflinching personal narrative.

Boy Erased by Garrard Conley This memoir examines the intersection of sexuality, self-acceptance, and family relationships through the lens of personal trauma and healing.

Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett This memoir explores complex adult friendships and the navigation of personal relationships against the backdrop of the writing world.

Just Kids by Patti Smith This memoir details coming of age and finding oneself in New York City while pursuing creative ambitions and navigating significant relationships.

🔸 Augusten Burroughs was born Christopher Richter Robison and legally changed his name at age 18, choosing "Augusten" from a phonebook and "Burroughs" after writer William S. Burroughs. 🔸 His breakthrough memoir "Running with Scissors" (2002) spent 8 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was later adapted into a film starring Annette Bening and Alec Baldwin. 🔸 Before becoming a writer, Burroughs worked as a successful advertising copywriter in New York City, an experience he drew from for his memoir "Dry" and references in "Lust & Wonder." 🔸 The author has been openly gay throughout his literary career and has written extensively about LGBTQ+ experiences in his works, helping pave the way for greater representation in mainstream memoir writing. 🔸 Following a legal challenge to "Running with Scissors" by the Turcotte family (portrayed as the Finch family in the book), Burroughs agreed to call the book a "book" rather than a "memoir" in the author's note, though he maintained the events were true.