Beth Fish Reads: Today's Read: Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs

22 March 2016

Today's Read: Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs

I don't think I have much of a story to tell, and if I did, I'm not sure I'd share it with the world. I glad, however, that some people are willing to let us see what's it's like to take a walk in their shoes. Augusten Burroughs is one such person.

Just when I broke my sobriety and started drinking again in moderate and controlled measure exactly like a normal person, I met this guy who wasn't just a guy but a writer, and not just a writer but the author of one my favorite books.

—Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs (St Martin's Press, 2016, p. 3)

Quick Facts

Setting: contemporary New York City (mostly)
Circumstances: Augusten Burroughs writes with incredible frankness and honesty about his struggles with alcohol and relationships and the arc of his writing career.
Themes: self-acceptance, coming into oneself, clarity, alcoholism, love
Genre: memoir
Thoughts: Burroughs is one of the few people willing to share the ugly truths about themselves; he's brave and funny and holds little back. He reveals the lowest of lows when he gives in completely to his drinking as well as the false hopes that come with convenient relationships. He talks about sexual dysfunction and the loss of friends to AIDS. Yet, despite these dark themes, he maintains a sense of humor and a modicum of optimism, never giving up on the idea that things will work out, that he'll find love, and that the future surly has some lasting happiness.
Recommendations: If you're looking for an inspirational memoir, you'll not really find it in Burroughs. If you're looking for honesty, then he's your guy. As his editor notes, reading Burroughs's memoirs is like talking to a really good friend. You might be shocked by the stories, but you never doubt that he's a decent person who deserves more. His journey to inner peace has been long and hard, and I hope that he has at last found a safe person and place to call home.
Things to know: Among novels and other work, Augusten Burroughs has written two other memoirs: Running with Scissors is about his childhood and Dry is about his coming to terms with his addiction. You don't have to read these to understand Lust & Wonder, but why miss out?

15 comments:

Eustacia Tan, 3/22/16, 7:20 AM: Interesting! I wonder if meeting his favourite author caused him to drink more or less....

My teaser is from Turtle Recall by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs
Unknown, 3/22/16, 7:48 AM: I have listened to Running with Scissors which I found both funny and sad. This new book looks interesting.
Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves), 3/22/16, 7:52 AM: I really loved Running with Scissors and do like some honesty....I'm going to keep this one on my radar for Nonfiction November!
Emma Litttlefield, 3/22/16, 8:05 AM: I haven't read any Burroughs but I would read this I think - I love the opening and the cover too really caught my eye.
(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea, 3/22/16, 8:06 AM: I'd read more "controlled drinking" LOL
bermudaonion, 3/22/16, 9:07 AM: I didn't really care for Running With Scissors but both of my parents loved it. I may have to pick this up for my mom.
Kathy Martin, 3/22/16, 9:17 AM: Sounds interesting. I hope you are enjoying it. My teaser this week comes from A Lady in the Smoke by Karen Odden. Happy reading!
Unknown, 3/22/16, 9:42 AM: Hmm..Sounds interesting. Wish I had time to read every book that catches my attention:)

My Teaser Tuesday
Literary Feline, 3/22/16, 12:01 PM: I read Running With Scissors years ago and found it both sad and hilarious. Augusten Burroughs is a great story teller. I am not sure I would read this on though. I am very selective about the books I read that touch on the subject of alcoholism. It's not a subject I generally like to read about, especially in memoirs.
Laurel-Rain Snow, 3/22/16, 12:22 PM: Oh, I have this one bookmarked on Amazon. I have read and loved several of his books, including the most popular Running with Scissors. I read Dry, Magical Thinking, A Wolf at the Table, etc. I'm a fan.

That is such an intriguing cover, isn't it?

Thanks for sharing....and here's mine: “SOMEWHERE OUT THERE”
Monica's Bookish Life, 3/22/16, 1:24 PM: What you've shared about this book make me want to read it. His story sounds fascinating!
Anonymous, 3/22/16, 3:22 PM: I'll have to keep this one in mind.
Kay, 3/22/16, 3:50 PM: I can remember hearing about RUNNING WITH SCISSORS a long time ago and thinking I would like it. Never actually read it though. One day.
Tea, 3/23/16, 4:29 AM: I like memoirs. For some reason, I avoided reading "Running With Scissors." In this one, I'm wondering about the name of his favorite book. I'm not really feeling excited about this one. Might go back and give "Running With Scissors" a try.
Daryl, 3/24/16, 10:30 AM: i think after two real life books, yes i read another after the Sue Menger bio .. i am done with real life for a while .. but thanks!