Sunday, December 03, 2017

Bookish Thoughts: Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs

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 of my favorite books. ~ Opening of Lust and Wonder




Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs
St. Martin's Press. 2016
Nonfiction (Memoir); 304 pgs

I read Augusten Burroughs’ Running With Scissors years ago, and it made quite an impression on me. It was shocking and funny--and left me feeling terribly sad. I meant to go on and read more by Burroughs’, but I never managed to because my interest in memoirs has waned over the years. When Lust & Wonder appeared in my mailbox, the latest from my Going Postal book club, I was 1) sad because it really doesn't fit with my happy Christmas-themed bookish mood and 2) happy because I would finally be able to visit with Augusten Burroughs again.

Augusten Burroughs is the child of an alcoholic professor and a psychotic poetess who, in his later childhood, is sent to live with his mother's psychiatrist. Neglected and abused, raised with very little structure and guidance, and struggling with his own mental health issues early on in life--all of which have a profound impact on his adult life, including how he copes, sees the world around him, and in his relationships with others. Lust and Wonder does not go much into his childhood other than a mention here and there to give the new reader an idea of where he comes from. You will find that in the author's earlier books--although this one does stand well on its own.

In Lust and Wonder Burroughs opens up about his life after his memoir Dry, particularly his search for love and stability. He talks about his relationships—the failed and the successful. Burroughs seems to have a difficult time trusting his own gut when it comes to his romantic relationships, a symptom of his past and his doubts about his own mental health. There were several times throughout the book I wanted to tell him to not sell himself short.

I really like Burroughs’ conversational style. I find him relatable and insightful. He comes across as a very genuine person, which is a must in a memoir. He’s very open about his experiences as a gay man, including talking about HIV and AIDS, his grief at losing a loved one, his struggles with mental illness and the mistakes he has made over the years. He lays it all out there, warts and all. He talks honestly about his dependence and struggle with alcohol, both while lost at the bottom of a bottle of Scotch and while sober. He also writes about his anxiety, a topic I can relate all too well with. I can understand his willingness to stay in a relationship that isn’t working for the sake of security and stability and not wanting to risk the unknown by making a change--especially given his past. Sometimes it is easier to ignore and suppress what isn’t working than to confront it. But at what cost?

Augusten Burroughs takes the readers on his journey with him, through the pitfalls of his relationships as well as the successes. He made me laugh and cry; and I came away feeling as if I had just caught up with an old friend.

To learn more about Augusten Burroughs and his work, please visit the author on the author's website

© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

28 comments:

  1. i used to be big on memoirs. I have read his other ones. I went and checked and my library has it so I will read this one also.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hillary - I hope you enjoy it. I've heard others say this one isn't quite as good as some of his other books, but still worth reading.

      Delete
  2. I didn't love Running with Scissors so I've skipped his other work. My parents, however, loved it, so maybe this would be a good fit for my mom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - I can see how Running With Scissors might turn off some readers. It was quite shocking at times and the author doesn't hold anything back.

      Delete
  3. I don't think I have ever read him. Which seems wrong, somehow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Book Sage - I like his writing style and would recommend giving his work a try. You might find you don't like it, but at least then you'd know. :-)

      Delete
  4. I read Running With Scissors years ago. I don't think I really liked the book but I still couldn't put it down. I am kind of on the fence about reading more of his book but I am glad you enjoyed this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole - Burroughs has a way of hooking the reader and taking them along for the ride.

      Delete
  5. I tend not not seek out memoirs but wouldn't mind giving this one a go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana - I so rarely read memoirs these days. I don't think I would have picked this up had it not been for my book club.

      Delete
  6. I have enjoyed all his books, except this one. Too much information :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I tend to be picky as far as memoirs go and I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Will keep this book in mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody - Burroughs has a way with drawing the reader in. I don't think he's for everyone, but I have enjoyed both the books I've read by him. I can't say I'm going to go out and read his other books right away. If they came my way I might read them though.

      Delete
  8. Have never read this author, will check the book out, thanks xxx

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lainy - I hope you like his books if you give them a try!

      Delete
  9. Memoirs are always hit and miss, but Burrows seems to have the knack!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenclair - He really does seem to have a knack. I agree about memoirs being hit and miss. I think that's part of why I don't read too many of them anymore.

      Delete
  10. Sounds like a sorrowful eye opener. I rarely read Memoirs but this one sounds like it can't be missed.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Like you, I read Running with Scissors and liked his writing style. He and his brother had an insane childhood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steph - Insane is right. I like how Augusten Burroughs can look back on it and find humor in it all as terrible as it was at times.

      Delete
  12. Sounds like a great memoir, although I agree it's not very Christmassy :p

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've heard of Running with Scissors but other than the title I know very little about it. Your comments about his writing style definitely make me want to give this book as well as Running with Scissors a try. They sound honest and heartbreaking and fascinating. I may wait till after Christmas though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine - That's a good way to describe them. Burroughs' comes across as very genuine. I hope you like his work if you give it a try.

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.