Thursday, November 16, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs)

One thing I especially enjoy about the Going Postal book group I belong to is the variety of books we read. Each member selects a book at the beginning of the year, and every couple of months, after having read the book in our possession, we mail it, along with a journal, to the next person in the group. By the end of the year, we've each read all the books and recorded our thoughts. I have not liked all the books chosen, but I have had a chance to read books I might not have picked up otherwise. Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs is one of those books. I really enjoyed Running With Scissors by the same author which I read about twelve years ago. It was funny and sad--at times shocking--but I found Burroughs to be humble and thoughtful, entertaining, and incredibly resilient. 

It has been awhile since I last read--or wanted to read--a memoir. And while reading Lust & Wonder right now is taking me away from the holiday themed books I am craving, I didn't want to let it sit too long (besides, there's a deadline to finish it and send it on to the next person).

Goodreads Summary: 
In chronicling the development and demise of the different relationships he's had while living in New York, Augusten Burroughs examines what it means to be in love, what it means to be in lust, and what it means to be figuring it all out. With Augusten's unique and singular observations and his own unabashed way of detailing both the horrific and the humorous, Lust and Wonder is an intimate and honest memoir that his legions of fans have been waiting for.



A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the wonderful Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.
Just when I broke my sobriety and started drinking again in moderate 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. 
In AA, you are brainwashed into believing that all the good stuff happens only after you stop drinking. Clearly they are lying; my life improved significantly as soon as I ordered a cocktail.
Augusten Burroughs drew me in right away with this opening. It's got a conversational feel to it and from the second paragraph, I just know he's in for a hard fall. Not that I want him to fail, but it seems given it will happen.



A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

"We didn't say anything. We just sat there on the sofa, and I understood everything. The problem is, I really am monogamous. You know? I've spent the last two years trying not to love somebody who's dying, but it didn't work." [pg 51]



I would be lying if I said tears didn't spring to my eyes as I read this excerpt and what came after. It's an insightful moment into Augusten's life at that time in his life.

I haven't gotten too far into the book--I'm on page 52, but I hope to make more progress this weekend. I find Burrough's writing and story compelling, and look forward to continuing on.

What do you think? Is this something you might like to read?



Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week (well, at least for us Americans)?! If you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day. I will be taking this next week off from blogging. I have to work for much of the week, but want to concentrate on spending time with my family, and maybe even dedicate some extra time to reading. Have a great weekend--and week!


© 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.

44 comments:

  1. I'm not sure what to think. If it wasn't for bars, I probably would not have met Mr Wonderful, but I really don't recommend it. :-)
    sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry - Augusten probably should stay away from the alcohol given his history.

      Bars can be great places to meet people--or not depending on the circumstances, I'm sure. I am glad it worked out for you. :-)

      Delete
  2. Looks like a deep read, thanks for sharing, will add it

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a wonderful way to read books and share them with a group. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - I enjoy being a part of the mail book group! This is the third year I've participated, and it's been a good experience over all.

      Delete
  4. I have read several of Augusten's books, from Running with Scissors to Magical Thinking (including Dry and A Wolf at the Table). I haven't yet read this one, but after reading your thoughts, I've added it to my list.

    Thanks for sharing, and here's mine: “FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - I like it so far, although it is early in. I really like Burroughs' writing. I came close to reading Dry, but the subject matter pushed me away. I have a hard time with books dealing with alcoholism given my family history.

      Delete
  5. That is a good opening. I didn't love Running with Scissors, though, so I'd have to think about this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - Running With Scissors was a bit shocking in some ways. I know not everyone took to it. I could relate to some of what he went through as a child--at least in sentiment. And I love his use of humor--both as a coping mechanism and as a way to tell an entertaining story.

      Delete
  6. I love the tone of the two quotes, but I worry about him drinking again. Friday Quotes: Long Way Down

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne - I do too! And, yeah, I don't think his drinking again will come to anything good.

      Delete
  7. This sounds interesting. I seldom read memoirs and am not familiar with this author though. This week I am spotlighting The Human Division by John Scalzi. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - I don't read memoirs like I used to, but this one is good so far.

      Delete
  8. Probably not my kind of read but hope you enjoy it!

    Stormi
    Friday Memes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stormi - I don't know that I would have picked it up had it not been a group read, but I am enjoying it!

      Delete
  9. Sounds like a great read! I love that beginning! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Freda - It does draw you in, doesn't it? I hope you have a great weekend too.

      Delete
  10. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Wendy.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the excerpts, especially the beginning. I think I'd enjoy this book.

    ReplyDelete
  12. When I was a kid, Thanksgiving meant good food and lots of time playing with cousins. Now...it means counting calories, rushed cooking, but fun playing with the grands. :) Hope you and yours have a good food and good fun on Turkey Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenclair - It sounds like you have a wonderful Thanksgiving planned! Enjoy your day!

      Delete
  13. I like the idea of the Going Postal book group,w hat a nice way to share books. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Wendy and enjoy your time off.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Naida - It's a fun way to share thoughts on books. :-) I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving too!

      Delete
  14. I love the idea of your postal book group. I think that's the best part of book groups - we sometimes read books we would not pick up. I hope this continues to be an interesting read for you. And, wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana - This is my third year participating and it's been a lot of fun. I'm enjoying Lust and Wonder so far. I'm nearly done. :-) Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

      Delete
  15. Have a great Thanksgiving, Wendy! I didn't enjoy Running With Scissors so I really haven't looked at any of his other works. I will be curious about your final thoughts of this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole - Thank you! I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving as well. I got away from reading memoirs over the last few years and so never read more of his work, but I enjoy his writing.

      Delete
  16. I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here!

    Lauren @ Always Me

    ReplyDelete
  17. Not a name I was familiar with, I had to Google it ... he's an author, right? Because I don't know of him this isn't a book I'd read but I too love a memoir that is conversational in tone.

    Wishing you and yours a happy thanksgiving.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tracy - I prefer reading memoirs by and about people who aren't well known--more like your every day people--myself.

      Thank you for the Thanksgiving wishes! I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

      Delete
  18. I love the idea of your postal group - especially the journal aspect. I'm just such a horrible reader when a book is forced. I'm so much happier when I read according to mood. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy - The Going Postal book group is a lot of fun. I am more of a mood reader too, but I also like to venture out of comfort zone now and then and the group has been good for me in that way.

      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.