Book Price Comparisons
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 Tolstoy was right. . . Every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Just when I thought I had heard every form of tragedy that can befall a child, I read this and I simply cannot believe how such a precious child was the victim of such evil and survived to become the talent that he is. Augusten is a strong soul and we are all the richer for it. For those who are especially senstive to animal cruelty (as I am!), be warned: there are graphic scenes of animal suffering. These scenes magnify the father's evil in the reader's mind and truly bring home what Augusten must have suffered. At the end of the book, Augusten (as an adult) witnesses a father expressing pure love and pride in his son. This moment brings an emotional punch to Augusten: "I can feel what it is I did not have. I never felt it before." Anyone who ever suffered under terrorist-like parenting will feel that punch along with Mr. Burroughs, and cry with him. Terrifying, unable to put down What a terrific, terrifying book. I devoured it. Every time I pick up one of Burroughs books I do so with trepidation - but they are irresistable. His memories of his father kept me up at night for days, but it was also his memories of his nearly-equally-narcissistic mother that also troubled me. Is he so focused on his father that he cannot see the equally damaging effect of his mother's refusal to protect him? I did interpret her actions as compliant if not abetting the abuse. That Burroughs is alive today is testament to the survival instinct of our species. A worthwhile read I have been intrigued by this author for some time. Although I read RUNNING WITH SCISSORS a few years back, I felt there was so much between the lines that I could not exactly grasp and this book fills that gap beautifully. Although it is a very painful subject, there's something truly cathartic for this author in bravely going into this murky area single-handedly the way he does here. Gone is the usual absurdist humor, true, but the sincerity is quite moving. I think it's so important to have books like this, especially on male wounds between fathers and sons. Yes, this is a diversion from the usual Augusten Borroughs fare, but so poignant and necessary to uncover those complex issues. A book like this can encourage many to look at their own lives in understanding things we'd rather forget. Totally recommend along with the little-known, SIM0N LAZARUS, a book I can't stop thinking about.  Liked Running With Scissors? You may want to think twice about this one About: Burroughs writes about his relationship (and lack thereof) with his father Review: Engaging and well-written, this book is quite a bit darker and more depressing than Burroughs' Running with Scissors | |||||||||||||