Lust & Wonder

I seriously love every book he writes. He has a way of telling a story like no other.

"Running with Scissors" was a great way to start me toward being a huge Augusten Burroughs fan, and "Lust and Wonder" doesn't diminish that evaluation. I simply like his writing style, his openness, and his wit. I can see why some readers would be less than enthusiastic. Most experiences in this memoir have been told before by other writers, but it's the style and verve that Burroughs displays that sets him apart."Lust and Wonder" is a memoir, but Burroughs could have written it as fiction without revealing so much about himself. If it had been characterized as semi-autobiographical fiction, he could have passed off certain delicate passages as part of the fiction aspect. Instead, he lets it all hang out - the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre. I like his honesty, although some critics might question whether he's telling the whole story, or embellishing what actually happened.An aspect that's particularly personal is Burroughs' tendency to fall victim to catastrophic thought. He berates himself for constantly thinking that everything he's done, or about to do, leads to catastrophe. How many authors would do that, rather than fudging that personality trait? In any case, I was glad to see him reveal this tendency, as it helped me realize I'm not the only person subject at times to worrying that the worst is about to happen. And the way Burroughs presents it, you keep wanting to tell him he's not a failed person, so why keep constantly worrying about it. I like that he's sensitive, vulnerable, and at the same time a witty, intelligent, vibrant human being.4-1/2 stars.

This is not as funny as his previous books, but, for some reason, I really enjoy reading about this guy’s life (book after book after book). In Lust and Wonder, he’s once again unflinchingly honest, this time about the major relationships of his life since he moved to New York. It was fascinating for me to read how, even after years of sobriety, he was still making poor relationship choices—it’s kind of hard to read, actually (it’s like watching a movie character go into a dark basement to see if there is a bad guy and you want to scream at the character there IS a bad guy! Don’t go! Stop what you’re doing!) Also, he makes terrible decisions with money, another hard thing to read. He asks a few times through the book if staying sober has been worth it. He admits he never would have accomplished all that he’s accomplished if he’d continued drinking, and he certainly doesn’t miss wetting the bed and having sex with strangers. Also, he has a line about how, because of alcohol, whole sections of his life “were now undecipherable, smeared and forever unreadable.”But now he has to face his constant dread and anxiety without the comforting numbness of alcohol.This is a very fast read. It does have a happy ending, although the last section is choppy and fragmented. It works, but I also got the feeling he was trying to meet a deadline and a word count.I enjoyed this book, but I think Dry and This is How will always be my favorites of his (also, of course, Running with Scissors)

I have read everything that Augusten Burroughs has published, and liked most of it. “Lust and Wonder” is not an exception. It is a fine quick read. However, it is an uneven book, with the first part much stronger than the latter.This memoir basically chronicles Augusten’s path to married life and deals with three relationships that seem to have made him the man he is today. There are moments where anyone who has been in a serious long term relationship will cringe with recognition, and that is a good thing.Be warned, Mr. Burroughs does not come off as especially likable in this text. In fact, I would say he is not at all likable. His comments about his past relationships are of course only one side of the story, and although he self-deprecates plenty in the text, I never noticed him taking real credit for his part in their demise. That is not a good or bad thing, it just is. Remember you are only getting one perspective. His ex (Dennis) really gets the rough treatment in this text, and frankly I think both of them made their relationship the mess it became.Once Burroughs settles on the man who will become his husband (Christopher) the book slows down a lot, dealing with the minutia of married life. And that is okay. A contented life should not be all that crazy, in fact it should be downright everyday (or boring as the disingenuous would say).“Lust and Wonder” has moments of great human truth in it, and I appreciated and enjoyed this quick read.

I liked that this memoir revealed what had happened in his life since the last book of his I'd read. He is very honest about the events, and only allows for his regular level of grumpy stoicism to present itself in the writings of the events that unfolded- as painful or hurtful as they were. I prefer some of his other works due to the entertaining and baffling situations he found himself in, and his ability to relay the horrific humor of it all. Anyone who is a fan of his writing should read this book. This is an in depth look at his more personal life. Slightly on the mushy side compared to other books, but a page turner nonetheless.

I was a bit dissapointed with this one. I have read just about each and everyone of his memoir books 6/7 times. I know them all well. I love his writing. This one seems like it has run its course! Nothing really new for me. Not as funny. It was basically a dissapointing "Nah". Boring, heard it all before. Which is a shame. Its like he is scraping the bottom of the barrell.

I really can't get enough of this man. I'm thankful that a perfect stranger has found his Jeep Man, Christopher. When there's no more of his memoirs left to read I'll be bored again. Please keep writing, please...

Another book that you can't put down once you have started to read it. I loved everything about it. Amazing talented writer

His books are always enjoyable. Sad and hilarious, what a mix. Hate getting to the end of them.

Enjoyable read!