Running with Scissors: A Memoir Audiobook, by Augusten Burroughs Play Audiobook Sample

Running with Scissors: A Memoir Audiobook

Running with Scissors: A Memoir Audiobook, by Augusten Burroughs Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Augusten Burroughs Publisher: Macmillan Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 5.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: July 2006 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781427200716

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

142

Longest Chapter Length:

04:38 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:55 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

03:13 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

10

Other Audiobooks Written by Augusten Burroughs: > View All...

Publisher Description

Running with Scissors is the true story of a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions of being Anne Sexton) gave him away to be raised by her psychiatrist, a dead ringer for Santa and a lunatic in the bargain.

Suddenly, at age twelve, Augusten Burroughs found himself living in a dilapidated Victorian house in perfect squalor. The doctor's bizarre family, a few patients, and a pedophile living in the backyard shed completed the tableau. Here, there were no rules. There was no school. The Christmas tree stayed up until summer, and Valium was eaten like Pez. And when things got dull, there was always the vintage electroshock-therapy machine under the stairs.

Running with Scissors is at turns foul and harrowing, compelling and maniacally funny. But above all, it is a truly amazing chronicle of an ordinary boy's survival under the most extraordinary circumstances.

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"I found myself laughing hysterically at this book while simultaneously shaking my head in horror.... is how someone started to review this book and i coukdn't say it any better! It's the story of the author's life between 13-16. His mother began to have psychotic episodes and finds her way to a bizarree psychiatrist, Dr. Finch. Soon, every aspect of their lives are touched by Dr. Finch and his equally bizarre family. At times, the events are horrifying... think molestation, drug use and rape but remarkably, Burrough's manages to find the humor even in these situations. This book left me scratching my head in disbelief that these people actually exhist!"

— Kerri (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Burrough’s account of his deranged adolescence there is clear-eyed and often wildly funny. To hear it not only in his own words, but in his own voice in this fine production is ideal.”

    — AudioFile
  • “A bawdy, outrageous, often hilarious account.”

    — New York Times
  • “Hilarious, freaky-deaky, berserk, controlled, transcendent, touching, affectionate, vengeful, all-embracing. It makes you happy that there’s such a thing in the world as a string of written words.”

    — Washington Post

Awards

  • New York Times bestseller
  • Oprah Pick for Best Memoirs of a Generation

Running with Scissors Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 (3.00)
5 Stars: 5
4 Stars: 15
3 Stars: 4
2 Stars: 11
1 Stars: 7
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The film sucked. The book was tense and silly. Like a boy, in box, with nowhere to run. "

    — Jon-david, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I found myself scouring the Internet after reading this book attempting to find out if the outrageous stories presented by the author are really truths. It turns out there was a lawsuit against the author for basically embellishing his stories. Regardless, he gets a high mark from me for creatively penning this crazy book. "

    — Jiill, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Never has someone's disturbing past been told in such a matter-of-fact and often hilarious way. His other stuff is better, but this is still enjoyable. "

    — Miranda, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Read this book some time ago. Came up recently in a book club I belong to. Tried to read again. I have come to the conclusion that I just don'g get "dark humor." Not a book I much care for. "

    — Laverne, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The degree of dysfunction of the people in the main character's life is absolutely amazing. Hard to believe that this is a true story but sadly it is. Does have humor amongst the sexual abuse, physical abuse, pedophilia, neglect, and psychosis. How the main character ever remained remotely sane is beyond my understanding. "

    — Michelle, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " This was a book club selection. I can't honestly say I read this book, because I got to a certain place in the book after having to push myself to keep reading, I just couldn't go any farther and threw it across the room. "

    — Catherine, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I don't believe a lot of the claims in this book. "

    — Ylanda, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I could barely get through it! "

    — Chris, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This book was well-written and it was a very interesting story... I am just very succeptible to mental images dealing with sexual assault, and they stick with me for way too long. This book described Burroughs experiences as a child and teen with perverts, and I didn't enjoy that part of the book. "

    — Toni, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " There was nothing about this book that I liked . "

    — Kathy, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Horrible. I tortured myself even more and waitched the HORRIBLE movie. This was one of the books that I wanted to put down the entire time, but forced myself to finish because it supposedly is a true story. Did I mention that I hated it? "

    — Jeanne, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Way better than the movie. The movie really made me sad because this book is so interesting and bizarre. "

    — Katie, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a great read. I bordered on being disturbed and being entertained. I could not put it down. The characters were very simply complex. "

    — Carol, 12/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I am having trouble getting through this, partially because I have lived through family dysfunction and am in a different place now. I might keep reading but have read several other wonderful books in the meantime. Wonderful writing. "

    — Mary, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The fact that I'd seen the film first meant I had the rare experience of preferring the film to the book... "

    — Charlotte, 9/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I felt like i got immersed in a weird, surreal reality - that, experiencing it through Augusten's eyes and words, is bearable, and in some ways so over the top that it is funny. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author - very enjoyable voices! "

    — Agnes, 8/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Whoa is what I have to say about this book! It grossed me out but intrigued me at the same time. Great writer I would read another book by him. "

    — Marci, 7/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " i wish there was a minus star, this book was awfull "

    — Bea, 5/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book is just crazy. There are scenes I cannot get out of my head. "

    — Joy, 2/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Too crazy for me. Felt very creepy reading about a 13 year old boy and his 30-something boyfriend. And that seemed to take over the book about half way through. Wouldn't recommend to anyone. Won't even donate the book but throw it away. "

    — Diane, 1/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I listened to this book on CD and LOVED it. It is simultaneously hilarious and a great insight into humanity. I would really recommend listening to this book as read by the author, Augusten Burroughs, as his inflections really bring the story and hilarity to life. A must read! "

    — Shmee, 1/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A very sad memoir. Horrific childhood that no one should have to live through. I found it amazing that he had the strength to share those private details. Will most definately NOT see the movie. "

    — Smschade, 12/14/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I remember that it came out that Burroughs exaggerated, but I don't see how any degree of exaggeration could make what happened to him something I'd like to read. Just heartbreaking. I also feel like he only told the sensationalist side of the story. We never see how it all affected who he is now. "

    — Lindsay, 5/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Seriously crazy book. It's supposed to be humorous but it wasn't funny at all. Couldn't put it down but it was disturbing to think of all the terrible things that happened in these people's lives. "

    — Meredith, 4/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great look into less discussed forms of abuse such as neglect. It also displays a vivid look into the family dynamics of mental illness. "

    — Michele, 4/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " "The line between normal and crazy seemed impossibly thin. A person would have to be an expert tightrope walker in order not to fall." "

    — Meagan, 3/26/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Where were Childrens Services when they were needed? "

    — Stephen, 10/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another brilliantly written childhood memoir. You can not put it down despite the fact that this guy's childhood memories are enough to give you nightmares. "

    — Emma, 9/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Funny and very different. That's what I like. "

    — Ann, 9/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was very funny at times, and then very disturbing at times. I'm not quite sure what to say other than that. It was entertaining... "

    — Linda, 6/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Did not like any part of this book! "

    — Lane, 6/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Strange book, not horrible, but so off the wall it wasn't my style. "

    — Shelly, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Overall, I thought this book was hilarious, but at times, the reader needs to look past the tragedy of the events described in the book. "

    — Meagan, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read this book in about four hours, mostly because the story resembled a car crash - it was impossible to look away. The things the author went through (crazy mother, alcoholic father, etc.) are absolutely mind boggling, and certainly make one appreciate normalcy and the mundane a bit more... "

    — Christina, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Disturbing, yet couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the sequel! "

    — Laura, 6/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very disturbing, I laughed when I now I shouldn't have. "

    — Christi, 6/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Well written but very disturbing for me "

    — Judi, 6/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " This was a weird one because I didn't really care for it but I'm glad I read it. I think sometimes its necessary to take ourselves out of the sun shiny happy story to put things into perspective. I appreciated the authors dry humor. "

    — Amber, 6/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was so gross and twisted, yet I couldn't put it down! "

    — Jules14228, 6/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I listened to the author read this one on CD. It's pretty graphic with lots of profanity, but I admit to laughing out loud at a few of the incidents. He reminds me of David Sedaris. I hear there's a movie with Gwynneth Paltrow - I may have to watch that one. "

    — Pattyb, 6/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Entertaining and honest... movie doesn't do justice...what a shame... "

    — Dawnekins, 6/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Awful, horrible, terrible book.......I'll never read this author again! "

    — Robin, 6/15/2011

About Augusten Burroughs

Augusten Burroughs is the author of the autobiographical works Running with Scissors, Dry, Magical Thinking, Possible Side Effects, and A Wolf at the Table, all of which were New York Times bestsellers. Running with Scissors remained on the bestseller list for over two consecutive years and was made into a Golden Globe-nominated film starring Annette Bening.