From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Running with Scissors comes Augusten Burroughs’s most provocative collection of true stories yet. From nicotine gum addiction to lesbian personal ads to incontinent dogs, Possible Side Effects mines Burroughs’s life in a series of uproariously funny essays. These are stories that are uniquely Augusten, with all the over-the-top hilarity of Running with Scissors, the erudition of Dry, and the breadth of Magical Thinking. A collection that is universal in its appeal and unabashedly intimate, Possible Side Effects continues to explore that which is most personal, mirthful, disturbing, and cherished, with unmatched audacity. A cautionary tale in essay form. Be forewarned–hilarious, troubling, and shocking results might occur.
Augusten Burroughs may be my favorite nonfiction author. I picked up Possible Side Effects because I read both Dry and Running with Scissors last year, and adored both. Augusten’s voice is humorous and tangible. Throughout these short essays, I found myself smiling at situations so unbelievable they can only be true–truth is stranger than fiction–and then feeling as though the author stole ideas straight from my mind. The paranoia of childhood and the self delusions depicted are things any reader can identify with.
Possible Side Effects is a perfect memoir of memories and self discovery. The short essays allow you to savor each story, or you can jump around Augusten’s mind from childhood to adulthood, and back to his teenage years. My only complaint with this book is that it isn’t longer! I look forward to his next collection.
I recommend Possible Side Effects to anyone who enjoys memoirs, humor, or wears the label weird or strange. Growing up with a psychiatrist gave Augusten an amazing ability to perceive and describe his thoughts and experiences, and I highly recommend this book!