Customer Reviews

Possible Side Effects

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Perception of the human condition, whether by movie, book, or stand-up comedian, is one thing I admire. You see it every so often in the mind of someone like David Sedaris ("Me Talk Pretty" or perhaps Jackson McCrae "Katzenjammer") but not too much more than that.

Enter Augusten Burroughs. If you liked his "Running With Scissors" this, believe it or not, is even better. First rate in fact. "Possible Side Effects" is his BEST work to date. In it, he gets out of that "look at me" syndrome that "Running" worked to death (with great success, by the way) and more into viewing others for what they are.

I can't recommend this book enough. You must also try the knowing and funny "Katzenjammer" by McCrae or the ever-popular "Fight Club" by Palahniuk---both of which are excellent reads as well.

First I read RUNNING WITH SCISSORS and loved it. Bizarre, you bet! My best mate and I flew through it and then took on this book. Loved it. The same hilarious writing you might find in Sedaris, or McCrae with his KATZENJAMMER. This author never seems to miss and anything by him is great. Would also recommend the James Frey books, whether they're fiction or not.

Another fabulous novel by Augusten Burroughs! His stories are light-hearted, true-to-life, and just generally enjoyable to read! Each chapter is a story unto itself, so read it all at once or spread it out over time. There isn't a member of my family or friends who hasn't enjoyed reading him yet. You will actually find yourself laughing out loud, and trying to explain the funny parts to those around you.

There's only one thing better than reading Augusten Burroughs and that's listening to him. His voice has a unique pitch, at times almost gravely, if you will. And, most fun of all, his tone is one that leads a listener to think he's only speaking to him or her and that what he's sharing is told in confidence.

I mean, after all, who would want the world to know that he is prone to nosebleeds and had a horrific one on a transatlantic flight. It came to him suddenly and when he used a tissue what he saw was :"three slug shaped stains and a constellation of splatter." Even with Gucci loafers and a good blazer a guy can't be a bon vivant in that condition.

This is typically Burroughs, often self-deprecating, always laughable as he relates episodes in his life. He allows his mind to roam from childhood to the present day and back again. There really isn't any chronology in his narrative, but one isn't needed.

Admitting that "Some of the events described happened as related; others were expanded and changed," Burroughs takes listeners on a wild trip, every bit as off the wall as his imagination.

Each of the essays is ingenious, and this listener would be hard pressed to select a favorite. One with the unlikely title of "Killing Updike" is memorable. In it he follows the advice of a pal and buys what John Updike First Editions he can before the author dies. "If was going to spend $2,000 on a book about a rabbit, that old man better be dead by morning....." Only Burroughs can bring smiles with such a thought.

He tackles Nicorette addition, coffins and bookcases, stolen Harvard T-shirts, and in "Julia's Child" remembers his pathetic attempt to put on a cooking show.

For him nothing is sacred, but that's Burroughs.

Listen and laugh out loud.

- Gail Cooke