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Dry by Augusten Burroughs (2004, Paperback, Reprint)
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Author: Augusten Burroughs
Publisher: Picador USA
Publication Date: 2004-03-01
Language: English
Format: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0312423799
ISBN-13: 9780312423797
Product ID: EPID30266101
Description: Augusten Burroughs, the writer who memorialized his traumatic childhood in RUNNING WITH SCISSORS, returns to do the same with his alcoholism, which he tries to deal with by checking himself into a gay rehab clinic in Minnesota. Burroughs...
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Insightful, Humorous, Gut-Wrenching Story of AlcoholismReview created: 01/19/09
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) 
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Augusten Burroughs writes about his gut-wrenching alcoholic past in "Dry" with such humor that the reader finds him- or herself laughing at things that aren’t, in the real world of alcoholism, all that funny. The story is a sequel to his sad, yet hilarious, book "Running With Scissors," chronicling how his crazy mother sends him to live with her even less-sane psychiatrist and his dysfunctional family- the prequel is helpful to understanding the psychological factors which contributed to his downfall.
"Dry" presents Burroughs as a promising young advertising executive, facing almost certain termination because of his alcoholism. Confronted with a do-or-die intervention by his colleagues, Burroughs, a gay man, consents to enter rehab at the Proud Institute, a substance abuse facility for gay people. He weaves an interesting subtext throughout his book: as his sobriety kicks in, he realizes that he has been ignoring his HIV-postive best friend and former lover, Pighead, who has been getting progressively more sick. It’s heavy, heart-wrenching stuff, but Burroughs writes in such a way that the story arc doesn't sink into melodrama.
Burroughs provides numerous insights into the alcoholic life, writing: “Alcoholic friends are easier to make than Sea Monkeys.” His willingness to expose his inner thinking are at times painful. His agreement to enter treatment for all the wrong reasons are amplified when he writes of the Proud Institute: “there’s the possibility of good music and sex.” It’s moments like these that make Burroughs’ books stand out from so many self-absorbed memoirs that appear in bookstores on an almost daily basis.
"Dry" is both funny and insightful. His microscopic examination of his relationships with alcohol and the people he loves, and often hurts, seem to offer him some peace of mind. But if Burroughs’ last two books teach the reader anything, it’s that any life experience, no matter how awful, isn’t without its moments of epiphany and humor.
"Dry" presents Burroughs as a promising young advertising executive, facing almost certain termination because of his alcoholism. Confronted with a do-or-die intervention by his colleagues, Burroughs, a gay man, consents to enter rehab at the Proud Institute, a substance abuse facility for gay people. He weaves an interesting subtext throughout his book: as his sobriety kicks in, he realizes that he has been ignoring his HIV-postive best friend and former lover, Pighead, who has been getting progressively more sick. It’s heavy, heart-wrenching stuff, but Burroughs writes in such a way that the story arc doesn't sink into melodrama.
Burroughs provides numerous insights into the alcoholic life, writing: “Alcoholic friends are easier to make than Sea Monkeys.” His willingness to expose his inner thinking are at times painful. His agreement to enter treatment for all the wrong reasons are amplified when he writes of the Proud Institute: “there’s the possibility of good music and sex.” It’s moments like these that make Burroughs’ books stand out from so many self-absorbed memoirs that appear in bookstores on an almost daily basis.
"Dry" is both funny and insightful. His microscopic examination of his relationships with alcohol and the people he loves, and often hurts, seem to offer him some peace of mind. But if Burroughs’ last two books teach the reader anything, it’s that any life experience, no matter how awful, isn’t without its moments of epiphany and humor.
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Funny funny funnyReview created: 03/07/06
by:
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.
This is one of my new favorite books. I couldn't put it down and finished it within one or two sittings. Augusten Burroughs is one of the funniest and most neurotic people I've had the pleasure of reading. He has such a quirkiness about him and he's so honest--even when it doesn't paint him so prettily.
I read this book at the kitchen table with my husband reading whatever he was reading. Every so often I'd laugh hysterically. My husband started ignoring my laughter so I had to interrupt him to tell him what was so funny. I could barely read these paragraphs aloud-- getting the words out while laughing so hard is always so difficult.
Anyways, this is really one of the best memoirs I've read. I was sorry to see it end. If you like this, also try James Frey's stuff. He's good, too. . . but very different.
I wanted to add one more thing: a couple of reviewers mentioned that "if you're gay", this book would be helpful, or relevant, or whatever. I think this book is great for ANYONE. Yeah, Burroughs is gay. But, more importantly, he's an interesting human being. You don't have to be gay to appreciate his writing or appreciate what he has to say.
I read this book at the kitchen table with my husband reading whatever he was reading. Every so often I'd laugh hysterically. My husband started ignoring my laughter so I had to interrupt him to tell him what was so funny. I could barely read these paragraphs aloud-- getting the words out while laughing so hard is always so difficult.
Anyways, this is really one of the best memoirs I've read. I was sorry to see it end. If you like this, also try James Frey's stuff. He's good, too. . . but very different.
I wanted to add one more thing: a couple of reviewers mentioned that "if you're gay", this book would be helpful, or relevant, or whatever. I think this book is great for ANYONE. Yeah, Burroughs is gay. But, more importantly, he's an interesting human being. You don't have to be gay to appreciate his writing or appreciate what he has to say.
Review ID: 10000000000784470
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Dry, A MemoirReview created: 08/24/06
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) 1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
A friend of mine gave me this book and it took me awhile to actually pick it up and read it. I am usually a Stephen King or Dean Koontz type of girl. However, I had no reading material one day and picked it up. I couldn't put it down!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is about Augusten's experience dealing with the disease of Addiction. His vice just happens to be alcohol. It touches on so many levels of life and it is done in such a way that you just can't put the book down. In fact, I liked it so much, I bought every single one of his other books, found his website and emailed him to thank him for inspiring me. Yes, I liked it that much!! I laughed, cried, and empathized!
Review ID: 10000000001664760
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Dry: The Narrative of Augusten Burroughs1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
To all possible readers:
Dry is a wonderful piece of literary work that focuses on a few years of Augusten Burroughs's life. Through the beginning stages of the novel, Burroughs accounts for his exploits in rehabilitation fighting alcoholism. Once out of rehab, Burroughs joins AA and meets his future boyfriend. However, his relationship becomes an uphill battle that he must overcome. The ending of the novel is lighthearted and will inspire readers to overcome whatever challenges they face. ~~~Hope this helps. P.S. If indeed you enjoyed the novel, pass it on to your friend's. That is how I acquired it. It is a much better way to experience a great novel. Also, if you liked this, you might want to read "Million Little Pieces", a novel by James Frey.
Dry is a wonderful piece of literary work that focuses on a few years of Augusten Burroughs's life. Through the beginning stages of the novel, Burroughs accounts for his exploits in rehabilitation fighting alcoholism. Once out of rehab, Burroughs joins AA and meets his future boyfriend. However, his relationship becomes an uphill battle that he must overcome. The ending of the novel is lighthearted and will inspire readers to overcome whatever challenges they face. ~~~Hope this helps. P.S. If indeed you enjoyed the novel, pass it on to your friend's. That is how I acquired it. It is a much better way to experience a great novel. Also, if you liked this, you might want to read "Million Little Pieces", a novel by James Frey.
Review ID: 10000000001658322
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Dry by Augusten BurroughsReview created: 08/13/06
by:
) 1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I picked up this book after reading the dust jacket at a store. It appealed to me because my life has been touched personally by alcohol. My brother is an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a disease that at best is difficult to understand. And extremely difficult to relate to if you are not an alcoholic. Burroughs memoir gave me a better understanding of an alcoholics point of view. It help me remember it was in fact a disease, not just a choice. It was factual, informative and yet absolutely a joy to read. Full of humor and a fresh perspective.
It also gave me hope. Hope for my brother. If Burroughs can live through such low depts of alcoholism and come out on top, then there is hope for anyone battling the destructive nature of alcohol. He is an inspiration. And a talented, entertaining writer...even if you are lucky enough to not have an alcoholic in your life.
It also gave me hope. Hope for my brother. If Burroughs can live through such low depts of alcoholism and come out on top, then there is hope for anyone battling the destructive nature of alcohol. He is an inspiration. And a talented, entertaining writer...even if you are lucky enough to not have an alcoholic in your life.
Review ID: 10000000001611150
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This Guy is AmazingReview created: 11/11/09
by:
) ok, so I read Running with Sissors, and Loved it. Then read Possible Side Effects, Not my favorite book. So, I was kind of wondering about Dry...Man, am I glad I read it..Excellent. I can't believe how Burroughs opens himself up, and tells us about his life like he does. I also can't understand how he's not a total basket case..For all he's been through, it's amazing. He is obviously a very strong willed man. I have nothing in common with him, but I sure appreciate his books. Now, gotta get his others ones....READ THIS BOOK!
Review ID: 10000000014205477
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Great sellerFast delivery, the product matched its description. I would purchase from this seller again. Great seller...
Review ID: 10000000011499027
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Dry by Augusten BurroughsI like that it was a true story, and the way the author tells things like they are. He writes like you would talk. I should of read Running with Sissors first as they kinda go together. Either way they are great.
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#1 ebay userReview created: 10/09/08
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hotmamaagn ( 4 )
got the textbook on time communicated very well with the supplier and will be glad to do business with this individual again if needed. overall great timing and satisfied with the product. book is good so far thanks alot
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Dry by Augusten Burroughs (2004)Review created: 08/20/08
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I've only bought about 35 items on ebay. This is the best seller I've dealt with by far. We had some address issues. Hismissy went way out of her way to get my book to me. Ecellent honest seller, highly recommended.
Review ID: 10000000008403149
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The Title Says It AllI did not finish this book it was that DRY....The synopsis made me think I was dealing with a troubled, chased by demonds of his past kind of guy but instead I got a successful drunk that sabotaged everything that maybe he worked hard for he never mentioned it. I wanted to know how a fosterr child could pull himself up and be someone after a childhood of turmoil. That didn't happen...Possibly if it wasn't written in first person narrative I could have at least saw the effects his alcoholism had on others but nope it was a dull book that I couldn't bother to wait around for it to pick up.
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Dry by Augusten BurroughsReview created: 04/18/08
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) I had read his first book and was fascinated by his childhood. I had to find out what he was like in his next stage of life. I would highly recommend this book.
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Dry written by Augusten BurroughsI have enjoyed most of the Augusten Burroughs books. This one was one of my favorites out of his others. Great read!
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Dry by Augusten BurroughsI enjoyed the book. Burroughs is so honest it's refreshing. Wow!! What a life he had led. The only thing I wish he would have included was more information about the relationships he formed in Running with Scissors. This book never mentions anyone or if he ever had contact with them again. They were all so strange that I would like to know "the rest of the story".
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an amusing account of a depressing diseaseI enoyed this book more than "Running with scissors. It was very humerous and telling. Less depressing than "Running with scissors.
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Dry by Augusten BurroughsReview created: 05/03/07
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This is a great story about a regular guy in the recovery process. It is a quick read and will hold your attention. The characters are so life-like they become a part of you and putting the book down, is just not an option.
Review ID: 10000000003485146
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Fantastic!Wonderful follow-up to Running With Scissors...I was laughing, crying, truly touched. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!
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Don't pass up the chance to get this book!Review created: 07/01/06
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0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Another addition to Burroughs' collection of cynically funny memoirs, this time taking us through his alchohol addiction and rehabilitation. A hard book to put down that leaves you unsure as to be entertained or disturbed. And absolute must-have.
Review ID: 10000000001261895
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