Augusten Burroughs
Augusten Burroughs: A Literary Journey
Full Name and Common Aliases
Augusten Burroughs, born Christopher Richter Robison, is a celebrated American author known for his candid and often humorous memoirs. He adopted the pen name "Augusten Burroughs" as a tribute to his maternal grandmother, who was a significant influence in his life.
Birth and Death Dates
Augusten Burroughs was born on October 23, 1965. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Augusten Burroughs is an American author and memoirist. His works primarily focus on his personal experiences, characterized by a unique blend of humor and raw honesty. Burroughs has also worked as an advertising copywriter, a profession that honed his skills in crafting engaging narratives.
Early Life and Background
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Burroughs spent much of his early life in Massachusetts. His parents, John G. Robison and Margaret Robison, were both involved in academia and the arts, which exposed him to a world of creativity and intellectual pursuit from a young age. However, his childhood was far from idyllic. His parents' tumultuous relationship and subsequent divorce led to a highly unconventional upbringing.
At the age of 12, Burroughs was sent to live with his mother's psychiatrist, Dr. Rodolph Turcotte, a decision that would profoundly shape his life and later become the subject of his best-known memoir, "Running with Scissors." This period was marked by chaos and eccentricity, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that Burroughs would later draw upon in his writing.
Major Accomplishments
Augusten Burroughs achieved significant acclaim with the publication of "Running with Scissors" in 2002. The memoir became a bestseller and was later adapted into a film in 2006, further cementing his status as a prominent voice in contemporary literature. His ability to transform personal adversity into compelling narratives resonated with readers worldwide, earning him a dedicated following.
In addition to "Running with Scissors," Burroughs has authored several other successful books, including "Dry," "Magical Thinking," and "A Wolf at the Table." Each work showcases his distinctive voice and ability to find humor in the darkest of circumstances.
Notable Works or Actions
"Running with Scissors" remains Burroughs' most notable work, offering an unflinching look at his unconventional childhood. The memoir's success opened doors for Burroughs, allowing him to explore various themes in his subsequent works. "Dry," a memoir about his battle with alcoholism, and "Magical Thinking," a collection of essays, further established his reputation as a master storyteller.
Burroughs' writing is characterized by its honesty and wit, often delving into themes of addiction, mental health, and personal growth. His ability to tackle difficult subjects with humor and empathy has endeared him to readers and critics alike.
Impact and Legacy
Augusten Burroughs' impact on the literary world is significant. His memoirs have not only entertained but also provided solace to readers facing similar struggles. By sharing his personal experiences, Burroughs has helped destigmatize discussions around mental health and addiction, encouraging others to confront their own challenges with courage and humor.
His work has inspired a new generation of memoirists, demonstrating the power of personal storytelling in fostering understanding and connection. Burroughs' legacy lies in his ability to transform pain into art, offering hope and laughter to those who need it most.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Augusten Burroughs is widely quoted and remembered for his unique ability to capture the complexities of the human experience with humor and authenticity. His quotes often reflect his resilience and insight, resonating with readers who find comfort in his words. Burroughs' candid exploration of his life challenges societal norms and encourages others to embrace their own stories, no matter how unconventional.
In a world where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, Burroughs' work stands as a testament to the strength found in honesty. His quotes continue to inspire and provoke thought, reminding us of the power of storytelling in understanding ourselves and the world around us.
Quotes by Augusten Burroughs
Augusten Burroughs's insights on:
With my own memoirs, they are truthful, and I write everything fully expecting to some day end up televised on Court TV, and I'm fully prepared to be challenged legally on it.
See, alcoholism is exactly like bubble gum. You know when you blow a bubble and it bursts, some of the gum sticks to you chin? What’s the only thing that gets the bubble gum off your chin? Bubble gum. You have to take the bubble gum out of your mouth and press it against the gum on your chin and it’ll pick it up. Only an alcoholic can treat another alcoholic. Only other alcoholics can get you sober.
You’re supposed to go to a meeting. I mean, as much as you hate them or if they feel stupid or you just don’t want to go. The thing is, if you go to a meeting, you won’t drink that day. It’s like a minibrainwash. It kind of fixes you for a little while.” But then I say, “Of course if I’m really wallowing in self-pity, then I’ll tell myself, ‘Pighead would give anything to feel this uncomfortable right now.’ ” So there’s always the auto–guilt trip method.
This is the right house and the right life, but it’s weird because I’ve never had a home before; I’ve had addresses.
By engaging with the person you’re with. Which means, not thinking while they’re speaking and not forming your answer as they are in the middle of asking the question. Engaging with the person means following carefully what they say, going for the full ride of their dialogue. So that you don’t skip over a nuance by mistake. This is what’ll keep you from zoning out, avoiding eye contact, looking at the wall like a freak, or sweating too much.
Even though I am wary of Nature. After all, where do most manhunts for escaped serial killers begin? Exactly. In the woods.
It’s okay to like me, because I’m just like you.” Everybody feels a bit like a dented can inside. Even the slickest, most polished person you can think of is more aware of their shortcomings and flaws than their talents and gifts.
This is what I’m saying: you hate your life. But you don’t know what life is. Life is too huge for you to possibly hate. If you hate life, you haven’t seen enough of it. If you hate your life, it’s because your life is too small and doesn’t fit you.
Granted, many of them were indistinguishable blobs in my alcoholic smear of a social life, but I knew how the mind lulled you into a state of perilous complacency when all you had was a personality and a disassociated voice. Meeting.