Plot summary, “Running With Scissors” by Augusten Burroughs in 1.5 Minutes - Book Review
0"Running with Scissors" is a memoir written by Augusten Burroughs, first published in 2002. The book provides a candid and often darkly humorous account of Burroughs' unconventional and tumultuous upbringing. The story takes place during the 1970s and early 1980s, detailing his experiences growing up in a highly dysfunctional and eccentric household.
The memoir begins with Burroughs, at age 12, being sent to live with his mother's psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and his unorthodox family. Dr. Finch's household is chaotic, to say the least. It includes the doctor's wife, Agnes, who believes she's a famous poet, and his daughters, Hope and Natalie, who have their quirks. The family lives in a dilapidated Victorian mansion, and Burroughs is exposed to a world of bizarre, unconventional behaviors, and psychological instability.
Burroughs' mother, a troubled poet herself, is distant and struggling with her own issues, which leads to the decision to place her son in Dr. Finch's care. Augusten is soon drawn into the Finch family's bizarre world, where he experiences emotional neglect and is left to fend for himself. The doctor's unconventional therapy methods and the family's antics create a surreal and often disturbing environment.
Throughout the memoir, Burroughs describes his struggles to navigate the unpredictable, sometimes abusive, and always peculiar dynamics of the Finch household. Despite the challenging circumstances, his wit and humor shine through, allowing readers to find moments of levity even in the darkest situations.
"Running with Scissors" is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, identity, and mental health, offering a unique and provocative look at the author's life and the people who shaped his formative years. Burroughs' candid and engaging writing style invites readers into a world that is as humorous as it is unsettling, making it a memorable and controversial work in the genre of memoir literature.