Wonderfully written and told from the perspective of a grumpy ...
354773
Wonderfully written and told from the perspective of a grumpy old man who you will grow to love more and more throughout the book. The ending is bittersweet.
1153512
I loved this book. I saw it for only a few bucks for my kindle and wanted to give it a try. I can honestly say I read it straight through without setting it down (other than to plug it in to keep reading). It was thoroughly enjoyable.

The writer conveys the trials and tribulations she faced with candor and added humor to the honesty. While I can't pick up and leave my job, she has convinced me to take a needed vacation. I recommend this book to anyone suffering through the doldrums of winter or work related depression. It's an uplifting story that will make you laugh and put a smile on your face.
4627793
Well written, very readable and balanced with humour and sadness.  A great insight into how the veterinarians see us and not in a bad way!
4448293
Beautifully written, elegiac, with prose that flows with eloquence.  Also remarkably honest and revelatory of his soul, conscience, intellect.  It takes a lot for a sitting judge to write so honestly and personally about himself and his take on how America is now and what caused it.
My comment in reply to a one-star review herein deals with my substantive partial disagreement with Judge Wilkinson's fundamental thesis of it having been the 60's that has been the root cause of all of our national difficulties with which contend are which are worsening monthly.  Being 7 years the judge's senior and having lived through the 60's which he lived through, I certainly think at least half of our problems stem from the 80's and the appalling (to me) deficiencies and  stupidities of Presidents Bush (#1) and Reagan when they held office.
Read this book - it's marvelous.
4926039
This is a memoir of 26-year-old Elizabeth Wurtzel, about 10 years of her life dealing with a chronic clinical depression.

At first glance, it might seem to some readers that this is Wurtzel's way or `excuse' to whine. But in truth, this memoir actually paints a very honest picture of a person dealing with this disease. The author also stated that her main intent in writing this memoir is to let others know and understand how it is dealing with her disorder. She also stated that she wants people to understand and differentiate between a diagnosis of a clinical depression as opposed to someone who is lousy, and sad all the time.

Personally, I found this a really interesting, honest, and revealing book. I found her writing to be engaging, simply because the way she talks is marked by the younger generation. I felt that it was easy because it was like talking to a friend, but I could see how maybe a much younger AND older generation will not find this book easy to relate to.

It might come off initially that the author is taking the chance to whine and be sarcastic but in truth, this is a way to understand people that are dealing with depression. The writing was a little bit self-indulgent at times, even coming off as narcissistic.

Would I recommend it?

I will tell you that this is one of those books that it's either you like it or you don't. It is definitely not your traditional kind of novel, and that is why sometimes, it could be a little hard to get through this. Just cut the author some slack, try to read it for its honesty, and imagine yourself in her place instead. Maybe that will make the book a great read for you.
1923911
A wonderful, insightful look into the mind of a young man with Aspergers.  Dylan made me laugh out loud at times and always made me sympathize with his situation.  Excellently written, with a  delightful voice that makes me look forward to his next book.  The love and support of his family and his own determination are both evident in his journey.  What a long way you have come and thank you for letting me take the ride with you.
2314233
I am going to start by saying how much I love the format of this book. It's not quite short stories or essays, its more like what you would expect from a blog entry. To me this book is like a years worth of blogging neatly packaged up with some awesome artwork into a convenient package.

This guy could be a stand-up comedian I would imagine. He has an interesting way of viewing life, and manages to find the humor in most every situation. I particularly love how he can write in a way that anyone can identify with. Either you have been there, or know someone who has been there which makes the stories that much more hilarious. The author doesn't take things to seriously and the reader will love him for that!

One of my favorite stories "Hair", is about the strange places we find hair, and how evolution should have taken care of this issue by now. Another favorite starts with the words "You might be a hot mess if..." and is fantastic! "Grumpy Old Men" is hilarious because, lets face it, we all know one!

All in all this book is great. I highly recommend.
701032
Running with Scissors gives the reader a humorous look at a childhood that at times will make your jaw drop.  Augusten's writing style is smooth and vivid (not to mention at times, absolutely wonderfully hilarious in his delivery).

I've read several of the reviews here, and they seem very mixed.  Here's my advice:

If you can sit down with a good, well written book who's content and subject matter are fascinating in its non-convention, pee your pants funny yet at the same time, jaw to the floor shocking with its characters and events; then you're the type to appreciate a novel or memoir of such taste.  And this is a must read!

If not, then my advice would be to move on and look for something else.

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I sat down with it, and only moved for bathroom breaks until the very end.  I'd advise anyone planning to read this book to prepare for the same.

I will definitely be picking up some of Augusten's other novels in the future.

Thanks Augusten!  What a great memoir!
2118291
What I enjoyed most about this book was that it's written in the perspective of a child; innocence, ignorance, and child-like confusion are laced within the words, which allows the reader to envision what living during this time was like, for someone living "outside of the fence" which is very different. This story is un-biased. It could have been, with the main character, Bruno, having his father being a commandant for the cause that we all despise, but then he met someone on the other side, whom he befriended and began to care for, which caused him to pose the question that I find my self asking when speaking of this horrible genocide: how are the people living outside or inside of the fence any different at all?
4746106
Written from the perspective of a 10 year old boy, Doyle's writing throughout the book is in short bursts, talking about one thing then off on another. This very much emulates the way children's thought patterns jump from one thing to another.
I had to smile in some parts at the childish understanding of events and the way it evoked memories of my own play at a similar age.
Paddy's awareness of his parents quarrels and his struggling to stay awake to prevent them arguing was sad, as was his understanding of how events would pan out.  His own long standing friendships seemed to come to an end at the same time as his parents, but his instinct to survive and the way his relationship with his younger brother Francis (Sinbad) developed seemed very true to life.  One to read!!
4028199
This item was given to me for my review.
Andie Mitchell was not a familiar name to me when I began her book It Was Me All Along, as I never read her food blog. However, I certainly know who she is now, and I am extremely grateful for her wonderful memoir. Mitchell has done a masterful job of chronicling the painfully poignant crazy train that is an eating disorder. Her voice is wry, honest and without self pity. She has managed to avoid the often maudlin memoirs that I have read in the past, while still managing to fully relate past traumatic events. That is a rare skill. Mitchell nailed this book, and it was just as riveting as any good piece of dramatic literature. Very well done.
170351
A very interesting story from a depressed person's point of view looking out with bewilderment and frustration at the "normal" people around him. Definitely worth a read!
2235186
This is a good little tale told from the perspective of a grief stricken young teen who tragically lost his girlfriend in an accident. Desperate to get her back at all costs he consults with a local hag who is rumored to be knowledgable in such things. Instead of getting his soulmate back he's stuck with a rotting corpse who has a ravenous hunger for fresh meat.

It's a page-turner that is both ridiculously funny and painfully sad. The graphic artwork on the back and front cover really fits well with the feel of the book.
4102743
I really enjoyed The Duff. Yes, it was a fluff read, but it was entertaining. It made me laugh and tear up (once). For what it was, it was well written, and it made me think about how we tend to judge others on preconceived notions. The right choice isn't always the one that looks the best on paper.
2767331
There are very few stories which involve me so deeply in the character's plight that I cry. This is one of those books.
Although first person present is my very least favourite PoV/tense combination, Ms Garver's skill is such that it hoodwinked me into her world, only snagging me out on a few occasions.
I have to disagree with the reviewer who complained about the religious content. I found it a natural, complementary and fundamental part of the story. Although organised religion is anathema to me, I felt the majority of these passages resonated with the kind of vibrant spirituality dear to my heart.

As a Brit, I have to confess to a couple of snags: the whole US obsession with our (bad) teeth and the sheep, for example; and here in the midlands we would leave the rubbish out for the bin-men. Subtle, I know, but it snagged.

Overall, the standard of writing and research was pretty awesome - a definite 9 out of 10.
345975
Having gerbils since the age of 8 and a very odd father myself, I can wholly relate to this wonderfully written memoir of growing up in a unique situation. I loved the novel from beginning to end and highly recommend it to any one who has grown up with an obsessive parent or raised gerbils.  From the daughter of the writer behind the first "bible of gerbils" I adored in my childhood, comes a heartfelt and entertaining tale of her life and the impact these lovable rodents can have.
3785685
Made me laugh and made me cry! Wonderful, accomplished writing on Mr. Chapelle's part.