Have you read "Running with Scissors"?

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I too HATED this book...I would not recommend wasting your time. In my opinion it would not surprise me if the author seriously stretched a little bit of truth like the author of "A Million Little Pieces". I found this book very disturbing, a bit sickining and not at all what I expected.

Actually, I read online a couple of weeks ago that there are many allegations similar to the "A Million Little Pieces" issue. Apparently, the family the book is based on has come out and claimed the book is filled with lies. I don't know why this has not received the same press the other book did, as far as the allegations of lying goes.
I did read the book and I wouldn't say I enjoyed it but it was an intriguing read. I made the mistake of passing it along to a coworker who read it and accused ME of being a freak for giving it to her. I also read "Dry" (too depressing) and "Sellavision". This book was such a departure from the other two, it didn't even seem like it was authored by Burrows. I'm guessing that those who like a lighter read, would probably really enjoy it. It's a bit too soap opera-ish for my tastes though.

 

[rkwells]

I too HATED this book...I would not recommend wasting your time. In my opinion it would not surprise me if the author seriously stretched a little bit of truth like the author of "A Million Little Pieces". I found this book very disturbing, a bit sickining and not at all what I expected.

Two marvelous books - but child abuse, sexual infidelity, and self mutilation aren't exactly entertaining and fun!!!!!:

Exactly why I stated I hated this book

 

[Briarmom]

I love all of his books. I guess I don't expect all stories to be fairy tales.
Great reads!

 

[sydally9367]

I don't want to say I enjoyed it because well, the subject matter isn't an enjoyable issue; but I was very intrigued by both Running With Scissors and Dry. I don't know why, but I preferred Dry more, maybe because it was a little less graphic, but I thought both books were very, very good.

I haven't seen the movie for RWS, not sure I will either, but I might!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I found it disgusting and couldn't finish it. I am not a person that is often offended by literature, I'll read almost anything. But that book pretty much did it for me.

I threw it in the trash.

 

[lisajl]

I don't want to say I enjoyed it because well, the subject matter isn't an enjoyable issue; but I was very intrigued by both Running With Scissors and Dry. I don't know why, but I preferred Dry more, maybe because it was a little less graphic, but I thought both books were very, very good.

I haven't seen the movie for RWS, not sure I will either, but I might!

I liked the book, too. I guess because my childhood was a bit dysfunctional, I understood it. Now, the book was a bit over the edge for most people, that is why I did not recommend it to anyone. My DD, 21, loved the book.
That's too bad a bunch of you did not like it, but I could not get through Pride and Prejudice or Davinci Code.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I read it and saw the movie. I liked the movie as it had a great cast, huge fan of Annette Bening and Jill Clayburgh...the book on the other hand was not an easy read for me.

I do love books by Sue Monk Kidd especially the Secret Life of Bees...I am reading one that I am enjoying now called the Memory Keeper's daughter by Kim Edwards....

 

[Bearvet]

Quite a mixture of opinions - it seems most feel as I do (didn't like) yet there are plenty of people who did like it. It just wasn't what I expected from notes on the jacket liner, other recommendations etc.

The book actually takes place not too far from where we live and my oldest DS goes to that school! It surprises me (maybe I'm too naive?) that these kids managed to avoid school for their entire lives. It's scary that families can be so incredibly dysfunctional and DSS or someone doesn't get involved. And that the doctor (and I use the term loosely) continues to practice. Very scary stuff.

While I won't recommend the book to others, I'm pleased that I managed to finish it - luckily it was easy reading. The only other book I struggled to finish was "A Fine Balance" - very depressing and yet I finished it. Both of these books will go directly to the used book store for a credit - I won't pass them on or keep them.

I did read "A Million Little Pieces" and while I didn't love it, it didn't bother me as much as this one did. Maybe because the drugs were controlling him? Who knows....

 

[Hedy]

Quite a mixture of opinions - it seems most feel as I do (didn't like) yet there are plenty of people who did like it. It just wasn't what I expected from notes on the jacket liner, other recommendations etc.

The book actually takes place not too far from where we live and my oldest DS goes to that school! It surprises me (maybe I'm too naive?) that these kids managed to avoid school for their entire lives. It's scary that families can be so incredibly dysfunctional and DSS or someone doesn't get involved. And that the doctor (and I use the term loosely) continues to practice. Very scary stuff.

While I won't recommend the book to others, I'm pleased that I managed to finish it - luckily it was easy reading. The only other book I struggled to finish was "A Fine Balance" - very depressing and yet I finished it. Both of these books will go directly to the used book store for a credit - I won't pass them on or keep them.

I did read "A Million Little Pieces" and while I didn't love it, it didn't bother me as much as this one did. Maybe because the drugs were controlling him? Who knows....

I wanted to like it (I went to college in that area, so I'd heard a lot about the book). It definitely disturbed me, and I didn't find it funny.

 

[Kteacher]

Bearvet, where in Western Ma are you? I'm in Amherst, but used to work on Main St. in Northampton. I used to watch Dr. Turcotte take his daily walks in his Santa hat - if it was really sunny out he would carry an extremely tall umbrella for shade

 

[Bearvet]

We're in a small town - New Salem- on Route 202 heading toward Orange and Athol. About 25 minutes NE of Amherst and DS17 goes to Amherst High School through school choice. While DH and I work in Athol, we spend a lot of time in the Amherst/Hadley area.

I guess it's a small world on the DIS!!!!!

 

[SillyMe]

I did not like it at all.

 

[Kteacher]

Bearvet- I know exactly where New Salem is :0 . Ialso have a DS at Amherst HS-Ian, aka Dangerboy- he is a Junior. My daughter is a 9th grader ( remember, here in Amherst we can't use the word " Freshman "! )