Dry: A Memoir

This is the heartbreaking and hilarious story of Mr. Burroughs' struggle with substance abuse and his recovery from his crazy past life. The reader is riveted by the precipitousness of his fall, enthralled by his honesty, and guiltily entertained by his humorous telling of the almost unbelievable story of his bizarre upbringing. We are left feeling very grateful that Mr. Burroughs has survived and continues to grace us with his brilliant wit and engaging storytelling.

This is Burroughs' best memoir. I read this book in one day - it just wouldn't let me put it down. I, like many who have lost someone, I can't help but relating to the author. Those damn street lights.

I read this book with my girlfriend while reflecting upon the life of a friend I'd recently lost in large part due to alcoholism. It's been a cathartic experience, and I'm closer to gaining empathy into what it's like to be in the grip of the thing, but the more anecdotes I find I sometimes feel the less I understand. This was a fantastic book, and the perfect partner to aid in reflection, discussion and healing.

After hearing Running With Scissors on Book Radio, I had to find another of Augusten Burroughs' books to read. A friend recommended Dry, so I decided to make it my first Kindle book. I tore through it in a couple of days. Burroughs is a vivid and witty storyteller! The nonfiction aspect also is compelling. I found myself rooting for him to stay dry more than I would for a fictional character because I knew it was a real life hanging in the balance. Highly recommended read!

Not sure what I was expecting... I loved Running with Scissors. I felt like the story ended too soon and was left wanting more. He describes the rehab facility well, but I could have learned about more of the characters and others involved.

I read Running with Scissors before I quit drinking and enjoyed it so I was familiar with this author. Now since I have been sober several months, figured I would read this one, too. He is a gifted writer who uses humor well and I felt the ups and downs of his experience through and through. You must not be homo phobic to read this book. There are some rather graphic descriptions of his gay love life so if that upsets you, you wouldn't like this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Running with Scissors was great, too--the movie not so much. I will have to look into his other books to see how he is dealing with sobriety.

Just finished this book last night, and I loved it. As a substance abuse counselor this book really gave me a good insight on the treatment that some people receive, and what is going on in the mind of an addict. It also made me re-look at my approach with those I love and care about. It was really moving, I was fighting back tears through-out the book, along with laughing, and making notes. It truly is a book worth reading!

Augusten Burroughs is a good, solid writer. I enjoyed this better than "Scissors", but I do recommend reading that first to have some perspective on his crazy, early life and thus explanation for his struggles. This one had a touching side to it that I enjoyed.

Otherwise, if you're in the market for clever, well-written memoirs by someone with a more "jacked up" life than yourself, these are the books for you!

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the work of Augusten Burroughs. You will find the same edgy, scary, and basically real story line that comes with his other books. I finished this book in 2 days because I could not stop reading it. 'Running with Scissors' is another favorite of mine.

I am definitely going to recommend this book to alot of my friends. I love the way Augusten tells a story, I have read several of his books and each one is another slice of life. This one reminds me of friends I've known who have or should have gone to rehab or AA.

I am definitely going to recommend this book to alot of my friends. I love the way Augusten tells a story, I have read several of his books and each one is another slice of life. This one reminds me of friends I've known who have or should have gone to rehab or AA.

Burroughs voice invites readers to follow him through the craziness of the advertising world with his drunken stupor and through rehab and readjustment with his naked honesty. Augusten Burroughs reveals himself on the page--his flaws, his desires, his heartbreaks and his humanness without apology, defense or pretense. Refreshing!

Absolutely my favorite by Augusten Burroughs! No other writer can make me laugh and cry in the same paragraph. All of his books are great, but this one I can read over and over again and love it every time.

Great read! Love all his stuff. Much of a deeper memoir than "Running with Scissors". If you enjoyed that book, you will rip through "Dry" in no time. Currently reading "Possible Side Effects", which is also very good. Highly recommend this author in general!

Riveting. Stunning. Didactic. Humorous. Honest. I knew I would like this when I read a piece of it by the author, about how he needed something to do with his hands after quitting alcohol so he just started typing and this is what came out. Incredible book.

Augusten Burroughs inspires my writing. As and English teacher I have used his stories in my classes to engage teens in reading something that will entertain and inspire them. His book made me laugh out loud. Thank you!

This is probably my most favorite Augusten Burroughs book. The author has lived a very interesting and challenging life. It is very well written and entertaining. I like that the author did not express self pity, but rather humor. It really was an amazing book that I did not want to put down until finished.

Augustine Burroughs is an amazing author. He is intensely funny, yet at times can make you cry. He comes across as so very normal...in an admittedly unusual way! His descriptions of his battle with alcoholism and subsequent recoveries are the best I've ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's ever had a substance abuse problem or who has a good sense of humor.