By Augusten Burroughs: Possible Side Effects

Short stories or vignettes of this nature can be read in twenty minutes, out of order, one by one, all at once, etc. But do they have to wrap up with a concise moral lesson for the memoirist? Burroughs certainly writes with humor about his life; both the darker moments as well as the lighter. However at times the conclusions reached seem overly concise. Contrived, if you will. Did he really walk away from a series of bad dates thinking how glad he was not to get up in others' spinning? Or did he impose that emotion on the memory to create the illusion of progress. Each story ends with a neat little summation that feels like an easy out. A writer as self-deprecating and flawed as Augusten Burroughs should know that his readership craves his cynicism and selfish behavior. That and his ability to wittily describe any situation make him loveable. Not the moral lessons at the end of each chapter. Obviously the lessons were learned; have a little faith that the reader does not need it spelled out.

I've read several of Augusten Burroughs' books. This is my last. After "Running With Scissors," he's lapsed into increasingly boring attempts to convince us his childhood home was dysfunctional, his entire family tree was chock full of nuts and he has every right to be screwed up. Once I got over the sadness of imagining children being brought up the way he and his brother were, I starting thinking "Augusten" is like that guy in any group who announces he's about to top your story (any and all of them) with one of his own, or ends all of his with "I s*** you not!" Unlike Running with Scissors, this book's chapters are separate stories based on 1) screwed up people he used to be friends with; 2) screwed up people he used to date; 3) the incredibly disrespectful way he was allowed to address his parents, relatives and other adults as a child; 4) his autistic brother's antics and misdemeanors; 5) the LGBT community's meeting/dating strategies; 5) neighbor dogs he watched his brother spray paint; or 6) the absolutely massive amount of booze, drugs, candy bars and the junkiest of junk foods he's ingested over his lifetime. In each of his books, he quotes his parents and relatives addressing him as "Augusten," but he was born Christopher Robison--he later made up his current moniker out of thin air. This volume seems to have cost Mr. Burroughs his fingernails (Chapter "Little Crucifixions) as he frantically clawed at the bottom of his barrel of recollections until 2006 when this "best seller" made its debut. I could actually picture the author, craning back in an office chair with his bleeding fingers clasped behind his neck, desperate for yet another creepy but exploitable memory to bob to the surface. I just read on Wiki that Augusten Burroughs was voted one of America's 25 funniest people. Maybe 25 famous people---this guy isn't even close to being as funny as my husband's retelling of some of his childhood memories! I read Possible Side Effects over the course of a couple of evenings--I laughed out loud exactly three times. There just comes a time when damaged goods/shock-stories aren't funny anymore. Augusten Burroughs crossed that meridian with A Wolf At The Table. His only saving grace (from what I could find on here) is that he's good to his dogs. Or, to his current dogs anyway. KittyKitty didn't fare as well.

If you are comparing Mr. Burroughs work to other humorous memoirs, then I would give this book a 4 star rating. I didn't because I think this work disappoints. After reading the book halfway through, I wondered why the vignettes were haphazardly placed, my conclusion was that this might have been his treatise on the agony and ecstacy of being gay? Then again, perhaps his reflections of his occasional and extreme unrestrained behaviors are at times so self-centered that this memoir is a purging of his soul? The later half revisited his horrific childhood experiences. Likewise, the second portion had no noticable flow in order. I wondered if he hadn't met his publisher's required number of pages, so he took previously written stories that were editted from inclusion in other works, and tacked them into this book.

Yes, there were some good laughs and I did enjoy the book but some of the stories seemed forced and by the time I reached the middle, I contemplated quitting and going on to a different book. Something none of his other works inspired.

I enjoy his talent to draw the audience in by his word selections. He is such a talented writer, I just kept thinking, "you can do better Augusten"!

I don't feel that Possible Side Effects really stands up to the rest of Burroughs's work. Running With Scissors was awesome, an instant classic and his drinking memoir is phenomenal as well. Even his novel, Sellevision, is pretty good. But let's be honest, nobody's life is this interesting, and without the element of truth, Burroughs loses all power (just look at Sellevision). And Burroughs does the vignette very well, most of his work is in that form. But it isn't enough to carry a book (and I'm surprises that Burroughs doesn't publish his work in magazines, it's perfect for the format). But what made his earlier memoirs so powerful is that the vignettes were connected, and together told a story (like Cisneros does in Mango Street). So I guess this is a good bathroom book or one to take on the bus, funnly little quick stories of no real importance.

His writing style is snappy, witty and he gets to the punchline of every joke with the quickness, which is nice for the short stories, and even his two novels.

Most of the stories themselves are kind of random - almost very mundane situations elevated to comedy by his funny voice, which is admirable. But it's almost like he's run out of crazy life experiences to write about after his first three personal collections!

There are several laugh-out-loud moments that I had to re-read again right after I finished the respective sentences because I wanted to re-savor their delicious wit again. It was almost like rewinding the funniest scene in a movie a few times to relive the moment.

I definitely look forward to more books by Augusten Burroughs - I am curious as to what else he can write about...

Another one I refused to put down until I finished it (meaning I never went to bed). I laughed and laughed. I tried explaining the stories to other people and I guess I'm just not that great of a story teller...it's one of those things where you would've had to have been there to find it funny...and when reading "Possible Side Effects" you feel right there with him. Like you were there when it happened or something. These are lighter stories unlike "Running With Scissors" and "Dry." They're more mundane things that probably happen in life everyday, but the way he tells the mundane is hilarious. I love it. Again, only for someone who isn't offended by advanced profanity. I'm assuming he talks like he writes and writes like he talks; that's why his books are so fun to read. There's true voice in Augusten Burroughs work. I couldn't love it more!

some have accused augusten of mining the bottom of the barrel for this book. there is some truth in that, but the stories i committed to reading, i found very entertaining and well-written (as usual from augusten). however, i skipped 3 or 4 stories because they were all about childhood (too many childhood stories here i think) or they were about his dogs!! sorry, but i don't give a damn about your pets, man!!! it's so boring reading about people's cats and dogs. nonetheless, i think augusten has "done it" yet again. the stories here aren't as outrageous as in "magical thinking," but i still liked them! augusten can write well about just about anything. i look forward to his future books. :)

I think Augusten Burroughs has pretty much exhausted his writing capabilities with 'Possible Side Effects'. As with most of his other books, he relies on his own memories to concoct stories. Some of the stories are entertaining, some of them are boring. In the end it was really nothing more than literary filler, something to pass the time while waiting for a bus.

Bottom line: I bought this book for 50 cents at a thrift store and feel that I got my money's worth. Barely.

Possible Side Effects

I've read every book of Augusten's and thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as the rest. Burroughs has given everyone living a tragicomedy hope that one day you can be functionally dysfunctional. I haven't read a book of his where I didn't feel a wide variety of emotions. With Possible Side Effects, you're able to get yet another glimpse into the life of Augusten that shows you the up's, down's and in-betweens of real life.

This is a book anyone could read and anyone could enjoy, short of the obvious types. If you've read anything by him, you shouldn't have to check reviews on the rest as you're already a fan and should buy everything he's written.

My husband and I enjoy reading to one another nightly. Augusten Burroughs is one of our favorite authors. This man shares simple situations such as waiting for the tooth fairy, or losing a dearly loved t-shirt. His stories keep us laughing for days. Possible Side Effects is a great week-end read, but it's also a wonderful book to savor and read slowly, one story at a time. We keep this book in a small select stack next to the bed. It's been read more than twice. Each story is wonderful.

Although this book is no "Running with scissors" I still quite enjoyed it's humor, style and selection of short stories. Augusten still remains one of my favorite authors, but something was missing from this book. Perhaps one can only tell about their seriously messed up and strange life once, and then it becomes too much for us readers, who knows, but I still liked it and would recommend reading it if you a fan of his. Caution goes out to those who have never read his other books as it may just come across as weird rantings from a total bore

If you liked *Magical Thinking*, then you'll like *Possible Side Effects*. However, I do have to say that *Magical Thinking* was funnier. Don't get me wrong, *Possible Side Effects* was funny but not as good as Burroughs' previous book.

Of course, Burroughs never runs out of things to say about his eccentric life. In this book, he talks about his grandparents, his fashion fetish of collegiate t-shirts, alcoholism, jobs and a few other topics.

Even though Burroughs wasn't as funny as his previous book, it's still an enjoyable read. Heck, he's so good that you can't put it down. He has an interesting way with words and sometimes it just leads to a chuckle or two.

Unfortunately, "Possible Side Effects" has threatened Mr Burroughs' throne in the Number 2 spot on my list of favorite authors. I found this book seriously wanting. It is unlike all his other books, and even though I screamed when I saw the cover at the book store (not knowing Augusten was releasing another book), I was disappointed at its finish.
Apologetically, I give this book 2 stars... which is bad for me- I usually enjoy just about everything.
Sorry Augusten. I'd still like to be your friend some day.

The thing about Augusten Burroughs is this: he can take a mundane situation (like chipping his tooth while eating a bowl of soup) and turn it into a hilarious retelling. His use of similes and metaphors is often hilarious and, in general, he just has a hold on the English language.

The majority of the stories found in Possible Side Effects lack substance and rarely have a moral, though; I sometimes wondered why Burroughs chose to tell that particular tale. But at the same time... I'd read it again. The stuff about Mrs. Chang made me laugh so hard that I cried!

Unfortunately, "Possible Side Effects" has threatened Mr Burroughs' throne in the Number 2 spot on my list of favorite authors. I found this book seriously wanting. It is unlike all his other books, and even though I screamed when I saw the cover at the book store (not knowing Augusten was releasing another book), I was disappointed at its finish.
Apologetically, I give this book 2 stars... which is bad for me- I usually enjoy just about everything.
Sorry Augusten. I'd still like to be your friend some day.

The thing about Augusten Burroughs is this: he can take a mundane situation (like chipping his tooth while eating a bowl of soup) and turn it into a hilarious retelling. His use of similes and metaphors is often hilarious and, in general, he just has a hold on the English language.

The majority of the stories found in Possible Side Effects lack substance and rarely have a moral, though; I sometimes wondered why Burroughs chose to tell that particular tale. But at the same time... I'd read it again. The stuff about Mrs. Chang made me laugh so hard that I cried!

Augusten Burroughs is one of my favourite authors so I am always eagar to immerse myself into his books as soon as they are released.

This one unfortunately is more miss than hit. I always have an internal struggle as to whether the things that he claims to have happened to him are fact or fiction, and several stories in this book do not help the argument of being based on fact. I can't help but think now that 'Running with Scissors' is mostly made up or exaggerated.

I still got several laugh out loud moments in this book but it pales when compared to 'Magical Thinking'. If you can't decide between the two - go for 'Magical Thinking' without a doubt.

This is Augusten Burroughs best effort so far. I wasn't that thrilled with his other books, yet I glimpsed a maturity emerging and kept reading. Burroughs still has some irritating character flaws; the main one being his seeming conviction that a dysfunctional childhood gives one carte blanche to exhibit or even flaunt such flaws. So "Possible Side Effects" is clearly 'R' rated; and just as an adult would not put it on a child's recommended reading list, I could not suggest it to my own parents, either (hypothetically speaking, as I am middle-aged and my parents are deceased).

Nevertheless Burroughs has evolved into a top-notch writer, and I greatly enjoyed reading this assortment of anecdotes. No, they are not in chronological order; what difference does that make? Rather, they seem to have a momentum of their own, as my appreciation of this collection increased as I flipped the pages. My biggest disappointment was finishing the read too quickly. However, now at last I'm convinced that Augusten Burroughs is a Qualified Talent, as opposed to a guy who just Got Lucky (not that luck isn't a major factor in this field, but that's another story).

This is the first Augusten Burroughs book I read, and I can't say I'm terribly smitten by his writing. While there are some hysterically funny stories here, few seem particularly insightful or memorable. More curious to me is that he doesn't seem a particularly skilled wordsmith. He kind of just strings sentences together without any unusual panache or natural flow. It's enjoyable and lightweight reading that will work well on a plane, but I doubt I'll be reading anything else by him.

Burroughs writes (presumably) true short stories from his life, some of which are laugh-out-loud funny, and some of which contain a profound sadness. He's at his breeziest when writing about the animals he loves, especially dogs, and at his most melancholy when discussing his own alcoholism and his family's history of mental illness. But overall the tone is upbeat and mischievous, so if you're looking for a quick light read with a few laughs, it's hard to go wrong.

I have been a big fan of Augusten Burroughs since I picked up a copy of Dry on vacation a few years ago. A man in his thirties with two autobiographies already, he is prolific and yet still interesting. Possible Side Effects is a book of essays that are funny and off-beat, but also shot through with a sense of melancholy that is reflective of his life so far. There is a story that seems to be about having an ill behaved dog, but suddenly turns into a much different story indeed about alcoholism. Those who have read Dry will appreciate it and those who have not will be probably be drawn to it after this story and the other essays in Possible Side Effects. I have recommended Dry and Running With Scissors to more people than I can count and I think this book will keep fans happy.

Having absorbed Burrough's entire repertoire already, Possible Side Effects could be considered a sequel to Magical Thinking. The stories are constructed into singular entities, following no particular timeline and short enough to fit one in with a cappuccino before heading out to work in the morning. If you have read Augusten's previous works, you'll recognize the same humorous, somewhat shallow voice pouring out from the pages. Augusten's art is that of revealing hilarity in the simplicity of everyday events. Possible Side Effects is definitely classic Burroughs and an excellent read.

"Possible Side Effects" is a side-splittingly funny, brilliantly self-aware autobiography that reads like a novel. Burroughs' book puts you squarely into his head. And if you're the type of person destined to be a Burroughs' fan, you'll probably be relieved to get out of your own head for a while.

Does David Sedaris make you laugh so hard you cry? Then you'll also love Burroughs -- a wonderful and insightful writer who does all of the heavy lifting for us lucky stiffs in his adoring audience.

Buy this book. Read it. Wait a while. Read the best parts again. Then give it to someone who's been good lately. Better yet, give it to someone who's been bad.

"Possible Side Effects" is a book of Burroughs' personal essays, as opposed to "Running with Scissors" or "Dry" which are memoirs, both of which I loved. In this book he bounces around in time and each essay stands alone. In some ways it was more like David Sedaris' books than Burroughs' other books I've read. It was funny and I enjoyed reading it. Some of the essays touched on heavier subjects like mental illness and addiction, but on the whole it felt like a much lighter read than Burroughs' other books I've read.

After reading the first four stories of this book, I could simply not go on any further. The first story of the book was a sign of what was to come- the story was not simply uninteresting and pointless- it was painful. The author flies to London, has an incredible nosebleed while in flight which I assume is supposed to be funny somehow. While in his hotel room in London he becomes reclusive and writes extensively about the thicker nature of British Kleenexes (according to the author's girlfriend- the British need the extra Kleenex for their extra heavy nasal mucous discharge), how much more Kit Kat bar you get for your money and other such revelations. The chapter ends out with the author cutting himself while shaving and bleeding yet again. It was pathetic and the following stories weren't any better. You'd have to be a hardcare fan of this guy to read this book and find something worthwhile in it. There is so much good literature to be had in the world of books- this is wasted paper. Then there is the the store reviewer who gave this book five stars before it was even released because he was so sure he would love it. Folks, this book is bad.

If this was my first Augusten Burroughs novel I would think it was perfect, but since I have read the many before I know what he is capable of. He dissapoints a little bit in the descriptions of characters and focuses more on the punch lines of his stories. I would read this book again and my love for his writing has not faded. You can't get it right everytime!! I can't wait for his next read!

Lighter than Running with Scissors but the lack of darkness makes it a better read for some that don't want to delve too deep into some of the issues touched on in Running with Scissors. A very funny book that is enjoyable and well written. Kind of an essay format makes it easy to pick up and read 1 chapter at a time. A book well worth reading!

I genuinely have no clue how this received anything less than 5 stars. Every story in the book was hilarious, I literally couldn't put it down. It's my favorite book of his after Dry and Wolf at the Table. It's a very fun read; it will have you laughing out loud in quiet public places!

Augusten Burrough's Possible Side Effects is a thorough disappointment. He attempts to reproduce the humor of David Sedaris, but fails miserably. Burroughs even adds stories of his partner and plays the role of the selfish brute. This is obviously a reproduction of Sedaris and his relationship with Hugh. However, it does not work for Burroughs. His endless references to his drinking cause the reader to be filled with pity, not laughter. The continuous return to images of his laziness and poor hygeine become redundant. His use of vulgarity forces his writing to a rock-bottom level. After reading this book we may all look at him as did the woman on the elevator, as not being worthy to wear any college's t-shirt.

For English class this last year, we were told to pick out the memoir of our choice and read it. I went to the library searching for books and saw this one. Well, the only reason I chose this one was because I liked the cover (I know, I know). Anyway, I got home and started reading it and I loved it! Never before have I laughed out loud so many times while reading a book. It's a great collection of stories and I really recommend it. It is very funny. I also read Running With Scissors, but I enjoyed this book much more.

This book proves that neurotic and gay does not necessarily equal funny. It doesn't hurt, but some cleverness is required as well. This book doesn't have much cleverness. It is the first book by this guy that I have read and I am going to read Running With Scissors now because it must have been pretty good if it was good enough to get this mediocre book published as a side effect.
There are a couple really good stories buried towards the end like the one with "Sommer" in the title which was good but not funny and "What's In a Name" which I laughed out loud at. His best stories seem to be written about his family and childhood, but most of the stories in this book are obsessive-gay-man-obsessing stories which come off flat and bloggy.

Burroughs is a funny observationist with a snarky view of the world that is filtered through a pretty odd background (as anyone familiar with RUNNING WITH SCISSORS might know).

Though I find his humorous take on things entertaining about 98% of the time, sometimes his style gets a bit tiresome. If he were a cocktail, I'd call him David Sedaris lite with a splash of bitters.

i really enjoyed Running With Scissors and i absolutely loved Dry. this book was kind of like a flight of ideas, no real surprises, no cohesive story but still amusing. i'll read anything by Augusten Burroughs because i'm hooked on his life. he's an amazing human being and a true survivor.

This is an excellant read, much like all his other books. Hilarious as usual. The only thing that bothered me were the inconsitancies in the chapter "Locked Out," wherein he gives a different account of how he got sober than in his earlier book "Dry." I always notice little details like that. How did it actually happen? Who knows. Great read nontheless.

I love auguston burroughs, and absolutely loved running with scissors, (I could relate to the experience myself, if you know what I mean). This book was readable, and actually enjoyable. he is candid and funny and takes a normal situation and finds the comedy/tragedy in it, this is his true gift. His writing is clear and without artifice. He didn't necessarily knock it out of the park, but he scored as usual. Thanks for lots of hours hiding from my world and entering yours Auguston.

Now that I've read every Augusten Burroughs book, I can honestly say he's grown tremendously as a writer. His latest, "Possible Side Effects", is a collection of essays that capture his every mood, motive, and emotion. From hysterically funny, to disturbingly mean-spriited, to brutally honest, Burroughs frames each moment in a style that causes you to question how much of his storytelling is truly fiction.

These stories have been collected thoughout the years, which seem to highlight his personal and professional growth. Short vingettes maker for perfect ADD/subway reading. 2 fists way up!

I rarely laugh so hard as when reading Augusten Burroughs. His memoirs are a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, you can always find some humor in it. This book is perfect for college, since I never have enough time to read full novels with all of my classwork I can just pick it up and read a piece or two and not have to worry about losing my place or never having enough time to finish. Definitely a worthy purchase, especially if you're already a Burroughs fan!

While there are still the stories that make you cringe, cry and laugh at the same time, we're now also subjected to his "horror" stories of success: sweating while at book signings; famous-author-recognized-on-airplane-with-bloody-nose; Bad accommodations while on speaking tours. We should all have such problems. On top of this, the book is by-and-large written in fragmented sentences..where was the editor on this one?

I LOVE Augusten..but what made him original was his perspective on the pre-success stuff. You'll love those parts; the rest you can skip.

While there are still the stories that make you cringe, cry and laugh at the same time, we're now also subjected to his "horror" stories of success: sweating while at book signings; famous-author-recognized-on-airplane-with-bloody-nose; Bad accommodations while on speaking tours. We should all have such problems. On top of this, the book is by-and-large written in fragmented sentences..where was the editor on this one?

I LOVE Augusten..but what made him original was his perspective on the pre-success stuff. You'll love those parts; the rest you can skip.

So if you liked Running With Scissors and Dry you will love this book! It was so funny i read it in 2 nights!! Augusten Burroughs is the most ingenious comedy writer of the 21st century if you ask me! This was one of the best books i have ever read!!!

Mr. Burrough's ability to convey his thoughts, feelings, experiences - whether good or bad, and present it in his typical blunt manner that encourages laughter is cherished by this reader. I'm in love with his writing style and cannot wait until his next rendezvous with text.

Burroughs' writing is like a pint of your favorite ice cream. It doesn't last long and you just can't stop devouring it. I especially loved the one about the innkeeper and her dolls. Can't get enough!

I have read three of Augusten's books (Dry, Running With Scissors, and Magical Thinking), and absolutely LOVED them. This book, however, was really disappointing. It wasn't funny, nor particularly interesting. It was just bland. None of the stories were really entertaining. I can't pinpoint exactly what this book is lacking, but it's simply not as well-written as his other books. I would definitely recommend his previous work. This one? Not so much.

I have read all of Mr. Burroughs' books, and have enjoyed them. That is, until I sat down to read this book of short tales. I found little of interest to keep my attention, and after 4 or 5 stories, put it aside.

I've read all of Augusten Burroughs' books and enjoyed watching his maturation as a writer. From "Sellevision," to "Running with Scissors," (a story that likely could not withstand the scrutiny James Frey was subjected to), to "Dry," and "Magical Thinking" his writing got better and better. And then this. "Possible Side Effects" reads like a collection that was slapped together at the 11th hour of yet another extended deadline. The essays are too cute, too easy and generally not very well developed. Maybe Mr. Burroughs should spend a little less time resting on his laurels and more time developing his craft.

Augusten Burroughs is clearly out of material and his talent for tall tales is in a death spiral. As another review mentions, this collection of stories appear to the rejects from past efforts. While reading this I can imagine the same content being typed by a 13 year old who is out to try to impress his audience with tales of forced juxtaposition and icon shattering. I am embarrassed for St. Martin's Press and can only assume that they are stuck in a contract with Mr. Burroughs and that is why they published this future pulp.

I liked Sellevision and elements of RWS and while I do not expect Updike when I open Burroughs, I do expect not to be preoccupied with the question of whether or not I can return this book. If you want a good summer book, keep looking.