Picture a storyteller who turned a chaotic childhood into a literary phenomenon—meet Augusten Burroughs! Born Christopher Richter Robison, this American memoirist has captivated millions with his raw, hilarious, and heart-wrenching tales. Best known for his New York Times bestseller Running with Scissors, Burroughs blends dark humor with unflinching honesty, making him a standout voice in memoir and LGBTQ+ literature.
With over 10 million books sold across 30 countries, Burroughs’s work resonates globally. His ability to transform personal pain into universal stories has earned him a loyal following and a unique place in modern literature. Ready to dive into his wild, wonderful world?
The Making of Augusten Burroughs
Born on October 23, 1965, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Augusten Burroughs grew up in a turbulent household. The son of poet Margaret Robison and philosopher John G. Robison, his early life was marked by his parents’ volatile marriage and eventual divorce in 1978. At 12, Burroughs was sent to live with his mother’s psychiatrist, Dr. Rodolph Turcotte, in a chaotic Northampton, Massachusetts, home filled with patients and adopted children. This unconventional upbringing became the backbone of his literary career.
With minimal formal education—Burroughs left school after sixth grade and earned a GED at 17—he reinvented himself. At 18, he legally changed his name to Augusten Xon Burroughs and moved to New York City, where he thrived as an advertising copywriter. His struggle with alcoholism in his 20s led to rehab in 1996, sparking his writing journey. By 2000, he published his first novel, Sellevision, but it was his memoirs that would define his legacy.
Augusten Burroughs’s Unforgettable Stories
Burroughs’s writing is a masterclass in turning life’s messiest moments into compelling narratives. His breakout memoir, Running with Scissors (2002), chronicles his bizarre adolescence with the Turcotte family, blending humor and horror. The book spent over four years on the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted into a 2006 film starring Annette Bening and Alec Baldwin.
His follow-up, Dry (2003), dives into his battle with alcoholism, offering a raw yet hopeful look at recovery. Magical Thinking (2003) and Possible Side Effects (2006) showcase his essay collections, filled with witty, self-deprecating stories. More recent works like Lust & Wonder (2016) explore love and relationships, while My Little Thief (2023), a children’s book, reveals his versatility. Burroughs’s style—candid, darkly funny, and deeply human—makes every page feel like a conversation with a trusted friend.
His memoirs tackle heavy themes like addiction, mental health, and identity, but his relentless optimism and sharp wit keep readers hooked. Whether recounting childhood trauma or adult triumphs, Burroughs’s voice is uniquely his own, earning him a spot among America’s most beloved memoirists.
Why Augusten Burroughs Matters
Augusten Burroughs’s impact extends far beyond the page. As an openly gay author, he’s a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ literature, offering authentic representation and inspiring countless readers. His fearless exploration of mental health and addiction has made him a beacon for those navigating similar struggles. Fans worldwide credit his books with helping them feel seen, from survivors of abuse to those in recovery.
Burroughs’s ability to find humor in darkness has reshaped memoir writing, proving that vulnerability can be both powerful and entertaining. His work continues to spark conversations about truth, memory, and resilience, cementing his legacy as a literary icon.
About Augusten Burroughs
- Birth Date: October 23, 1965
- Key Works: Running with Scissors, Dry, Lust & Wonder, My Little Thief
- Notable Fact: Named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “25 Funniest People in America” in 2005
Grab Running with Scissors or Dry and dive into Augusten Burroughs’s wild, witty world—you won’t be able to put them down!