Dry by Augusten Burroughs

From the author's website:You may not know it, but you've met Augusten Burroughs. You've seen him on the street, in bars, on the subway, at restaurants: a twenty-something guy, nice suit, works in advertising. Regular. Ordinary. But when the ordinary person had two drinks, Augusten was circling the drain by having twelve; when the ordinary person went home at midnight, Augusten never went home at all. Loud, distracting ties, automated wake-up calls and cologne on the tongue could only hide so much for so long. At the request (well, it wasn't really a request) of his employers, Augusten lands in rehab, where his dreams of group therapy with Robert Downey, Jr., are immediately dashed by grim reality of fluorescent lighting and paper hospital slippers. But when Augusten is forced to examine himself, something actually starts to click, and that's when he finds himself in the worst trouble of all. Because when his thirty days are up, he has to return to his same drunken Manhattan life-and live it sober. What follows is a memoir that's as moving as it is funny, as heartbreaking as it is real. DRY is the story of love, loss, and Starbucks as a Higher Power.

Fascinating book! Yes, it's about the drinking but it's more about the relationships. I loved his friends, Hayden and Pighead and his co-worker Greer, I loved the way that they loved Augusten. I didn't love Foster but he certainly was riveting. What fun to get a peek into the world of advertising! Working on a German beer campaign, they brainstormed a list of "all things German" and, of course, it included cuckoo clocks and lederhosen, but then it also included techno music and leather underwear - that's just funny. Thats the way of the book - life but funny, sad but funny, real (mostly) but funny. There were some flashbacks to childhood so the ick factor of Running With Scissors wasn't completely gone. And you know the inevitable is going to happen so a lot of the book just feels like you're waiting for it. But in the end, it's just amazing, when you consider the life he had led already - just in his teens and early 20's - that he survived it all to write his memoirs.

This book is my "D" for the A-Z Reading Challenge! Click on the logo to see my progress.






and this one too...
This is on my list for the Spring Reading Thing 2009. Click on the logo to see the rest of my list.

A-Z Reading Challenge

I've signed up for this challenge using ...Option B: Read titles A to Z. Commit to reading 26 books theoretically speaking.






Here's where I'll keep track of my progress.
A- Amethyst Dreams by Phyllis Whitney
B- Burning Bright by Tracey Chevalier
C- Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitgerald
D- Dry by Augusten Burroughs
E- Eden Close by Anita Shreve
F- Fourth of July by James Patterson
G- Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
H- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I- Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
J- Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark
K- Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgins Clark
L- Lowcountry by Anne Rivers Siddons
M- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
N- New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
O- One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell
P- The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer
Q- The Quiet American by Graham Greene
R- Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
S- Soul Catcher by Michael White
T- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
U- Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson
V- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
W- When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
X- The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson
Y- The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
Z- Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark

Why I Need to Quit My Job

Things have gotten a little out of hand with my TBR pile. I'm going to have to whittle this down. I've joined some reading challenges and some I am just going to have to pass on. I'll keep you posted!

A Green Desire by Myner, novel
A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen, reflection
A Son of the Circus by John Irving, novel
A Sudden Change of Heart by Brabara Taylor Bradford, novel
A Theory of Relativity by Jacquelin Mitchard, novel
A Virtuous Woman by Kaye Gibbons, novel
A Woman of Substanance by Barbara Taylor Bradford, novel
Another City, Not My Own by Dominick Dunne, novel
Anyone But you by Jennifer Cruise, novel
Audacity of Hope, The by Barack Obama, non-fiction politics
**U.S. President's Reading Challenge
Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise, novel
Blood Orange by Druscilla Campbell, novel
Blue Bedspread, The by Jha, novel
Bluest eye, The by Toni Morison, novel
Boleyn Inheritance, The by Phillipa Gregory, historical fiction
Brethenm The by John Grisham, novel
Call No Man Father by William X. Kienzle, novel
Cat and Mouse by James Patterson, novel
China Card, The by James Erlichman, novel
Choke by Stuart Woods, novel
Cider House Rules by John Irving, novel
Color of Water, The by James McBride, memoir
Coming Attractions by Fannie Flagg, novel
Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher, novel
Day of Drums by Philip Shelby, novel
Dear Mem Fox by Mem Fox, memoir
Devil in the Junior League, The by Linda Francis Lee, novel
Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee, novel
Doubel Take by Catherine Coulter, novel
Dry by Augustne Burroughs, memoir
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons, novel
End of Summer, The by Rosamunde Pilcher, novel
Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier, historical fiction
Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown,novel
Fried Eggs With Chopsticks by Polly Evans, travel
From Beginning to End by Robert fulghum, essays
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan, novel
Greatest Generation, The by Tom Brokaw, non-fiction history
Hanna's Daughters by Marianne Frederikson, novel
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman, novel
History of God by Armstrong, non-fiction religion
Hours, The by Michael Cunningham, novel
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubuis III, novel
Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubis, novel
In the Shadow of the Crown: The Story of Mary Tudor by Jean Plaidy, historical fiction
Jack and Jill by James Patterson, novel
Jane Austen Book Club by Fowler, novel
John Adams by David Mccullough, historical fiction
**U.S. President's Reading Project
Johnny Tremain by Esther forbes, kids lit
Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado, non-fiction religion
Killshot by Elmore Leonard, novel
Kiss the Girls by James Patterson, novel
Kitchen Priveleges by Mary Higgins Clark, memoir
Lords of Discipline, The by Pat Conroy, novel
Many Aspects of Mobile Home Living by Martin Clark, novel
Mary, Mary by James Patterson, novel
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, essays
Mexico by James Michener, novel
Midwives by Chris Bohijalian, novel
My Losing Season by Pat Conroy, memoir
New Testament, The by John Grisham, novel
Other Boleyn Girl, The by Philippa Gregory, historical fiction
Partner, The by John Grisham, novel
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, historical fiction
Praying For My Life by Marion Bond West, memoir
Rainmaker, The by John Grisham, novel
Ralph's Party by Lisa Jewell, novel
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi, memoir
Red Tent, The by Anita Diamant, novel
Run With the Horsemen by Ferrol Sams, novel
Running With the Devil by Steve Kissing, memoir
S. by John Updike, novel
Shiloh, Shiloh Season, Saving Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, kids lit
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen, novel
Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris, novel
Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, The by Anne Fadiman, non-fiction culture
Starting Out in the Evening by Brian Morton, novel
Stone Diaries, The by Carol Shields, novel
Sunday Wife, The by Cassandra King, novel
Surrender the Pink by Carrie Fisher, novel
Thinking Out Loud by Anna Quindlen, essays
Thirteenth Tale, The by Diane Setterfield, novel
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald, novel
Thorn Birds, The by Colleen McCullough, novel
Thy Brother's Wife by Andrew Greeeley, novel
Tipping Point, The by Macolm Gladwell, non-fiction business
'Tis by Frank McCourt, memoir
Twelth Card, The by Jeffreu Deaver, novel
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, novel
Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayer, novel
Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwall, novel
Watership Down by Richard Adams, novel
We Wish to Let You Know That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch, non-fiction history
What Is Mine by Anne Holt, novel
When All the World Was Young by Ferrol Sams, novel
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris, essays
Where or When by Anita Shreve, novel
Where You Belong by Barbara Taylor Bradford, novel
While I Was Gone by Sue Miller, novel
Whisperer of the River by Ferrol Sams, novel
Winter People, The by Phyllis Whitnet, novel
World Is Flat, The by Friedman, non-fiction politics
Year of Dreams by Gloria Goldreid, novel
Year of Pleasure by Elizabeth Berg, novel

Spring Reading Thing 2009

I'm just throwing this up for now. I may come back later and add pictures of books, teasers from the back cover, etc. But..the important part is just getting the list done. I'm already like number 170 something - what a great response! Click on the logo above to find out more about Spring Reading Thing and you can sign up too!

Here's my list!

I'm in the midst of four already so goal one is finishing...
1. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
2. Book of the Dead by Preston and Child
3. Four Spririts by Sena Jeter Naslund
4. John Adams by David McCullough

Then I have my April book club selection...
5. A Silent Ocean Away
An audiobook that's sitting in the car waiting...
6.0. This Rock by Robert Morgan

And some others from my TBR stack....
6.1. had to add Amethyst Dreams by Phyllis Whitney
6.2. and this too The 60 Second Organizer by Jeff Davidson
6.3. and this one as well Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
6.4 a girlfriend dropped this one (and the next two in the series) off to me with a good recommendation Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin
6.5 Dry by Augusten Burroughs
6.6 Shopaholic & Sister by Sophie Kinsella

7. Interpreter of Maladies Jhumpa Lahiri
8. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (this was my stopper last time around!)
9. One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell
10. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
11. A Hundred and One Days

Now I am listening to another audiobook...
12. The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer
and two three other audiobooks
12.1 Lifeguard by James Patterson
12.2 Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson
12.3 When Madeliene was Young by Jane Hamilton

And, I've ordered my May book club selection from Amazon...
13. The Firemaster's Mistress by Christie Dickason

OK - today was the library Spring book sale...I've added a few "must reads"
14. We Thought You Would Be Prettier by Laurie Notaro
15. The Things They Carried
16. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
17. A Mary Higgins Clark - actually two - one mystery, one historical fiction
18. a book of essays by Anna Quindlen
19. The Quiet American by Graham Greene

This one I had to go out and buy because I kept reading about it on other book blogs!
20. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

And I had to reread this
21. A Child Called "It"
which led me to...
21.1 Please Stop Laughing At Me by Jodee Blanco

Then I went and impulsively bought this at Walmart despite having two of her other books already at home waiting TBR...
22. Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark

And this fell in my (much too big) lap...
23. French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano

My teacher's group summer book club pick was...
24. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

What's On Your Nightstand? September 2011

This monthly feature is hosted by 5 Minutes for Books on the last Tuesday of every month. Click on the logo to go and check out all the participants.


This weekend was the library Fall book sale so this pile is my result! I didn't just shop willy-nilly - these are books that I have had on my mental wish list, or that complete a series, or are by my "must have" authors so I am very excited about working my way through this stack! From the bottom up...

Back When We Were Grown Ups by Anne Tyler Anne Tyler is a favorite, I try to read all of her books.

Shopaholic & Sister by Sophie Kinsella The shopaholic series is the Chinese food of books, you read until you're stuffed and then ten minutes later you have to read again. So it turns out when I read the description more carefully, that I have read this one already - just forgot. Oh well.

The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith This is another series I abandoned and now want to return to and wrap up. These read so quickly and are very sweet - will enjoy this one.

Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson Probably my most exciting purchase. I loved Backseat Saints and Gods in Alabama, I am an official Joshilyn Jackson fan girl.

Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs More Running with Scissors type stories, I assume, we'll see.

The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark Another author that I just read every book no matter what. I don't buy them at full price but I do read them...eventually.

The Day of the Storm by Rosamunde Pilcher yes, she wrote the Shell Seekers.. that seems to be all anyone ever remembers of dear Rosamunde. But I am loyal - I read them all, eventually.

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens and I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass Saw these two when they were making the rounds on book blogs and have had them on my mental wish list ever since.

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah I think I was kind of late to the Kristin Hannah lovefest but have since read a few and enjoyed them very much - looking forward to this one too.

Innocent Traitor by Allison Weir At one point the Facebook Historical Fiction book club chose an Allison Weir and I liked that one so am hoping this one will be as good.

The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde Title caught my attention awhile ago and it sounds interesting.

What's On Your Nightstand? May 2009

This monthly feature is hosted by 5 Minutes for Books on the last Tuesday of every month. Click on the logo to go and check out all the particpants.



This is my first month particpating so I'll just jump right in with what's on my nightstand. Starting from the bottom, I have.....

John Adams...I have been working on this one forever for the U.S. President's Reading Project. It was also going to be my "J" book for the A-Z Reading Challenge but that challenge only lasts for the year so I went ahead and bought...

Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark. A mystery, of course, with a beautiful, brainy heroine, of course! It's a formula but the formula works for me - I enjoy Mary Higgins Clark. I'm pretty far into this one already so should finish it up tonight.

There are four possibilties in the pile for my "D" book. Not sure yet which one I am going to read...

The Devil in the Junior League by Linda Francis Lee sounds fun and light.

Double Take by Catherine Coulter is bound to be good - I've loved all of her's that I've read thus far.

Dry by Augusten Burroughs will probably be fascinating if a little bit icky...at least that is how I would describe his other book, Running With Scissors.

and Dear Mem Fox by Mem Fox interests me because Mem Fox was a favortie author when I taught first grade.

Finlly, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke is a children's book but the series was popular and it became a movie so I wanted to check it out. And, since it is a first in a series it will count towards the 1st in a Series Reading Challenge.

A-Z Reading Challenge 2009 completed!

Hooray! I finished the challenge.
I wasn't sure when I started this challenge that I would be able to finish it so I am happy and proud that I did. I know one thing, if I come across a good "X" or "Z" book in the next few months, I'm saving it for 2010! Here's what I read to complete the challenge, You can click on the logo to check out the other folks who participated. Thank you so much to the organizers of the challenge - it was a pleasure to be a part of it!


A- Amethyst Dreams by Phyllis Whitney
B- Burning Bright by Tracey Chevalier
C- Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitgerald
D- Dry by Augusten Burroughs
E- Eden Close by Anita Shreve
F- Fourth of July by James Patterson
G- Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
H- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I- Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
J- Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark
K- Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgins Clark
L- Lowcountry by Anne Rivers Siddons
M- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
N- New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
O- One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell
P- The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer
Q- The Quiet American by Graham Greene
R- Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
S- Soul Catcher by Michael White
T- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
U- Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson
V- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
W- When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
X- The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson
Y- The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
Z- Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark

Possible Side Effects by Augusten Burroughs

From the author's website: This book is approved for consumption by those seeking pleasure, escape, amusement, enlightenment, or general distraction. This book is not approved to treat disorders such as Ebay addiction or incessant blind dating.

In studies, some people reported inappropriate, convulsive laughter, a tingling sensation in the limbs, and sudden gasping. Fewer than 1% reported narcolepsy.

Doll collectors may experience special sensitivity, as may discourteous drivers, candy company brand managers and Nicorette users.

This book has been shown to be especially helpful to those with parents, grandparents, life partners and incontinent dogs. People with dry, cracked skin have responded well to this book, as have people with certain heart conditions.

Do not operate heavy machinery while reading this book, until you know what effects it may have on you.

This text is contraindicated in those suffering from certain psychiatric disorders, including-but not limited to-readers afflicted with Anhedonia, which is the inability to experience pleasure.

Ask your doctor about Possible Side Effects.

That's a little bit longer blurb than I usually post but it gives you a sense of his writing style. This was a fun read. If you've read his memoirs Running With Scissors or Dry, this is lighter than both of those. Yes, he still tackles his addictions and there are some references to his childhood but they are sidenotes to the essays not the major focus like they were in the memoirs. This book seemd a little like I was reading a David Sedaris, in fact when I googled their names together with "compared", I got almost 3,000 results - I guess I am not the first one to notice. This one is rated NC-17 - he's foul-mouthed and he has no qualms discussing sex. Reading this book following so closely on the heels of the foul-mouthed Cleaving should fulfill my cussing/deviant sex quota for the winter.

Me and My Books meme

This was posted over at Beth Fish Reads and looked like fun so here are my answers....click on the link to see Beth's answers.

1. What author do you own the most books by?
It used to be Lawrence Sanders - I went through everything he wrote but then last fall I realized I hadn't touched them in years so I boxed them all up for the church bazaar. That leaves me with Mary Higgins Clark.
2. What book do you own the most copies of?
The Bible.
3. Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
Didn't even notice.
4. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
Hate to admit it but the only one I can think of is Edward - there must be somebody better! At least somebody within twenty years of my actual age.
5. What book have you read the most times in your life?
Easily The Secret Garden but not the one by Frances Hodgen Burnett, the lesser known one by Julie Andrews originally published as Mandy.
6. Favorite book as a ten year old?
Probably was Mandy - timing seems right. And, I still have the same paperback copy that I read back then. I used to climb up into my favorite tree and perch there to read. Now I just go to my corner of the couch where the good light is and my reading glasses are! Other possibilties would be Harriet the Spy and the Trixie Belden series.
7. What is the worst book you’ve read in the past year?
Do I want to put my negativity out into the universe? Oops - already did - I had two books that I rated a "2" in my reading journal here and here.
8. What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?
I looked back at my reading journal. I gave 7 or 8 books a "10" this past year and out of those I'll pick Cage of Stars by Jacqueline Mitchard - it was such an emotional tale - loved it.
9. If you could force everyone you know to read one book, what would it be?
I immediately think of something to do with the Holocaust like Night or The Hiding Place because I'd like them to read a book that would help bring about world peace (how's that for a beauty queen answer?!). But there is also The Lemon Tree about the Middle East and Abraham about the shared beginings of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths. Thought provoking question!
10. What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
The Mysterious Benedict Society - would be really fun to see brought to life on the big screen.
11. What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?
Apparently it is John Adams.
12. What is your favorite book?
This is an impossible question - does anyone answer it?
13. Play?
None - can't think of a play that I have read of my own volition.
14. Poem?
Not much into poetry either.
15. Essay?
This I can answer - hands down, David Sedaris - L-O-V-E him. I've read When You Are Engulfed in Flames and Me Talk Pretty One Day. His others are on my wish list.
16. Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Easy - Nicholas Sparks.
17. What is your desert island book?
The Bible
18. And . . . what are you reading right now?
John Adams- I will finish it this time! But I have French Women Don't Get Fat in the car (so I can read it while I'm waiting in the Sonic drive-thru lane), Barack Obama's Audacity of Hope on my desk at work (the Navy can't possibly be unhappy with me for reading at work if it's the musings of our commander in chief!), and in my purse I have Dry by Augusten Burroughs - can't wait to tell my book club girls that and hear them all go "eww" - they hated Running With Scissors.

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.


I've never partcipated in this meme before but I had such a great haul from the library book sale this weekend that I just had to share it and I decided this was the perfect forum!



Here's what we have from the bottom up:

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle Saw this one on other blogs - wish I could remember which ones so I could give credit...you know who you are!
Daddy's Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark One I don't have from one of my favorite authors.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
One Thousand White Women Just saw a review of this one but, again, can't remember where!
Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve
Possible Side Effects by Augusten Burroughs I've enjoyed the two books I have read already - Running with Scissors and Dry.
The Faith Club and Abraham by Bruce Feiler Abraham is a reread for me but I liked the idea of reading these two together. I loved Abraham when I read it but then never could get into his other big book, Walking the Bible. I had given away my copy of Abraham after I reda it so I was happy to find this one. First I found it for four dollars and then about six inches down the row, I found it again for just one dollar - even better! I love how the prices can be so different depending on which volunteer did it!Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout Another blog find that I can't remember where to give credit to...
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve Love Anita Shreve - usually.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Again with the "saw it on a blog" but " can't remember where".
Good Dog, Stay by Anna Quindlen I'm not sure about this one - looks like a gift book you buy at the drugstore when you don't have a present. I'll hope for the best.