Nikki's Reviews > Lust & Wonder

Once upon a time I stumbled upon Augusten Burroughs' memoir Dry and loved it. It was shocking, funny, and in the end heartening. I recommended it to many friends instantly.

So, I was interested in this newest memoir by Burroughs - What is he up to? Is he still Sober?

The book is a fascinating insight into relationships and what it means to be satisfied in a relationship, what it means to settle, when to move on, and how to attain love. In many ways, it could be summed up by saying: listen to your gut even if it's scary.

Traveling with Burroughs through some of his longest/most meaningful relationships (and a few of his shortest) is emotionally charged, honest, often both hilarious and devastating. I found that even though I was not sure about Augusten and Dennis working out, I was still worried about Dennis being embarrassed by his portrayal in this book. Empathy is good, right?

This book shows the many errors we all make while dating, committing to relationships, and finding love. There's a big curve to sorting out how to love and be loved, and Augusten seems to find what he's looking for after many missteps: breaking sobriety, cheating, on-line chicanery, and living in fear.

It is somewhat difficult to talk to much about this book with out giving anything away but it is a good read. Burroughs is honest and some how beyond vulnerable, to the point that he exposes himself in such a raw manner that I worried about his boyfriends and lovers being able to handle being so exposed themselves.

It is a love story, with many tragic and funny parts, but nonetheless a love story. I would recommend it!

Thank you to both St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me with a free advance copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.