Where Is Your Bookmark? (Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs)

One thing I especially enjoy about the Going Postal book group I belong to is the variety of books we read. Each member selects a book at the beginning of the year, and every couple of months, after having read the book in our possession, we mail it, along with a journal, to the next person in the group. By the end of the year, we've each read all the books and recorded our thoughts. I have not liked all the books chosen, but I have had a chance to read books I might not have picked up otherwise. Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs is one of those books. I really enjoyed Running With Scissors by the same author which I read about twelve years ago. It was funny and sad--at times shocking--but I found Burroughs to be humble and thoughtful, entertaining, and incredibly resilient. 

It has been awhile since I last read--or wanted to read--a memoir. And while reading Lust & Wonder right now is taking me away from the holiday themed books I am craving, I didn't want to let it sit too long (besides, there's a deadline to finish it and send it on to the next person).

Goodreads Summary: 

In chronicling the development and demise of the different relationships he's had while living in New York, Augusten Burroughs examines what it means to be in love, what it means to be in lust, and what it means to be figuring it all out. With Augusten's unique and singular observations and his own unabashed way of detailing both the horrific and the humorous, Lust and Wonder is an intimate and honest memoir that his legions of fans have been waiting for.

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the wonderful Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

Just when I broke my sobriety and started drinking again in moderate controlled measure exactly like a normal person, I met this guy who wasn't just a guy but a writer, and not just a writer but the author of one of my favorite books. 

In AA, you are brainwashed into believing that all the good stuff happens only after you stop drinking. Clearly they are lying; my life improved significantly as soon as I ordered a cocktail.

Augusten Burroughs drew me in right away with this opening. It's got a conversational feel to it and from the second paragraph, I just know he's in for a hard fall. Not that I want him to fail, but it seems given it will happen.

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

"We didn't say anything. We just sat there on the sofa, and I understood everything. The problem is, I really am monogamous. You know? I've spent the last two years trying not to love somebody who's dying, but it didn't work." [pg 51]

I would be lying if I said tears didn't spring to my eyes as I read this excerpt and what came after. It's an insightful moment into Augusten's life at that time in his life.

I haven't gotten too far into the book--I'm on page 52, but I hope to make more progress this weekend. I find Burrough's writing and story compelling, and look forward to continuing on.

What do you think? Is this something you might like to read?

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week (well, at least for us Americans)?! If you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day. I will be taking this next week off from blogging. I have to work for much of the week, but want to concentrate on spending time with my family, and maybe even dedicate some extra time to reading. Have a great weekend--and week!

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