Running with Scissors: A Memoir

Exploring the Chaos of "Running with Scissors: A Memoir"

Augusten Burroughs’ Running with Scissors: A Memoir is a shocking, darkly humorous account of an unconventional and chaotic childhood. This memoir, detailing Burroughs' experiences from age nine to seventeen, offers readers a glimpse into a world marked by eccentric characters, bizarre events, and emotional turmoil. Through his distinctive narrative style, Burroughs masterfully balances humor and horror, creating a compelling story that is as disturbing as it is entertaining.

A Bizarre Beginning

Running with Scissors opens with a glimpse into Burroughs' early life with his mother, Deirdre, an aspiring poet plagued by mental illness, and his distant father. The dysfunction within the family becomes evident early on, setting the stage for the tumultuous events that follow. When Deirdre begins treatment with an unorthodox psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, young Augusten is thrust into a new and bewildering environment.

The Finch household is unlike any other, a chaotic and unhygienic space where conventional rules do not apply. The doctor's home is a place of squalor and anarchy, where children have unprecedented freedom and adults engage in bizarre and inappropriate behaviors. This setting serves as the backdrop for Burroughs’ adolescence, shaping his perceptions and experiences in profound ways.

The Eccentric Finch Family

Central to Running with Scissors is the Finch family, a collection of eccentric and often disturbing characters. Dr. Finch, the patriarch, is a figure of authority who practices unconventional and unethical methods. His wife, Agnes, is a passive and overwhelmed presence, while their children, Hope, Natalie, and Vicki, each exhibit their own peculiarities.

One of the most memorable and unsettling scenes in the memoir involves Dr. Finch's "Bible-dipping" practice, where he interprets random Bible verses as divine guidance for decision-making. This method exemplifies the irrational and chaotic nature of the Finch household, where logic and reason are often abandoned in favor of superstition and whim.

Hope Finch, the eldest daughter, is perhaps the most peculiar member of the family. An aspiring dentist, Hope performs unsupervised dental procedures in the kitchen, using a makeshift dental chair. Her bizarre and often grotesque behavior adds to the surreal atmosphere of the Finch home, contributing to the memoir’s dark humor.

Surviving the Chaos: Augusten’s Resilience

Amidst the chaos of the Finch household, Burroughs demonstrates remarkable resilience. Despite the lack of structure and stability, he finds ways to navigate his unconventional environment. His friendship with Natalie Finch becomes a crucial source of support, providing moments of normalcy and connection in an otherwise bizarre world.

One of the memoir’s most poignant aspects is Burroughs’ struggle with his sexuality. As he grapples with his identity, he faces both confusion and acceptance within the Finch household. His relationship with Neil Bookman, Dr. Finch's adopted 33-year-old son, is particularly complex and troubling, highlighting issues of power and exploitation.

Despite the often traumatic events he endures, Burroughs' wit and humor shine through. His ability to find humor in the absurdity of his situation is a testament to his resilience and coping mechanisms. For example, Burroughs describes how he and Natalie attempt to "normalize" their lives by organizing the chaos around them, creating schedules and routines that provide a semblance of order.

The Dark Side of Humor

While Running with Scissors is often described as darkly humorous, it is important to recognize the underlying pain and trauma that permeate the memoir. Burroughs’ experiences are marked by neglect, abuse, and exploitation, raising questions about the ethics of finding humor in such circumstances.

The memoir does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of Burroughs' life. His mother’s mental illness, the neglect he suffers, and the inappropriate relationships he is subjected to are all presented with brutal honesty. This unflinching portrayal invites readers to grapple with the complexities of finding humor in the midst of suffering.

The Impact of Trauma

The impact of Burroughs’ chaotic upbringing is evident throughout the memoir. His experiences at the Finch household leave lasting scars, shaping his worldview and relationships. The lack of parental guidance and the exposure to adult situations at a young age force Burroughs to mature quickly, yet also leave him with deep-seated insecurities and trauma.

One of the memoir’s strengths is its ability to convey the long-term effects of such an upbringing. Burroughs’ narrative is not just a recounting of bizarre events, but a reflection on how these experiences have shaped him. His struggles with identity, trust, and stability are recurring themes, highlighting the lasting impact of his unconventional childhood.

A Story of Survival and Humor

Running with Scissors: A Memoir is a captivating and disturbing account of Augusten Burroughs’ adolescence. Through his unique blend of dark humor and raw honesty, Burroughs offers readers a window into a world that is both fascinating and unsettling. His ability to find humor in the midst of chaos and his resilience in the face of adversity make his story both compelling and inspirational.

Burroughs’ memoir is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for survival and adaptation. Despite the dysfunction and trauma that mark his early years, he emerges with a sense of humor and a determination to find his place in the world. Running with Scissors is not just a memoir of a troubled childhood, but a story of resilience, humor, and the enduring search for identity and meaning.

For readers, Running with Scissors offers a powerful exploration of the complexities of family, the impact of trauma, and the ways in which humor can serve as a vital coping mechanism. Burroughs’ story is a reminder of the strength and resilience that can emerge from even the most chaotic and challenging circumstances.