Quick Take

From the #1 bestselling author of Running with Scissors and Dry--a contagiously funny, heartwarming, shocking, twisted, and absolutely magical collection. True stories that give voice to the thoughts we all have but dare not mention. It begins with a Tang Instant Breakfast Drink television commercial when Augusten was seven. Then there is the contest of wills with the deranged cleaning lady. The execution of a rodent carried out with military precision and utter horror. Telemarketing revenge. Dating an undertaker and much more. A collection of true stories that are universal in their appeal yet unabashedly intimate and very funny.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Magical Thinking: True Stories

Introduction

"Magical Thinking: True Stories" by Augusten Burroughs is a captivating collection of essays that delves into the author's personal experiences and explores the thoughts and emotions that we all have but often keep hidden. Burroughs' writing style is contagiously funny, heartwarming, shocking, and deeply intimate, making this book a must-read for those who appreciate humor and honesty. In this article, we will explore the book's content, the author's background, readers' views, and the reasons for recommending or not recommending this book.

About Augusten Burroughs

Augusten Burroughs, born Christopher Robison, is a New York Times bestselling author known for his memoirs and essays. He has a colorful background that includes working as an alcoholic advertising copywriter, nearly dying from alcoholism, and writing his first book in just seven days. Burroughs' writing career took off after the success of his memoir "Running with Scissors," which became a publishing phenomenon and helped ignite the memoir craze. He has since published several other bestselling books, including "Dry," "Possible Side Effects," "Magical Thinking," and "A Wolf at the Table." Burroughs' writing is known for its honesty, humor, and ability to touch on sensitive topics with a unique perspective.

Analysis of Views

Humorous and Entertaining: Many readers found "Magical Thinking" to be amusing and entertaining. They appreciated Burroughs' ability to inject humor into even the most challenging situations, making the book a great choice for those seeking lighthearted reading material.
Unique Perspective: Readers praised Burroughs for his unique perspective on life. They found his stories to be refreshingly honest and relatable, as he tackled topics that were often considered taboo or uncomfortable to discuss. Burroughs' willingness to explore these subjects added depth to the book and made it stand out from other memoirs.
Engaging Storytelling: Burroughs' storytelling skills were highly praised by readers. They appreciated his ability to create engaging narratives that kept them hooked from beginning to end. The book's short essay format made it easy to read in small increments, making it perfect for those with busy schedules or limited reading time.
Variety of Topics: Readers enjoyed the variety of topics covered in the book. From dating an undertaker to dealing with a psychotic housekeeper, Burroughs tackled a wide range of experiences that offered readers a glimpse into his life and allowed them to connect with his stories on a personal level.
Shocking and Controversial: Some readers found the book shocking and controversial due to Burroughs' candidness about his experiences. They appreciated his willingness to delve into sensitive subjects, even if it meant facing criticism or backlash. However, a few readers felt uncomfortable with certain aspects of the book, such as the inclusion of potentially offensive material or the portrayal of certain individuals in a negative light.

Reasons for Recommendation

Humor and Entertainment: Readers who enjoy humor and entertainment in their reading material highly recommend "Magical Thinking." The book's contagious humor and ability to make readers laugh out loud make it a great choice for those seeking lighthearted reading material.
Unique Perspective: The book's unique perspective on life and its willingness to tackle sensitive topics make it stand out from other memoirs. Readers appreciate Burroughs' honesty and find his stories relatable and thought-provoking.
Engaging Storytelling: Burroughs' engaging storytelling style is a major reason why readers recommend this book. His ability to create captivating narratives that keep readers hooked from beginning to end is highly praised by readers who appreciate well-crafted storytelling.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Shocking Content: Some readers found certain aspects of the book shocking or offensive, which may be a reason for not recommending it. The inclusion of potentially offensive material or the portrayal of certain individuals in a negative light may not resonate with everyone, leading some readers to avoid the book altogether.
Limited Relevance: A few readers felt that the book's relevance was limited to certain individuals or groups. They found that some of the stories did not resonate with them personally or did not offer any new insights or perspectives that they had not already encountered in other memoirs or essays.

Conclusion

"Magical Thinking: True Stories" by Augusten Burroughs is a captivating collection of essays that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the author's life experiences. With its humor, honesty, and unique perspective on life, this book has garnered widespread acclaim from readers who appreciate its ability to tackle sensitive topics with humor and candor. While some readers found certain aspects of the book shocking or offensive, the majority agree that Burroughs' storytelling skills and ability to create engaging narratives make "Magical Thinking" a highly recommended read for fans of memoirs and personal essays.