Book SummaryRunning with Scissors, by Augusten Burroughs

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Running with Scissors

While living with the Finch household, Augusten Burroughs was immersed in a family dynamic and interactions that deviated significantly from the norm.

Our journey takes us through the unconventional and often tumultuous childhood of the writer known as Augusten Burroughs. His childhood was characterized by disorder due to the mental health struggles of his mother and the unconventional environment of her psychiatrist's home, the Finches, which resulted in an unpredictable and atypical upbringing.

Augusten Burroughs grew up amid chaos and family discord, living with his mentally unstable mother and the unorthodox Finch family.

Augusten Burroughs finds himself immersed in the atypical family interactions and customs when he relocates to the home of Dr. Finch, his mother's psychiatrist.

Augusten Burroughs' life takes an unforeseen twist as he integrates into the household of his mother's therapist, Dr. Finch, and begins to adopt their unorthodox way of living. The Finch household's unique sense of organization is exemplified by their Christmas tree, which stands until May, showcasing their unconventional domestic lifestyle.

The Finch family home doesn't conform to usual societal norms, such as using coasters or maintaining typical levels of tidiness. Daily life is plagued by constant conflict and screaming matches. The family's strangeness is further highlighted by the father who believes his digestive excretions carry predictive power, taking an extraordinary amount of pride in these events.

In this environment, Agnes, the wife of Dr. Finch, is seen meticulously trimming candle wicks and humming quietly, enveloped by arguments that contribute to a charged yet oddly festive atmosphere. Dr. Finch, known for his easygoing and nontraditional demeanor, is always ready to assist during crises and is distinguished by his practice of handing out balloons with a pleasant disposition.

The Finch residence is constantly abuzz with chaos, marked by frequent intense arguments and non-traditional methods of addressing psychological well-being.

Burroughs' memoir vividly portrays the tumultuous life within the household of the Finch family. A therapist's home with a bathroom ceiling covered in roaches and a flipped sofa invite the reader into a world where normalcy has no definitive place.

In this chaotic environment, young Burroughs observed the unpredictable nature of the household and the informal therapy sessions his mother attended, which were conducted by the family psychiatrist. Hope Finch's decision to use the area her father had set aside for his own enjoyment in an unexpected manner clearly demonstrates a lack of adherence to conventional boundaries.

Burroughs experienced a deeper affinity with the atypical Finch...

Running with Scissors Summary Burroughs sought balance and a feeling of stability.

Augusten Burroughs faces considerable challenges in his pursuit of a stable and conventional existence. His journey is tumultuous, marred by dysfunctional family relationships and an abusive romantic relationship that profoundly affect his well-being.

Burroughs' relationship with his mother is characterized by her unpredictable mental condition and whimsical behavior.

Burroughs frequently finds his life in disarray due to the chaos stemming from his mother's mental health struggles. Her mental health's deterioration becomes apparent through her increasingly frequent consultations with Dr. Finch, which she relies on heavily to maintain her psychological stability, signaling deeper issues. Her unpredictable actions manifest in peculiar obsessions, like the relentless drawing of Guadalupe's icon for extended periods and using a disturbing tone that implies an invitation to purchase that is racially offensive.

Augusten's maternal figure contends with her own turmoil, including a strained relationship with a woman named Fern, which adds to the already present stress in the household. Her erratic conduct was further characterized by a distinctive, echoing laugh and a tendency to...

Running with Scissors Summary Burroughs' efforts to forge a distinct persona and gain acceptance encompassed his unsuccessful endeavors to excel in higher education and to achieve fame as a vocalist.

Throughout his journey, he holds onto dreams of fame and a new identity, seeking comfort in the chaos he escaped from.

Burroughs dreams of becoming a famous hairstylist or singer, seeking an alternative to the chaos of his childhood

Burroughs begins his studies at a local community college, aspiring to pursue a career in medicine, yet soon acknowledges that the rigorous scholarly requirements are beyond his capabilities.

Initially motivated by aspirations of achieving fame as a top hairstylist or a renowned vocalist, Burroughs ultimately decides to pursue the esteemed career of a medical practitioner. After earning his GED, he enrolls in a nearby college and selects classes that will pave the way for a medical school education, all while being encouraged by the camaraderie and backing of his friends. Burroughs takes pride in his status as a student on the path to medical school, yet he quickly confronts the challenging elements of his rigorous curriculum, which includes the examination of minuscule life forms and the anatomy of living beings.

Burroughs discovers that maintaining his academic responsibilities is more difficult than he first anticipated. His...