I was riding the subway, reading Augusten Burrough's new book of short pieces, called
Possible Side Effects, when his description of a trip to England made me laugh out loud, repeatedly, until long after I got off the train, unexpectedly ran into my therapist on the street, and sat through a movie about pedophilia and self-mutilation. I was chuckling to myself the whole time.
All his books are funny, honest, and moving. They deal with dysfunctional families, gay life, personal ads, filthy apartments, pets, being a drunk, recovery, and much more. Some of his most hilarious pieces concern his stint as an advertising writer and the absurdities of that industry. I have enjoyed all of his books, but I think
Possible Side Effects registered the highest on the laugh Richter scale.
Right then on the telly, live open-heart surgery. Again, why? Why don't we have this? We have similar shows on various cable stations. But they're heavily packaged. With graphics and music and a plotline, edited together to create tension and suspense. But this is relaxed surgery. It's live and it's real and a little boring. But the payoff: the person might die. They never die on U.S. television. But here in the United Kingdom, they just might. And I will be right here, watching.Oh, Augusten, how I love you! I've read ALL of your books now -
Sellevision:A Novel;
Dry: A Memoir;
Magical Thinking, and of course
Running with Scissors, although at the time I was using it more as a prop when the person I was desperately in love with was blowing me off and I had to look like I was absorbed in something else. But I got the jist, and I plan to see the movie, and even then, you were there for me, man! It's Thanksgiving, and I'm thankful for you!
posted by Lisa #
1:16 PM |
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