Running with Scissors (memoir)

Running with Scissors is a 2002 memoir by American author Augusten Burroughs. The book chronicles Burroughs' unconventional and turbulent childhood during the 1970s after his parents divorced and he was sent to live with his mother's psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, and his eccentric family.

The memoir is presented as a darkly comedic and often shocking account of Burroughs' experiences within the Finch household. He describes a chaotic environment characterized by emotional neglect, bizarre therapeutic practices, and rampant drug use. Running with Scissors details Burroughs' struggles with identity, sexuality, and mental health as he navigates this unusual upbringing.

Upon its release, the book became a New York Times bestseller and generated significant controversy. Some critics questioned the accuracy of Burroughs' recollections, while others praised the book's candid and darkly humorous portrayal of a dysfunctional family. The Finch family themselves contested the accuracy of Burroughs' depictions in the memoir, leading to legal disputes.

Despite the controversy, Running with Scissors remains a widely read and discussed memoir, known for its exploration of mental illness, family dynamics, and the search for belonging. A film adaptation of the book, starring Joseph Cross as Augusten Burroughs, was released in 2006.