Hey, everyone!
I finished the book. Anyone else? Am I the only one?
I hope not. I cranked through it this weekend since it was a quick (albeit disturbing) read.
Was I the only one that kept asking if this was REALLY a true story? I kept shaking my head and wondering how in the world people could actually live like that, and how this doctor could keep his practice for so long.
And how in the world could Augusten turn out like anything resembling normal?
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6 comments:
I found myself wondering how he became a New York Times Bestseller with this past.. but I suppose stranger things have happened.
So, this book was a lot more graphic than I anticipated.. So, I owe everyone an apology! I'm glad I read it, but I think I could've read that one on my own. I'm excited about The Hunger Games!!
I actually read about how his real name is something else, and he is being sued, as the doctor and his family came forward to say that it was all fiction.... Hmmmm----so now any new books that are published of this one cannot be called an autobiography, but a story----fiction. So there, I guess he did make most of it up----what a creep!!
Didn't like him---didn't think he was funny, thought that it was the most disgusting piece of trash that I have read in a long time.
But not your fault, my dear! It was touted as a good book, but then you never know how it got to be so famous, etc.
Gag----what a loser he is!!
I must confess - I didn't read this book. I was told by several different friends I shouldn't. (I don't do so well with sexual abuse).
Anyway, I am glad I didn't. From what all of you say it wasn't good. But... you live and you learn right?
Fe, don't beat yourself up for this selection. It's one of those books that so many people have read and I always figured I'd get around to eventually.
As for the libel/defamation lawsuit, the Turcottes never made him say it was fiction as part of the settlement. All he had to do was call it a "book" instead of a "memoir," (not even a novel) and that he had to say in the acknowledgments that their memories are different from his.
I think the majority of the book is largely (and weirdly) true. It's hard to believe, and I'm sure a lot of it came from the dodgy memory of a teenager, yes. But the fact that part of their stipulation for settling the lawsuit was not that he had to retract all of his statements makes me think that there was a lot here that they really couldn't refute.
I finally finished it, and I'm still wondering how it became a bestseller. I had to read the back cover after I was done to see what it was about. It said something like "a tale of a boys survival through hard times", or something like that.
I don't really mind the graphic stuff. I could have done without it, but whatever. It's part of the story. I just don't think it actually ever went anywhere worthwhile. I don't feel like I learned anything of value.
But all in all, I like this book club because it gets me to read books that I otherwise would not read. And although that may not always lead you to the greatest masterpieces, one must wade through the shallow water to get to the deep end, or something like that.
Another month down. Now on to the next.
um.. I already finished this month's book.. I COULDN'T HELP IT! I can't wait to talk about with you guys!:)
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