Augusten Burroughs, born on October 23, 1965, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was destined for a life of creativity and introspection. His mother, Margaret Robison, was a poet, and his father, John Robison, a philosophy professor. However, when Augusten was just twelve years old, his parents divorced, and he was adopted by one of his mother's psychiatrists. This tumultuous event would set the stage for much of Burroughs' future writing.
After attending community college in Massachusetts, Burroughs made the difficult decision to drop out in pursuit of a career in advertising in New York City. It was during this time in his early adulthood that he began to battle with alcoholism, a struggle that would later become a focal point in his writing.
Despite his personal struggles, Burroughs found solace and purpose in writing. In 2002, he published his bestselling memoir, Running With Scissors, which detailed his chaotic and unconventional upbringing. This novel catapulted him to fame and established him as a unique voice in the literary world.
Following the success of Running With Scissors, Burroughs continued to pen autobiographical works, including Dry in 2003 and A Wolf at the Table in 2008. These novels delved deeper into his personal struggles with addiction and family dynamics, further solidifying his reputation as a candid and insightful writer.
In addition to his memoirs, Burroughs also ventured into television writing, creating a series for Showtime based on his experiences detailed in Dry. This expansion into other forms of media showcased his versatility and continued relevance in the entertainment industry.
Despite his tumultuous upbringing, Burroughs remains close with his family, including his older brother, John Elder Robison, who also found success as an author. The bond between the two brothers is evident in their shared dedication to honesty and vulnerability in their writing.
Augusten Burroughs' impact on the literary world cannot be understated. Through his raw and unfiltered storytelling, he has brought awareness to issues of mental health, addiction, and family dynamics. His ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level has solidified his place as a beloved and respected writer.