Title: Dry
Author: Augusten Burroughs
First published January 1, 2003
293 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312423797 (ISBN10: 0312423799)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
You may not know it, but you’ve met Emily Stone. You’ve seen her on the street, in cafes, on the subway, at the gym: a thirty-something woman, nice clothes, works in publishing.
Regular. Ordinary.
But when the ordinary person had one glass of wine, Emily was already on her fifth; when the ordinary person woke up early for work, Emily was still up from the night before. Designer bags, expensive makeup, and a fake smile could only hide so much for so long.
At the insistence (well, it wasn’t really an insistence) of her loved ones, Emily checked into rehab, where her fantasy of finding a kindred spirit in a celebrity is immediately crushed by the harsh reality of group therapy and hospital food. But as Emily starts to confront her demons, something finally starts to click, and that’s when she realizes that the hardest part of her journey is yet to come.
Because when her treatment is over, she has to return to her same chaotic Manhattan life and navigate it sober. What follows is a memoir that’s as hilarious as it is heartwarming, as raw as it is real.
About the Author
Augusten Burroughs, originally named Christopher Robison, is the son of a writer and a poet, and the younger brother of John Elder Robison. He did not attend formal education beyond elementary school.
Despite this, he became a successful advertising copywriter for 17 years. However, he was also an alcoholic who nearly drank himself to death in 1999.
Driven by an inexplicable compulsion, Burroughs began writing a novel without any outline or conscious structure. He wrote as fast as he could type, and seven days later, he had written his first book.
He also stopped drinking and the book was published a year later. Burroughs remains sober to this day, and Sellevision still stands as his only published novel, which is currently being developed into a feature film.
His second book, Running with Scissors, was a memoir that helped to ignite a memoir fever in America and abroad. It was released in 2001 and received virtually unanimous critical acclaim.
The memoir remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over four consecutive years, eight months of which were spent in the #1 position. The film adaptation, starring Annette Benning, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jill Clayburgh, and Alec Baldwin was released in 2005.
Burroughs has since published four additional autobiographical volumes, all of which have become bestsellers. His book readings have become massively popular events in over thirty countries.
He has also headlined for the most prestigious literary festivals in the world and speaks regularly at colleges and universities on various topics, including alcoholism, sexual abuse, authoring one’s own life, and humor as serious medicine.
Burroughs shocked fans and the media with the release of A Wolf at the Table in early 2008. The brutal, terrifying, and decidedly unfunny book instantly generated a storm of publicity and controversy.
Critics were deeply divided, and the book received some of the worst and best reviews of the author’s career. The book tour for A Wolf at the Table spanned some six months and four countries, as Augusten performed for the largest crowds of his career.
It remains Augusten’s bestselling hardcover to date.
Although critics continue to challenge the veracity of Burroughs’s books, the author remains philosophical. He believes that the people who read his books recognize the truth in them because they have smelled it.
The very details that the media view with suspicion are the same details that prove to his reader, “this guy was there. I remember that, too.”
Editoral Review
Dry by Augusten Burroughs is a memoir that recounts his experience with alcoholism, addiction, and recovery. First published in 2003, Dry is an intimate and honest portrayal of Burroughs’ struggle with alcoholism and his journey towards sobriety.
Burroughs is a celebrated author, known for his candid and humorous writing style.
The memoir delves into Burroughs’ life as a successful advertising executive in New York City, who struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs.
After a particularly destructive bender, Burroughs is court-ordered to attend rehab. The book chronicles his time in rehab, his early days in recovery, and his reflections on his past and future.
It also explores the complex relationships between Burroughs and his family, friends, and romantic partners.
Dry is a powerful and compelling memoir that deals with themes of addiction, recovery, identity, and interpersonal relationships.
The book is particularly significant in that it highlights a cultural and social phenomenon that is often overlooked or stigmatized.
Burroughs’ writing is sharp, incisive, and unflinching, making for a harrowing and poignant read.
His style is also imbued with humor and wit, which serves to relieve some of the tension and darkness of the subject matter. Burroughs’ honesty, vulnerability, and self-awareness make the book all the more poignant, as readers bear witness to the struggles of a smart, talented man who is brought to his knees by addiction.
One of the strengths of Dry is the way in which Burroughs depicts the daily challenges of living with addiction and the immense courage required to embark on the path towards recovery. His narrative is filled with vivid, engaging details that make the story come to life.
He also weaves in insightful reflections on the societal and cultural factors that contribute to addiction, such as toxic masculinity, social pressure, and trauma. Despite its many strengths, Dry is not without its flaws.
At times, the writing can feel overly self-indulgent or repetitive, particularly in the early parts of the book. Additionally, the narrative can feel meandering or unfocused at times, with tangents and anecdotes that don’t always feel relevant to the overall story.
Overall, Dry is a powerful memoir that explores the complexities of addiction and recovery in a nuanced and deeply personal way. Burroughs’ writing is witty, poignant, and honest, making for a compelling and introspective read.
While the book is not without its flaws, it is a significant and well-crafted contribution to the literature on addiction and recovery.
I would highly recommend Dry to anyone who is struggling with addiction or who has a loved one who is grappling with this issue.
The book provides valuable insights and empathy for those who are navigating the difficult journey towards sobriety. It is also a worthwhile read for anyone interested in exploring the social and cultural dimensions of addiction in contemporary society.
For its honesty, insight, and emotional impact, I would rate Dry four out of five stars.
