Book Club Discussion Questions
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
SummaryRunning with Scissors is the true story of
a boy whose mother (a poet with delusions
of Anne Sexton) gave him away to be
raised by her psychiatrist, a dead ringer
for Santa, and a lunatic in the bargain.
Suddenly, at age twelve, Augusten found
himself living in a dilapidated Victorian in
perfect squalor. The doctors bizarre family,
a few patients, and a pedophile living in
the backyard shed completed the tableau.
Here, there were no rules; there was no
school. The Christmas tree stayed up until
summer, the Valium was eaten like Pez.
And when things got dull, there was always
the vintage electroshock-therapy machine
under the stairs...
Discusion Questions
-
Author Augusten Burroughs was raised by his
mothers psychiatrist, who lived in a dilapidated
house of almost unimaginable squalor. Why are
psychiatrists such dirty people? Do you think medical
schools should teach basic house-cleaning
skills to psychiatric residents?
- Hair and hairdressing are themes that resonate
throughout the memoir. Are you happy with your
own hairstyle? What would you do if somebody
were to offer you a makeover?
- Augusten Burroughs was fascinated with celebrity
and pop culture as a child, and wanted to be
famous himself. Now that Augusten Burroughs is
famous, do you think he still does his own laundry,
or do you think he sends it out? In addition, would
Augusten have an easier time getting a good table
at a New York City restaurant than you?
📖
Get the full reading guide
Join BookBrowse free to unlock all 10 discussion questions, author background, themes, and more for Running with Scissors.
Join free — it takes 30 seconds
Already a member? Log in →
- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Picador.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.