Augusten Burroughs

Augusten Xon Burroughs, born Christopher Richter Robison in 1965, is an American writer recognized for his New York Times bestselling memoir, 'Running with Scissors.' He experienced a tumultuous childhood, living in various Massachusetts towns after his parents' divorce. At age 12, his mother placed him under the guardianship of her psychiatrist, Dr. Rodolph Harvey Turcotte, whose unconventional household included numerous children and patients. Burroughs later obtained a GED, legally changed his name, and briefly pursued pre-med studies before moving to New York City to work in advertising. His writing often explores themes related to his unconventional upbringing, including experiences with psychiatrists, advertising, and religious families. His works have been adapted into film and television, and he has received recognition from literary awards.

Born Christopher Richter Robison in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Augusten Burroughs was the younger of two sons. His mother was poet Margaret Robison, and his father was philosopher John G. Robison. Following his parents' divorce in 1978, the then 12-year-old Christopher was sent to live with the family of his mother's psychiatrist, Dr. Rodolph Harvey Turcotte. This household was characterized by its large, somewhat dilapidated property and a constantly shifting population of children, adopted individuals, and patients. Dr. Turcotte, who believed children became adults at age 13, was granted legal guardianship and permitted Christopher to leave sixth grade. Burroughs later obtained his GED at 17 and legally changed his name to Augusten Xon Burroughs at 18.

Augusten Burroughs is best known for his memoir 'Running with Scissors,' which chronicles some of his unusual childhood experiences and became a New York Times bestseller, later adapted into a film. His literary output includes further memoirs like 'Dry,' detailing his struggle with alcoholism, and essay collections such as 'Magical Thinking' and 'Possible Side Effects.' His debut novel, 'Sellevision,' was published in 2000. Burroughs' writing frequently delves into subjects including advertising, psychiatric practices, religious households, and home shopping networks. His work has been featured in notable publications, and he has been a regular commentator on National Public Radio. He has also released books exploring his relationship with his father, Christmas stories based on childhood events, advice, and a memoir about his life post-rehabilitation and his marriage.

Burroughs' later works include 'Lust & Wonder,' a memoir focusing on his life after rehab and his relationships leading up to his marriage to Christopher Schelling, and 'Toil & Trouble: A Memoir,' which details his journey of coming out as a witch and moving with his husband to a mansion in Connecticut. He also published a children's book, 'My Little Thief,' in 2023. Burroughs has spoken publicly about issues of same-sex marriage and legal entitlements. He has been recognized with a special Trustee Award at the Lambda Literary Awards and featured in various media outlets. In 2024, he co-opened a store in Northampton called The Shiny Black Door, offering unique items.

“I consider this not only a personal victory but a victory for all memoirists. I still maintain that the book is an entirely accurate memoir, and that it was not fictionalized or sensationalized in any way. I did not embellish or invent elements. We had a very strong case because I had the truth on my side.”

“I'm not at all sorry that I wrote it. And you know, the suit settled – it settled in my favor. I didn't change a word of the memoir, not one word of it. It's still a memoir, it's marketed as a memoir, [the Turcottes] agreed one hundred percent that it is a memoir.”