Review: You Better Not Cry
You Better Not Cry is an odd little collection of seven short stories by Augusten Burroughs. The stories are from Burroughs own life and are all set around Christmas, so this book would technically be a memoir. The stories begin in the author’s childhood when he confused Santa and Jesus and end when he’s an adult and his house is flooded and he’s touched by a neighbor’s kindness.
A few of the stories are funny, but some are sad, so this isn’t your typical Christmas book – it’s not going to leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. I did find myself drawn to the stories and looked forward to picking the book back up, even when it seemed Burroughs was on a path to destruction. I’m just not sure I would classify this book as a Christmas read – even though the stories take place around Christmas, most of them really aren’t Christmas stories.
I found the writing in You Better Not Cry to be solid, and I liked it, but don’t think I’d go so far as to say that I loved it. Of course, I did find some of the stories more entertaining than others. Parts of the book may offend some readers.
You write such good reviews. You say all that needs to be said. I adore short stories. I like the idea of short stories about a person’s life. The book cover makes me curious and a little tickled. I want to read this one definitely. I’ve always seen this author’s name. Have never read his books. Does he always write short stories like Alice Munro or other authors?
interesting cover…
Yes, that is quite a cover! I’m not sure how I feel about Augusten Burroughs. I liked the writing in the book I read, but it did leave me feeling depressed…
I think the cover alone tells us this isn’t going to be traditional 😛
I was wondering about this one. Not entirely sure it’s for me though!
sounds like a fun read and look at the cover!
I am not a big Burroughs fan for some reason. I read Running With Scissors a few years ago, and while I didn’t hate it, I didn’t really love it either. I think this book sounds like something I would probably pass on, though I did enjoy your review!
Not looking for depression right this minute! And I am unsure about my attitude towards the author. Seems like maybe this book has some confused goals. Obviously a Xmas read but not the right content?
The cover puts me off right away.
This makes me want to leaf through it and decide if I might like these. Authors, at least in the past, have had little control over what is put on the covers of their books.
I have the last 2 short stories to finish, I think it is hilarious, he will totally offend many. Great review Kathy.
I did a teaser from it today.
http://teawithmarce.blogspot.com/2010/12/teaser-tuesday.html
The cover is fabulous alone. It reminds me a bit of The Santaland Diaries.
Lol, oh that cover, bad bad santa!
“Parts of the book may offend some readers.” – should probably be a tag line on everything he has written! Like you – some stories I like, others leave me cold. Can’t remember if I actual read this one or if I am just remembering the cover!
Burroughs is certainly one very interesting chap!
I have seen this book around and thought it was supposed to be a fun book, glad I read your review. Know not to pick it up. Thanks for an honest review.
Happy Holidays!
I always feel that way about his work — I like it, but I don’t love it. Thank you, Kathy!
Sometimes I just think he’s odd 😀
Diggin’ the cover, though…
That book cover cracks me up! Doesn’t sound like it would be one that I would enjoy though.
I love the cover too! This book sounds a little dark, but you know not everyone’s Christmas is full of happy memories so maybe a dose of reality could be good and I am sure it is all done with usual sense of humor. Could be fun!
I don’t think I’ll read anything by this author again. I just didn’t like Running With Scissors, though it was very…um…interesting. The cover of this book is such a turn off!
I’ve heard good and bad things about this author….in terms of who likes him and who doesn’t. I haven’t read any of his books, but this short story collection might be a good way to be introduced to his writing style.
LOL – that’s quite the cover. I’ve read a few of Burrough’s books – not sure this one would be for me.
The cover made me think this would be a great Christmas gift, but your review changed my mind!
Sounds like one I should put on my list for next year. I find that in any story collection, there are usually some that I like better than others.
I’ve always enjoyed Burrough’s books so this one sounds like a good fit for me. I don’t usually do “Christmas” books but I like the sound of this one.
I haven’t read this collection, but I have read some of his other work. He had a very different upbringing (to say the least) and I generally like his work.
Any relations to William Burroughs of Naked Lunch??
This book sounds interesting and a different take on the holiday read.
Adding it and girl love your reviews. Keep em coming 🙂
I still like Running with Scissors better. I remember I liked the last story best (the one with Dennis in their house) – I thought it was rather touching… I think they’ve broken up now though which make me a bit sad. I think he’s an amazing storyteller and just draw me in! I am not easily offended though and knew what to expect coming in (read all his other books except the fiction).
I thought the cover actually fits the book quite well! Whoever doesn’t like the cover probably won’t like the book 🙂
After reading A WOLF AT THE TABLE I realized that my reading style isn’t a good ‘fit’ for this author. I do have a few friends who really appreciate his sense of humor, though.
I’m reading, and loving, this book at the moment. I’ve not read any of his other books, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I am not easily shocked, and have a rather black sense of humour, so I’ve found some of this alarmingly funny. Interestingly in Australia we have a different cover- instead of flashing Santa (which makes perfect sense when you’ve read the book) we have a dog sitting with his head bowed, his eyes covered by a Santa cap.