Here's a breakdown of why he's known:
* "Running with Scissors" (2002): This memoir became a bestseller and was adapted into a film starring Annette Bening. It recounts his unconventional childhood, including being raised by his unstable mother and a psychiatrist, and his experiences in a chaotic and eccentric household.
* Other Memoirs: He has written several other successful memoirs, including "Dry" (2003), "Possible Side Effects" (2006), and "This Is How You Lose the Time War" (2019).
* Writing Style: Burroughs' work is known for its darkly humorous, unflinchingly honest, and often shockingly candid tone. He explores themes of family dysfunction, addiction, and mental illness.
* Public Figure: Burroughs has also been a regular contributor to publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker, and he has appeared on various television shows.
In short, Augusten Burroughs is known for his frank and compelling memoirs that offer a unique and often disturbing glimpse into his life and the human condition.