The NYT does NOT like Augusten today

I finally got around to perusing the New York Times today, because I am utterly sick of studying. One of their writers reviewed Augusten Burroughs' new book, a memoir about his father. Man oh man, did she hate this book. You might take a stop by the NY Times to read it, because she slams the hell out of him and it's actually kind of interesting to read. I, for one, will still be buying his book in hardcover. I actually liked Possible Side Effects and Magical Thinking, even though the reviewer says they were about nothing. That's the problem with book reviews--what you like is just that, a subjective preference. Though I have found spectacular reading material by following the New York Times' advice--maybe I'll hate A Wolf at the Table. Maybe I love anything that's not a casebook. Maybe you don't care. Now I'm just rambling to avoid studying the Clean Air Act anymore, because I am tired of reading about what the Administrator shall do. Even though he never does, because he's a government employee. Just like I might be one day.

My birthday wish list

My three favorite authors are all coming out with new books between now and my birthday. If you want to be my favorite person, you could buy them for me! 'Twould be a terrific little birthday package; containing one, two, or ALL THREE. They are: Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey, A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs, and When You are Engulfed by Flames, David Sedaris. I will read them promptly, whilst ignoring my two jobs and summer school work.

Augusten Burroughs

I got to see my favorite author of all time (aside from a few other all-time favorites) speak at CU with his brother, John Elder Robison. How the Cultural Events Board scored them as speakers in a run-down ballroom, I'll never know, but I was so giddy with delight that I sat (nearly) still for 2 and a half hours, which is definitely a personal record. The best part was that they took audience questions. So, I went up to the microphone and waited my turn. When it came, I said, "Mr. Burroughs, do you still retain your affinity for foil and other shiny things?" And he replied, "Yes, yes I do." To make it even better, John Elder threw in and said, "Well that's a novel question!" I was giddy once more, and if I do say so myself, it was the best question anyone asked all night.