This Is How

Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike

By: Augusten Burroughs

Narrated by: Augusten Burroughs

Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Running With Scissors comes a groundbreaking book that explores how to survive the "un-survivable" and will challenge your notion of self-help books.

To say that Augusten Burroughs has lived an unusual life is an understatement. From having no formal education past third grade and being raised by his mother’s psychiatrist in the seventies to enjoying one of the most successful advertising careers of the eighties to experiencing a spectacular downfall and rehab stint in the nineties to having a number one bestselling writing career in the new millennium, Burroughs has faced humiliation, transformation and everything in between.

This Is How is his no-holds-barred book of advice on topics as varied as:

• How to feel like crap
• How to ride an elevator
• How to be thin
• How to be fat
• How to find love· How to feel sorry for yourself
• How to get the job
• How to end your life
• How to remain unhealed
• How to finish your drink
• How to regret as little as possible
• And much more

Told with Burroughs's unique voice, black humor, and in-your-face advice, This is How is Running With Scissors - with recipes.

©2012 Augusten Inc. (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

this book is amazing

This book is helpful and enjoyable in so many ways. I want to thank AB for getting me through so much.

Humbling Honest Read

I absolutely loved this and had no issue at all listening to this overly Honest and important book. He has been through so much in life and as all of us have our own issues, flaws, traumas, etc Augusten really does remind you to look inward and see how you truly feel, what these "issues" have triggered and changed in you and how YOU are in control of your own life. Anytime I feel down or like my life is not where I'd prefer it I will be listening to this again to remind me I can and will change it. I truly recommend this book and if anyone feels it's rough around the edges or harsh, try to remember honesty sometimes hurts but it's always important.

2nd Time Around

Where does This Is How rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I enjoyed This Is How much more than many other audiobooks because Burroughs reads it himself.

Enlightning, Funny and Honest

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, have already to several friends. I wish I could buy a copy for my entire family.

What did you like best about this story?

It was brutally honest. Straight talk about life.

Have you listened to any of Augusten Burroughs’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to several. He seems so open and fun during performances. He's enjoyable even talking about serious issues. It was exactly the type of book I needed.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did not plan to listen at one sitting, but I did.

Any additional comments?

Loved it.

I loved this book

This is my first Burroughs. I've listened to all Sedaris and Klosterman and people have said Burroughs is similar. I expected this to be funnier than it was. It was very dark but it felt so honest and ego free. This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I went from comfortably thinking "oh, I feel bad for people like that" to "ouch, he just described me perfectly." Burroughs turns on a spot-light and never relents. I liked it so much, the minute I finished it I started it over and listened to it all over again.

This book saves lives

I have bought approximately 10 hardback copies of this book. Every time I have a friend in crisis, suicidal, or unable to move forward, I loan them this book. Unfortunately that means I usually need to repurchase it for myself. Thank you Augusten, I owe you. Big time.

Touched by Augusten

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I have already recommended this book to friends and clients; there is enough in it (enough touching, thoughtful and searingly sweet insight) to give most people who have faced or are facing life's letdowns and imperfections an affirming sense of camaraderie, confirmation and challenge to live life well and truthfully from a fellow human.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The overriding message is to be real, honest and to rigorously attend to what matters most in life- and seeing as how these things are yours for the choosing....well, you can't argue with that.

Was This Is How worth the listening time?

Well worth a listen.

A truly refreshing and useful book

Excellent material and outstanding narration. I laughed and cried several times. Augusten is uniquely qualified, talented, and generous to share this material. I discovered tools and understanding to apply to my life and to be a more compassionate friend.

A different side of Augusten Burroughs

Hat's off to Augusten Burroughs for treating these subjects with a good dose of reality. I hate the tippy toe way so many of these very LIFE ALTERING events are usually treated in self-help books. I have experience a few myself and I agree with Mr. Burroughs about how you get through and go on. Too many of us wallow away our lives in whatever misery trips us up and can't get a grip on coping and continuing. I plan to listen to this book again and again - just to feel that good ol' kick in the pants to keep me motivated. It is on my iPod and not coming off! Thank you Augusten!

Self-help for pessimists

I cringe at the phrase "self-help," but this is like a self-help book written by a pessimist, who hates them as much as I do. Funny, profound, and very helpful. Augusten Burroughs really comes down to your level for this one.