Book Review - Toil & Trouble

Toil & Trouble by Augusten Burroughs From the time he was a child Burroughs always knew things that others didn’t. He told only his mother who explained that he descended from a long line of witches. In Toil & Trouble he recounts how this ability impacted his life. Burroughs second book, Running with Scissors: A Memoir, was my introduction to his troubled and bizarre childhood which includes neglect, abuse and a boatload of other issues. His way with words is what carried me through that soul-searching and insightful telling of his totally dysfunctional life. His writing is dark and his observations are often caustic. Toil & Trouble shows a mellower Burroughs as he talks about moving to the country, his dogs, his husband, and saying good-bye to his mother who died years earlier; all intertwined with the witch part of his self. I found it hilariously and laugh out loud funny in parts. He still has the edge though it’s not quite as sharp as it once way. Which might be a relief at this point in his life. Carol Lloyd is the Director of the Churchill County Library. She is looking forward to her next read.       Never miss a meeting or community event – keep an eye on the community calendar at https://www.thefallonpost.org/events/ If you like what we’re doing, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and contribute to The Fallon Post, your online news source for all things Fallon.