Dry

by Augusten Burroughs, Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman
Dry cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Biography and Memoir
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £8.54
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1836
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780857895172
  • Publisher: Atlantic Books Ltd
  • Published: 2011-06-01
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Dry,' Augusten Burroughs, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 'Running with Scissors,' delivers another provocative and outrageously funny memoir. The book offers a brutally honest look at his battle with alcoholism, from the glamorous facade of his advertising job to the stark reality of rehab. Burroughs' sharp wit and unflinching honesty make this a compelling read about the struggles of addiction and the journey toward sobriety. /n/n As Augusten navigates the fluorescent-lit halls of rehab, his dreams of a glamorous recovery are quickly dashed by the mundane reality of paper slippers and group therapy. The real challenge begins when he must return to his ordinary life and face the demons of his past while staying sober. This memoir is a raw and humorous exploration of self-discovery and the complexities of addiction.

Reviews
Miss Known · 2019-08-26
tense 4.50

The book is a gripping and intense read that makes you appreciate every sip of water. It's a tense and thrilling novel that portrays a scarily realistic scenario.

The reviewer found Dry to be a gripping and intense read, emphasizing how it makes you appreciate every sip of water while reading it. They describe it as a tense and thrilling novel that portrays a scarily realistic scenario of water scarcity. The reviewer also mentions that reading it on a hot summer day might cause severe dehydration and overheat, but they highly recommend it nonetheless.

Quick quotes

    Reading Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman on a hot summery day might cause severe dehydration and overheat.

    But read it.

    It's scary and tense, and makes you value every sip of water you take while reading it.

The Library Ladies · Serena · 2018-10-26
gripping 4.75

The story was gripping and impossible to put down, creating a sense of growing dread. It's a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Serena found the story to be gripping and impossible to put down, with a sense of growing dread that kept her turning the pages. She highlights how the book's compelling narrative makes it a must-read. Serena's review emphasizes the book's ability to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story until the very end.

Quick quotes

    This story was gripping and impossible to put down.

    I was frantically turning pages with a feeling of growing dread.

    And by the last page, while not quite happy, I was satisfied.

Goodreads · 2018-10-02
convincing 4.00

The book is unsettlingly convincing due to its relevant and believable concept. It effectively portrays the severity of a drought in a way that feels eerily plausible.

This review highlights how the book's concept of a severe drought is both relevant and believable, making it unsettlingly convincing. The reviewer appreciates how the book paints a vivid picture of a world facing water scarcity, which feels eerily plausible. They also mention that the book's strength lies in its ability to make the reader feel the urgency and desperation of the situation, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    It's unsettling how utterly convincing this book is.

    Maybe it works so well because the concept is so relevant and believable - a severe drought ...

    This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the potential consequences of water scarcity.

My French Twist · 2017-07-12
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its dark humor and emotional depth, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy a slightly sarcastic tone.

The reviewer loves the dark humor and emotional depth of the book, making it a compelling read. They find it particularly appealing for those with a sarcastic or dark sense of humor. The book's exploration of loneliness and addiction is both profound and engaging. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and wit, making it a memorable read. Overall, it's a book that will resonate with readers who enjoy a mix of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

Quick quotes

    If you have a slightly sarcastic or dark sense of humor, this book will make you laugh.

    If you have a heart for those who are lost or lonely or struggling, you will find this book deeply moving.

    Burroughs' narrative is full of humor, honesty, and wit.

Appears in Lists