You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas

I didn't know whether Burroughs was going to disappoint me this time. He has made me laugh and cry in the past but I don't consistently love every word that comes from this author's pen.I will say that I didn't laugh or cry although I did get a little misty on the last page. As usual, I was fascinated by Burroughs' stories. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a talented writer and as has happened before with Burroughs' books, I read this in one sitting.These aren't the kind of stories that are going to give you a warm fuzzy feeling about Christmas, but they might stay with you longer than more traditional heartwarming Christmas stories. They speak of the human condition--failed dreams, terminal illness, and lonely times. There is nothing like Christmas to make people who are alone, temporarily or permanently, to feel even more isolated, courtesy of the canned Christmas music everywhere.But there is love here--amazing, breathtaking love. I found these stories to be bittersweet. Burroughs does bittersweet very well.

If this book had been written by many other authors, it would be golden. However, since it comes from Augusten Burroughs - whose previous books have been irreverent and brilliant - it pales a bit in comparison. Part of the reason for my disappointment probably has to do with the fact that I'd waited so anxiously for this book; I built it up, and it didn't live up to my expectations. However, the fact is that many of the stories within it just don't ring true in the way that Augusten's tales usually do. Much of it seemed rather forced, rather than just being naturally funny.The subtle blending of humor, wit and brutal honesty, which normally happens so seamlessly with Augusten's books, doesn't happen that much in these stories. As someone else noted, it almost feels as if Augusten had been reading or listening to a lot of David Sedaris while writing these stories.My relative disappointment in this book in no way lessens my esteem for Augusten or for his incredible talent. I definitely don't regret purchasing or reading this book. Any fan of Augusten's should pick it up and read it. The stories about George and Dennis are definite highlights. As always, Augusten is at his best when writing about disaster and redemption.

I've been a fan of Augusten Burroughs since Running with Scissors, and have read each book liking some more than others. This one was read at the right time for me. A collection of essays dealing with the holiday seen from a young boy to a grown man, this book shows amazing depth of feeling through humor and humility. There's an awakening to rely on others, the "kindness of strangers" to quote from a famous play mentioned in one essay. Going from the confused child, to cynical gay guy, to falling in love and in love, this book could be a quick throw away, but it deserves a bit of thought. Some consideration, and definitely a re-reading.

Loved this book. I saw a side to Augusten that he had not revealed before in his other books, a very tender, grateful side. He says he is an atheist but he recognizes love when he experiences it in his friend Carleen. God is love. As usual, his descriptive phrases put you right there in the middle of the action. Augusten, if you're reading this, I can answer your question. No, it is not too late for you to become a Christian, not until that !ast breath is drawn. Thank you for entertaining me with your writing during this 2017 Christmas season. I look forward to reading your next new book. I think I've read all the current ones.

Not at all what I expected to read ---. I had not known the author and had not realized he was gay. That didn't change my mind though as I read; it was truly fun and sad at the same time. I believe the hour you spend with this book will not be wasted --- obviously, it's heartfelt and I got a sense that Christmas was longed for, as it should be. The childhood glimpses were tough, sad and tragic. The flood was also extremely sad but brought the whole Christmas theme to light. Thank you

I have read most of his books so far and loved them all, but this one is different in that it shows a less cynical than usual, gentler side of the author. A few of the tales are so heartfelt and tender that they turned me into a sobbing mess. I would highly recommend it.I disagree with the comparisons to Sedaris that other reviewers have made. I think Burroughs has much more depth and emotional range, compared to Sedaris' lighter fare (and David Rakoff's, for that matter). In my opinion, nothing Sedaris has done can compare in sheer emotional emotional impact to the author's story about George in this volume (and a couple others as well), or to the absolutely heartrending story about the posthumous piece of jewelry in his book Dry.

Augusten Burroughs has out done himself yet again. With every book of his I read (4 down) I keep wondering just when will I be disappointed & actually find myself hesitating to purchase another to "leave on a hight note). I've read Dry, running with scissors and possible side effects and better not cry is easily my first or second favorite, still trying to decide. this book is cleverly written and will keep you engaged until the end. Be prepared to laugh a lot from the very beginning.

very very good can not thing off any think more to say than good or brilliant enjoyed it very much

Disappointed. Not like his other books which I have loved.

I've always liked Burrough's novels, and I've read his original four novels quite a few times and they remains as funny as when I first read them, but this christmas themed book definitely feels like a simple cash-in for the holidays. The book is also very short, with lots of blank space on the page. The page count could easily have been cut in half by taking up more space, and this will only last you two hours at the most.The stories are also somewhat jarring, as if the book is split into two sections. The first few stories have some genuinely funny moments from his childhood, like the confusion of whether Jesus and Santa are the same person, and when his attempt at making a gingerbread house ends up more resembling a crack den.These first few stories have an innocence to them that lends to humour well, but after that there are stories about having one night stands with a random Santa Claus twice his age, and a story where he sleeps with 'the bum's during Christmas Eve, that aren't particularly funny, or as scandalous as the author seems to want them to be.Overall, I'd give three stars to the first three or four stories, but only one star to the final three. Disappointing

As far as Augusten Burroughs books go this was my least favourite. It did not help that the book I ordered was pretty small so it was also annoying to read, but I suppose that bit was my fault. The stories just aren't as good as his past books in my opinion. I probably wouldn't recommend the book to a friend.

This book was so very much in an 'American' style and setting, as to make it unpleasant for a British born and bred reader.