Augusten Burroughs is an American author known for his memoirs that often explore themes of family dysfunction, mental illness, and addiction. He gained widespread recognition with his bestselling book, Running with Scissors, which details his unconventional upbringing and experiences in a chaotic household. Burroughs has written several other notable works, including Dry and Magical Thinking, which also draw from his personal life. His writing style is characterized by humor and candidness, making his stories both engaging and relatable to readers. He has received various awards for his contributions to literature and continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary memoir writing.