Dry

In Augusten Burroughs's unflinchingly candid memoir, "Dry," readers are plunged into the chaotic and often darkly humorous world of severe alcoholism. Seemingly an ordinary twenty-something advertising executive, Burroughs's life is a constant battle against the bottle, where 'two drinks' for a regular person translates into 'twelve' for him, and midnight rarely signals an end to his night. His employers, recognizing the depth of his addiction, mandate a trip to rehab. Expectations of celebrity-filled group therapy sessions are quickly shattered by the stark reality of institutional fluorescent lights and uncomfortable paper slippers. Yet, it's within these unglamorous confines that Augusten is forced to confront the painful truths of his own making. The true challenge, however, emerges when his thirty days are up, and he must return to his old life and routines, but this time, face it entirely sober. "Dry" is a raw, often hilarious, and ultimately poignant exploration of addiction, recovery, and the daunting journey of rebuilding a life without the numbing comfort of alcohol.