[The JD]

I'm reading the new book by Augusten Burroughs-- This Is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike.

I'm not sure how I like it yet. I expected a spoof on self-help books (even the title suggests this), with his usual biting insight on the dark and quirky side of human behavior (mostly his own). He does this, but more often, he seems to be offering real advice. It's like he doesn't know which direction to go. Still, the writing is good, and besides, you never know when advice on "how to be a good mental patient" might come in handy.