Augusten Burroughs

Perhaps if Augusten Burroughs’ successful memoirs Running With Scissors and Dry hadn’t made addiction look like such a profitable publishing proposition, James Frey wouldn’t be tormented by persistent nightmares in which Oprah chases him down dark alleys brandishing his own shaken “memoir” and calling him a lousy liar. Burroughs is one of those writers who’s often accused of being self-absorbed and glib, and those traits are certainly on display in this essay collection, whose topics include his life, his addictions, and his work history. But like the most mesmerizing party guests, Burroughs talks about himself so humorously and with such eccentric charm that his stories are best enjoyed first, and questioned later. 7 p.m. 300 Washington Ave. S.E. Minneapolis; 612-625-6000; www.bookstore.umn.edu