Lust and Wonder: A Memoir

Over the past decade and a half, Burroughs has established himself as a leading figure in a realm that blends elements of memoir and autobiography with a variety of other literary genres. He also maintains a solid track record for performing the audio editions of his own works in a straightforward conversational manner that engages the listener as a confidante and coconspirator. Burroughs’s latest explores the less-than-rosy aspects of literary success and the pitfalls of settling into a long-term relationship lacking passion and spontaneity. He hasn’t lost his edge, displaying a distinct ability to use changes in pitch and tone to convey shifting emotional perspective. Burroughs switches back and forth between deadpan monotone and raging histrionics as events unfold. Some of the cathartic moments of the narrative shine more than the others in the audio edition, especially when formerly hard-partying Burroughs finds himself becoming addicted to buying jewelry on the Internet. Fans of Burroughs will not be disappointed. A St. Martin’s hardcover. (Apr.)