Chapter 2: Little Boy Blue Navy Blazer Summary and Analysis

Augusten's obsession with shiny objects continues in this chapter. The family must load their garbage and take it to the dump. Because they fail to do so on a regular basis, Augusten helps his father load the car to overflowing with garbage bags. On a long over due trip to the dump, he admires a chrome coffee table, which his father refuses to pick up. Such refusal sets a pattern for Augusten's relationship with his father, who gives him little, physically or emotionally, during his teen years.

Deidre's relationship with her husband starts poorly and progresses to awful. They fight and argue loudly in front of their young son. Frequently, it seems, the arguments become physical. Both parents participate in the physical violence, however. Deirdre already seems to struggle with mental...