Great book, great character. A truly remarkable book has the power to transport us to different worlds and introduce us to unforgettable characters. These characters often become like old friends, accompanying us through the pages and leaving a lasting impression on our hearts and minds.

They can be brave and heroic, inspiring us to face our own challenges with courage. Or they can be kind and compassionate, teaching us the importance of empathy and understanding. Sometimes, they are flawed and complex, making us question our own beliefs and values.

Whether it's a classic novel or a modern bestseller, a great character is the heart and soul of a great book. They bring the story to life and make it something that we will never forget. So the next time you pick up a book, take a moment to get to know the characters. You might just discover a new favorite.

An Incredible Collection

This is truly an incredible collection that offers a perfect foray into Brautigan's work. It is a treasure trove of his unique literary style and imagination. Each piece in this collection is like a small gem, shining with its own charm and beauty. Brautigan's writing is known for its simplicity yet profoundness, and this collection showcases that perfectly. It takes the reader on a journey through his mind, filled with strange and wonderful characters, and situations that are both familiar and yet completely unexpected. Whether you are a long-time fan of Brautigan or new to his work, this collection is sure to delight and inspire you. It is a must-have for any lover of literature and a great introduction to the world of Richard Brautigan.

BRAUTIGANIANA

I had the opportunity to read the other novel and the masterful collection of short stories (ROTL) in this Brautigan 3 book edition. However, I had never delved into the last one, which was also his final work, So The Wind Won't Blow It All Away.

By that point, Brautigan's star had already set, and this novel was not well-received, as can be seen from the comments below.

Surprisingly, it's actually a good novel, although perhaps not a masterpiece.

I was intrigued because I truly sensed that he was writing this largely autobiographical novel with a younger audience in mind. I believe he aimed to create his own version of Catcher in the Rye, a book that would appeal to everyone, but especially to the alienated young.

I plan to review this on my blog shortly.

I came across the following interesting online commentary:

SPOILER ALERT:

First published in 1982, So the Wind Won't Blow It All Away was Richard Brautigan's ninth published novel and the last one released before his death in 1984. The story centers around the death of a young boy in a shooting accident in a western Oregon town on Saturday, 17 February 1948. Although he never confirmed or denied the connection, it was widely believed that the story was autobiographical, based on an incident that occurred to Brautigan when he was thirteen.

In fact, the story was crafted from two separate incidents. The first involved Brautigan, his best friend Pete Webster, and Pete's brother, Danny. The three were duck hunting in the Fern Ridge wetlands near Eugene, Oregon. Brautigan became separated from the other two. He fired at a duck, and a pellet from his shot struck Danny in the ear, causing only a slight injury. Around the same time, Donald Husband, the 14-year-old son of a prominent Eugene attorney, was shot and killed in a hunting accident off Bailey Hill Road. Brautigan's incident and that involving Husband were combined to form the basis of this novel (Bob Keefer and Quail Dawning 2H).

Unfortunately, the novel sold less than 15,000 copies and was either ignored or dismissed by critics.

I truly wish that we could have received more complete and stand-alone stories from Brautigan instead of just vignettes such as "Trout Fishing" and "Revenge of the Lawn".

Anyway, let's take a look at the ratings. "Revenge of the Lawn" gets 3 stars. It has its own charm, but perhaps lacks the depth and complexity that a full-length story could offer.

"The Abortion" fares a little better with 3.5 stars. It manages to capture the reader's attention and holds it to a certain extent.

However, "So the Wind Won't Blow it All Away" stands out with 4 stars. This particular work seems to have a more engaging plot and better-developed characters. It makes the reader feel more involved in the story and leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, while Brautigan's vignettes have their appeal, I can't help but long for those more substantial and immersive stand-alone stories that he might have been capable of creating.

The Abortion is one of my favorite stories by RB.

At first glance, it may seem that the story is solely about an abortion. However, it is so much more than that.

It delves into various aspects of human nature, relationships, and the complexity of emotions.

The tone of the story is also much lighter than one might initially imagine.

RB has a unique way of presenting the subject matter in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The characters in the story are well-developed and their actions and decisions add depth to the narrative.

Overall, The Abortion is a captivating story that goes beyond its surface-level topic and offers a rich and fulfilling reading experience.

This is a really good introduction to a writer that I had heard a great deal about. At the beginning, I spent an excessive amount of time attempting to decipher the meaning, rather than simply enjoying the stories. However, once I decided to go with the flow, I discovered that they were extremely entertaining.

It made me realize that sometimes we can get so caught up in trying to understand every little detail that we forget to just let ourselves be carried away by the narrative.

Now, I have a newfound interest in this writer and will definitely look for a copy of "Trout Fishing in America" someday. I'm excited to see what other wonderful stories and experiences this book has to offer.

I'm sure it will be just as engaging and thought-provoking as the ones I've already read.

Yeah. Your analysis makes a lot more sense than mine. Perhaps that's why the story came in third for me. Its metaphors went over my head. Maybe when I reclaim it, I'll read through it again, keeping that in mind.

Stephanie

Subject: RE: american dust

Well, to relate to the metaphor from your forehead painting title (if that's the right one), I always thought that "the shortcut to closing a door is to bury yourself in the details" was another way of saying that meaningful decisions could be avoided by channeling one's self in distraction. Whereas I took the hamburger metaphor to be more representative of the whole theme of transience/dust blowing in the wind/or the main character's inability to hold onto anything. The hamburger was just as futile as anything else. He tried to assign it the meaning to have changed his life, but, as he said in the end, it didn't really matter anyway. That was why I also liked the sequence of him telling his story on the way to meet the people who set up their living room on the pond, because they represented a life who had created meaning, whereas he and the importance of his hamburger seemed to float away in the wind.

At least, that's what I thought. Let me know when you want it back.

j

Subject: RE: american dust

Psh, you would. Just kiddin' I thought all three stories were really great in their own ways, but with a gun to my head, if I had to choose one I would have to go with the abortion. I can relate to whimsy and meditative perspective. I was also really captivated by the idea of the library. I don't know why...it just stuck with me. And being vegetarian the latter doesn't make me want a hamburger...So my opinion might perhaps be a little biased (is that how you spell biased?). The hamburger obsession reminded me of the idea of "the shortcut to closing a door is to bury yourself in the detail".

We can make a trade. I've still got "The Medium is the Massage" and the other visually stunning one I can't remember the name of.

Stephanie

Subject: american dust

After just finishing "so the wind won't blow it all away", I have enjoyed it the most of all three in the compilation. While it lacked the whimsically meditative perspective of "the abortion", I really enjoyed the sequential revelation of the main character's experience of the transience and futility of life. Kinda made me want a hamburger, but then not. Let me know when I may give it back to you. Thanks,

jacob

The abortion experience wasn't great. It was a difficult and emotional time. There were many complex feelings involved, and it wasn't something that could be easily forgotten or brushed aside.

However, on a more positive note, the other two aspects or events in my life were fine. They brought a sense of normalcy and stability during that otherwise tumultuous period.

Perhaps it was the support of my friends and family that helped me get through the abortion. Their understanding and care made a world of difference. And as for the other two things that were going well, they served as a reminder that there was still good in my life, even in the midst of such a challenging situation.

Overall, while the abortion was a difficult chapter, I am slowly learning to move forward and focus on the positive aspects of my life.

This is the very first time that I have delved into the works of Brautigan. To be honest, I had no prior expectations whatsoever. So, when I came across the references to the Pacific Northwest (PNW), it was a truly pleasant surprise.

These particular pieces were quick and easy reads, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was almost like a less vulgar version of the Bukowskiesque experience.

If you haven't had the opportunity to read Brautigan yet, I highly recommend him. It doesn't necessarily have to be these three works that I've just mentioned. In fact, I myself am extremely curious about his "Trout Fishing in America". I can't wait to explore that particular piece and see what other literary gems Brautigan has in store for us.

I believe that his unique style and the way he weaves stories will surely captivate any reader. So, give him a try and see for yourself.

I originally read this collection many years ago. It was truly a serendipitous find when I came across a copy of "The Abortion and Revenge of the Lawn" at a book giveaway. Richard Brautigan has a unique style of writing novels that is very much like that of a poet. His words flow in a way that is both funny and hip, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

The stories in this collection are filled with strange and wonderful characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The plots are often unexpected and take the reader on a wild ride through a world that is both familiar and yet completely different. Brautigan's use of language is masterful, creating vivid images and emotions that stay with the reader long after they have finished reading.

If you are looking for something different to read, something that will make you laugh and think at the same time, then I highly recommend checking out this collection by Richard Brautigan. It is a true gem that is sure to delight and entertain.

God,

I truly miss Brautigan.

No one else has ever been able to trigger such rich and vivid mental imagery within me with so few carefully chosen words.

His work, especially "Blackberry Motorist," is a masterpiece that should be taught in every single creative writing class across the globe.

It serves as a prime example of how simplicity and precision in language can create a profound and lasting impact on the reader.

The way he weaves words together to paint a picture in our minds is nothing short of magical.

Brautigan's unique style and ability to capture the essence of a moment or a feeling are qualities that every aspiring writer should strive to learn from and emulate.

His works are a treasure trove of inspiration and a reminder of the power of words to transport us to different worlds and make us feel deeply.

I am completely crazy about this book.

To be honest, so far I've only had the opportunity to read "The Abortion", but I have fallen deeply in love with it.

I have no idea whether anyone else will have the same feeling and even like it.

However, in my opinion, this book is truly amazing.

It has a unique charm that attracts me from the very beginning.

The story is engaging and the writing style is captivating.

It makes me think about many things and has a profound impact on me.

I can't wait to explore more of the author's works and see what other wonderful stories are waiting for me.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading and is looking for something different and interesting.

You might just be surprised by how much you'll enjoy it.