This book, as you can probably see, is three books in one. So I will break them into three parts.

A CONFEDERATE GENERAL FROM BIG SUR was kind of a fun hippy ride into Brautigan's imagination. It was like he just didn't care how far out he went. His mind would say, "What this story needs is people with alligators in the trunk of their car," and then he would add them without further thought. Probably the most enjoyable of the three stories.

DREAMING OF BABYLON was my least favorite in the collection. It was this gumshoe, private eye kind of thing that I'm not too keen on. It had some really great parts, but I got tired of the character constantly interrupting the story to slip into his dream land. However, I did find that some of the dream sequences were very vivid and extremely creative.

THE HAWKLINE MONSTER was my second favorite of the stories. It was this cool hired gun, orgy, ghost hunt kind of deal. People changing into dwarves, chemicals and shadows fighting each other, and the mostly unaware characters. It had a kind of bizarre Paul Bunyan tall tale quality to it.

Brautigan is an awesome author, but this is not a collection that I would highly recommend. His more reality-based works seemed to be where he really excelled.

This book contains 3 novellas, and my thoughts towards each of them changed a great deal throughout the reading process. However, in the end, I really enjoyed them all. I'm very glad that Mike recommended this book to me.

The Confederate General is a classic tale of bums, with wild friends in wild places, plotting for money and enjoying life as it is. They survive in shacks off the highway, on cliffs above the Pacific, with tens of thousands of frogs and then with alligators in the pond.

Dreaming of Babylon is an imaginative yet seedy private-detective story. I quite liked the theme of Babylon and will attempt to create my own Babylon. I also enjoyed lines like: "A client! Bullets for my gun! Five dollars! and best of all, a dead landlady! Who could ask for anything more?" as well as all the speculation around the beer-drinking lady: where did the beers go? She drank so many beers and never peed once! Where could they have gone?

The Hawkline Monster is a strange magic realism borderline sci-fi story where some mysterious sisters hire a pair of hitmen to kill the monster living in the ice caves beneath the house. The Chemicals were in charge. It was barely the Twentieth Century. The story is full of odd and wonderful elements that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

A friend highly recommended this author to me and specifically suggested that I begin with The Hawkline Monster.

Among the three stories contained within this book, Hawkline truly stood out as the one that I favored the most.

However, when it came to the main characters in the other two stories, I didn't have the same level of interest. Nevertheless, I was captivated by the unique style of writing, which compelled me to finish both of them.

Based on this initial experience, I am now eager to explore more of Brautigan's works. I believe there is much more to discover and appreciate in his writing, and I look forward to delving deeper into his literary world.

I have a feeling that each new story will offer a fresh and exciting perspective, and I can't wait to see what else Brautigan has in store for me.

Overall, I am glad that my friend introduced me to this author, and I am excited to embark on this literary journey with Brautigan.

I first delved into the works of Brautigan in the early 1970s.

There is no doubt that he was one of the significant reasons that I was so irresistibly drawn to California.

His writing seemed to capture the essence and allure of that place, which led me to make the decision to move here.

I initially resided in San Francisco before eventually relocating to Southern California.

Now, looking back, I find myself wondering what my thoughts and feelings would be towards his books if I were to read them again today.

However, during that time, I truly adored them.

I was completely enamored with his entire sensibility and his unique sense of playfulness that was evident throughout his writing.

His words had the power to transport me to another world, filled with strange and wonderful characters and situations.

Even now, after all these years, I still have a soft spot in my heart for Brautigan and his works.

A New Favorite Author

Recently, I have discovered a new favorite author. Their writing style is truly unique and captivating. They are deadpan to the point where they almost seem autistic, but beneath that exterior lies a wickedly funny and observant mind. The way they tell stories is simple yet highly original, and it always feels fresh. Their words have a certain charm that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end. Each story is like a little gem, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't get enough of their work and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more. This author has truly become a favorite of mine and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for something different and entertaining to read.

I think "Dreaming of Babylon" is likely the weakest among the three novels in this omnibus. However, it still manages to be a fairly decent read. It only detracts one star from what could have otherwise been a five-star rating. The story has its moments, but it doesn't quite reach the same level of excellence as the other two novels. Nevertheless, it's still an interesting addition to the collection.

I'm definitely going to continue reading Brautigan. The man is truly a nut, in the best possible way. His writing style is unique and captivating, and his stories are filled with strange and wonderful characters. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for me. Whether it's another novel, a collection of short stories, or something completely different, I'm sure it will be worth the read.

I received this book as a gift from my dear buddy Bartels.

Despite its considerable heft, it turned out to be a surprisingly quick read.

The stories within are truly a mixed bag.

The first one, titled "Confederate General", is rather like a not-so-good Kerouac novel.

(Brautigan's bio in the back of this book refers to him as "the last of the Beats", so perhaps that makes some sense.)

It might be advisable to skip this one and instead read the real "Big Sur".

The other two stories have a somewhat similar tone.

They are basically parodies or send-ups of the mystery/private eye genre and a Western respectively.

If we imagine those books had dialogue written by Jack Handey.

"Hawkline Monster" is just okay, nothing特别出彩.

But "Dreaming of Babylon" had me laughing so uproariously that Laura had to physically kick me out of bed because I was keeping her wide awake with my laughter.

That individual book I would definitely rate five stars.

It's good enough to bring the overall collection up to a solid ****.

Now, I find myself fully obsessed with this man.

Every thought seems to revolve around him, and I can't get him out of my mind.

His smile, his eyes, his every gesture have a hold on me that I can't explain.

I think about him when I wake up in the morning, and he is the last thing on my mind before I go to sleep at night.

I wonder what he is doing, where he is, and if he is thinking of me too.

This obsession has taken over my life, and I don't know what to do about it.

Part of me wants to embrace it and see where it leads, while another part of me is scared of getting hurt.

But for now, I can't seem to break free from this hold he has on me.

I had read some of his poetry approximately 50 years ago, but I had never delved into his fiction.

These tales, which are both different and yet similar, are clearly and proudly the result of a warped intelligence and a unique cosmos view. They imperfectly encapsulate history, folklore, and comedic fantasy.

I don't know why it took me so long to discover his fiction, but Brautigan is truly an American original. His works are worthy of our attention and deserve to be explored further.

His writing style is distinct, and his ability to blend different elements together creates a captivating and engaging reading experience.

Whether it's the strange and wonderful characters he creates or the imaginative worlds he constructs, Brautigan's fiction offers something truly special.

It's time for more people to recognize his talent and appreciate the beauty and complexity of his works.

Richard Brautigan commences his literary journey with great vigor in "A Confederate General from Big Sur".

This work immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets a high standard.

In contrast, "The Hawkline Monster" and "Dreaming of Babylon" seem to lack the same intensity and power.

Brautigan appears to stumble when he delves into the noir and western genres, perhaps not fully mastering the conventions and nuances of these styles.

However, he truly shines when he tells the kind of acid-drenched folk tales that one might overhear in a 60s San Francisco bar at 2 a.m.

These tales are filled with vivid imagery, strange characters, and a sense of the surreal that is uniquely Brautigan's.

They transport the reader back to a time and place that is both familiar and yet completely foreign, creating a world that is both captivating and unforgettable.

Overall, Brautigan's body of work is a testament to his creativity and his ability to tell stories that are both engaging and thought-provoking.

My very first encounter with this particular author was truly an unforgettable one. From the moment I started reading his work, I was completely charmed by his hilarious writing style. His words seemed to dance off the page, bringing a smile to my face and often making me burst out laughing. It was as if he had a magical ability to turn the simplest of ideas into comical masterpieces.

I found myself completely engrossed in his stories, unable to put the book down until I had finished. His unique sense of humor and creativity made the reading experience not only enjoyable but also highly engaging. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to see what crazy adventure or witty dialogue would come next.

After finishing that first book, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to read more of his works. I am now eagerly looking forward to delving into his other books, excited to see what new and wonderful things he has in store for his readers. I have a feeling that each one will be just as entertaining and captivating as the first, and I can't wait to embark on those literary journeys.

**Title: The Importance of Reading**

Reading is an essential activity that offers numerous benefits.

It allows us to expand our knowledge, improve our vocabulary, and enhance our cognitive abilities.

Through reading, we can explore different cultures, ideas, and perspectives, which enriches our understanding of the world.

Moreover, reading is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

It can transport us to different worlds and let us forget about our stress and worries.

In addition, reading can also improve our communication skills and make us better writers.

By exposing ourselves to different writing styles and techniques, we can learn how to express our thoughts and ideas more effectively.

Overall, reading is a valuable habit that everyone should cultivate.

Whether it's a novel, a newspaper, or a magazine, there's always something new and interesting to discover through reading.

So, pick up a book today and start reading!