Told as a series of vignettes, the book offers a detailed exploration of one daughter's complex relationship with her father, who unfortunately ends up taking his own life. I'm currently on a memoir-reading spree and can't recall who recommended this book to me. However, it has been a truly lovely read.

Mrs. Brautigan's father was a renowned writer, and throughout the book, famous individuals flit in and out, behaving just like real people. Her father divided his time between San Francisco and a ranch outside of Bozeman, and Ianthe followed suit.

Pictures of her and her father are interspersed throughout the book, adding a personal touch. By page 100, I felt that the suicide and her relationship with her father had been thoroughly and interestingly covered. I was almost ready to move on until I remembered the mini-mystery within the book. We know from the book jacket that Mr. Brautigan cut off all ties with his family in his early twenties, but the reason remains a mystery. The cut was so final that for years, Mrs. Brautigan knew nothing about her grandmother, not even her name or where she lived. I continued reading, eager to uncover the why. I suppose I never really got any closure on that point, something I only realized now as I'm typing this.

In terms of learning from how this memoir is structured, I really appreciated how some of her chapters are very long, while others are just one line. Her chapter titles are superb, and I usually tend to skip over them. She also deftly weaves in snippets of her father's writing where appropriate. Additionally, I found the length of the book, 209 pages, to be informative. Each book takes the time it needs to tell its story, but I find good examples of different lengths worth noting. Finally, I loved how she included intergenerational information. We not only hear about her fears for her father but also her fears for herself and her daughter.

There were a few instances where she repeated something she had already shared, which I found a bit annoying. And one quote had a typo in it... strange that I noticed that.

This is a book that is definitely worth reading. It's well-written, fast-paced, and provides a fascinating glimpse not only into the past but also into the pain of living with someone who is both mentally ill and a genius.

ps I also noted that Ianthe worked at Chico Hot Springs in the late 70's, around the same time my parents drove across the US and considered buying the hot springs. I wonder if I already crossed paths with her. How funny.

This is perhaps an overly optimistic book about a daughter coming to terms with her father's suicide.

She skims over his dark moments, such as his alcoholic rages and his refusal to attend her wedding. Instead, she chooses to recall his affectionate moments, which is probably what a child should do.

She documents her life with her father in San Francisco, Montana, and Japan, as well as her pursuit of her father's childhood on a road trip to Washington. There, she meets a grandmother she never knew and attempts to understand her father's early life. Additionally, she writes about her daughter and what her father missed by never knowing her.

The author captivates the reader through her dreams and the horror she felt at her father's suicide. (Blood-soaked manuscripts being devoured by maggots.)

In the end, she comes to terms with her father's suicide, realizing how life can persevere even in death. And we learn more about her father, the beat author, Richard Brautigan.

The author commences with a kind of disclaimer, stating that her work serves as a means of coming to terms with her father's death and suicide.

I wasn't anticipating awe-inspiring literature. However, I'm pleased to report that the narrative of the book unfolds and meanders like a conversation, and for this very reason, it is peculiarly profound.

The Brautigans had associations with some well-known figures. You'll embark on a little journey into the essence of the 1970s.

If you're a fan of Richard Brautigan and a dedicated enthusiast of his works, this book provides you with the most vivid portrayal of him as an individual.

It offers insights into his life, his relationships, and the events that shaped him.

The author's personal connection to Richard Brautigan adds an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the account.

Whether you're already familiar with his works or new to his literary world, this book is sure to engage and enlighten you.

It's a unique exploration of a remarkable writer and a poignant reflection on loss and memory.

Richard Brautigan was my favorite poet/writer when I was a youngin.

His works had a profound impact on me, captivating my imagination and inspiring my own creative pursuits.

When I learned that he committed suicide, I was deeply shocked and felt a strong need to find out more about his life and the reasons behind his tragic end.

That's when I discovered this book, a memoir written by his daughter.

It provides a touching and intimate account of the life of a troubled, yet brilliant creative mind.

Through her words, we get a glimpse into the complex and often tortured world of Richard Brautigan, seeing both his artistic genius and the personal demons that haunted him.

The book is a powerful exploration of the human condition, offering insights into the challenges and joys of being a creative soul in a sometimes unforgiving world.

It has made me appreciate Brautigan's work even more and has given me a greater understanding of the man behind the words.

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I read everything Brautigan wrote back in my teens and 20s.

At that time, being a country girl who was lonely and isolated, his work really spoke to me.

I was deeply attracted by his unique writing style, especially his absurdity and dark humor.

Now, as a 50-something and a late life parent who has been through some tough times, reading this memoir about the complex person her brilliant but troubled father was has been an extremely profound experience for me.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. It's as if this memoir was meant to come into my life at this exact moment, allowing me to reflect on my own life and the relationships I've had.

Brautigan's work has always had a special place in my heart, and this memoir has only deepened my connection to him and his writing.

It's a reminder of how literature can have a lasting impact on our lives and how it can help us make sense of the world around us.

I'm grateful to have discovered Brautigan's work all those years ago, and I look forward to continuing to explore his writing and the emotions it evokes in me.

In 2001, I had been pondering Richard Brautigan intermittently for several months.

Consequently, I eventually dedicated some time to discover what was being said about him in those days. His daughter released this memoir in the previous year, and it received favorable reviews on Amazon.

However, it was somewhat disappointing as she could only offer her childlike viewpoint on this peculiar and talented writer. Nevertheless, it was still worthwhile reading and had inspired me to reread some of Brautigan's works.

Regrettably, most of his works are now out of print. Interestingly, there appears to be a revival in the making as numerous first editions are being sold at high prices.

It will be fascinating to see if this trend continues and if Brautigan's works will once again gain the widespread recognition they deserve.

I am about thirty pages into the book and wondering if I should finish. Brautigan is such an enigma.

His poverty as a child, being placed in a mental institution, the sudden rise to fame, followed by depression, alcoholism, and suicide - there is plenty to cover.

However, the author bogs us down with details like "he bought me a bicycle and said be careful, the bike had red tassels."

This memoir may be good for her to come to terms with her dad's suicide and should be read by her daughter, friends, and family.

But thus far, it is not a good read for a general audience.

Perhaps as I continue reading, it will become more engaging and offer deeper insights into Brautigan's complex life and the author's relationship with him.

Until then, I remain somewhat disappointed with the current state of the book.

I'm a die-hard fan of Richard Brautigan and his remarkable writing.

Surprisingly, it turns out that I'm also a big fan of his daughter's work.

This piece was exquisitely crafted. The pain described within it felt incredibly real, as if it leaped off the page and into my heart.

The memories, whether they bring solace or not, are vividly present.

I truly hope that Ianthe was able to find some measure of peace in the act of writing this.

Judging from the way it reads, it seems as though she might have.

Her words have a certain power that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are experiencing her emotions right along with her.

It's a testament to her talent as a writer and her ability to convey deep and complex feelings.

I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future.

It is truly amazing to encounter such wonderful works. The talent and creativity she展现 are simply outstanding. Every word she writes seems to have a magical charm that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. I can't help but wish that she would write more. There is something about her writing style that is so captivating and unique. It makes me eager to explore more of her literary creations. I believe that with her skills and imagination, she has the potential to produce many more masterpieces. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next and hope that she continues to share her wonderful writing with the world.

I very much enjoyed the insight into Richard Brautigan. His works have always fascinated me with their unique charm and creativity. And I firmly believe that his daughter shares his remarkable talent.

Just like the experience of reading In Watermelon Sugar, I read this particular piece during a cross-country road trip. It was a wonderful way to pass the time and immerse myself in the world of literature.

Interestingly, I had the pleasure of meeting the author in a bookstore in Petaluma, California. That encounter was truly memorable. Standing in that cozy bookstore, surrounded by shelves of books, and having the opportunity to talk to the author face-to-face was an experience I will cherish. It added a special dimension to my appreciation of the work and gave me a deeper understanding of the author's inspiration and vision.

Overall, my journey with Richard Brautigan's works and the encounter with the author have been both enriching and fulfilling. I look forward to exploring more of his daughter's works and seeing where her talent takes her.

I read this book out of curiosity about Richard Brautigan. However, the book is far more than just that.

"You Can't Catch Death: A Daughter's Memoir" delves into the unconventional and deeply poignant relationship between a daughter and her alcoholic novelist-poet father. If we were to consider a third character in this story, it would undoubtedly be the booze, which casts a negative shadow and ultimately plays a crucial role in RB's tragic suicide.

Ianthe Brautigan is a remarkable writer within her own sphere. I truly wish she had more books available for us to discover. "A Daughter's Memoir" beautifully reflects both the profound love between a daughter and her father and the sense of abandonment that she experiences.

This book has the potential to be an incredibly interesting movie if it were in the hands of the right screenwriter. Ianthe, please continue to write more and share your stories with the world.