An interesting account by the great poet's daughter.

She shared many fascinating stories and insights about her father's life and work.

From his early days of writing to his later masterpieces, she provided a unique perspective.

Her account was filled with vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes that brought the poet to life.

Readers could imagine the poet's creative process and the inspiration behind his words.

It was a captivating read that offered a deeper understanding of the great poet and his contributions to literature.

Her account was not only interesting but also educational, as it shed light on the poet's literary achievements and the impact he had on the world.

Overall, it was a wonderful piece of writing that would appeal to both fans of the poet and those interested in literature in general.

Ianthe Brautigan Swensen was my first professor at Sonoma State in the fall of 2013.

In her class, she mentioned two things that really stood out. One was her memoir about her famous poet father, Richard Brautigan. The other was a place called The Sitting Room.

I started going to The Sitting Room in my freshman year. So, it's quite fitting that now, as an intern at this very place that brings me so much joy, I was able to borrow and finally read her memoir.

She set my life on a path to a place that became a home when I was in desperate need of one.

Beyond the personal connection, this is a beautiful memoir. Written by a daughter who didn't see her father as the world described him after his suicide.

This is not a book you can read in one sitting. You could, but it's not meant to be read that way. The memories inside were deconstructed over a long time and presented in an honest and non-judgmental way.

Only curiosity and a sense of safety remain. This memoir is hard-won, beautifully written, and a tribute to her loving, imperfect father, as well as a tribute to the unconditional love of a daughter.

I am a recovering alcoholic. I was once hospitalized to protect myself from my own self-destruction. In California, it's called being 5150'd.

One day, in my local library, I discovered a book. My primary interest was in Richard Brautigan, but this book had an unexpected impact on me.

As I read, I couldn't help but cry. I realized the profound impact my alcoholism and self-destructive ways must have had on my ex-wife and son.

Ianthe's writing about her life under such difficult conditions is truly remarkable. I wish all children could express themselves so eloquently.

Contrary to what one might expect, this book was not a downer for me. In fact, I believe it should be required reading for all parents who don't spend enough sober time with their children.

I have become so passionate about this book that I feel like an evangelist, eager to share its message with others. It has opened my eyes and made me more determined than ever to make amends and be a better person.

This is an incredibly emotional read that will deeply touch anyone who has a passion for the writing of Richard Brautigan or has unfortunately endured the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one due to suicide.

Ianthe, who is Richard's daughter, offers a poignant and moving account of her father's tragic downfall and the profound impact it has had on her own life.

Her description is never overly sensationalized, but rather a sincere and raw portrayal of the events and emotions.

It is a brilliant piece of work that allows readers to gain a deeper understanding and connection with Richard through this highly readable memoir.

As you delve into the pages, you will find yourself drawn into Ianthe's world and empathizing with her experiences.

This memoir is not only a tribute to Richard Brautigan but also a powerful exploration of grief, loss, and the human spirit.

It is a must-read for fans of Richard's work and anyone interested in a truly moving and thought-provoking story.

Ianthe Brautigan coped with the loss of her father, the renowned author Richard Brautigan, through the power of writing.

Even though the outcome was never intended for publication, her prose is remarkably descriptive and lucid. It offers a profound look into the life of a talented yet alcoholic father, a childhood replete with both cherished and painful memories, and the experience of grief.

Initially, I was drawn to this book with the intention of learning more about the author. However, what compelled me to keep reading was Ianthe's story, presented in short essays arranged in a loose chronological order.

Even if you have never delved into the works of Richard Brautigan, this is an exquisitely crafted piece on the process of grieving. If you are acquainted with the author, there is a wealth of insight to be gained into his novels and their sources of inspiration.

There is an unforeseen intensity in Ianthe's prose, which makes it one of the finest memoirs on addiction and grieving that I have ever encountered.

A poignant, heart-warming/heart-wrenching, and compelling exploration of a father/daughter relationship unfolds before our eyes. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant San Francisco literary scene of the 60's/70's, this story delves deep into the complex emotions and dynamics between a father and his daughter. The era was a time of great change and upheaval, and the literary world in San Francisco was a hotbed of creativity and innovation. Amidst this backdrop, the father and daughter navigate their relationship, facing challenges and joys along the way. The story explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the power of literature to shape our lives. It is a tale that will touch your heart and leave you thinking long after you have turned the final page.

In the beginning, perhaps a bit too much time was spent elaborating on what she was not attempting to achieve with this book.

However, as the narrative progressed, it rapidly transformed into a touching, interesting, and utterly captivating account.

She skillfully recounted various scenes of life shared with her father, painting a vivid and emotional picture.

The reader is drawn in, eager to learn more about their relationship and the experiences that shaped them.

It is through these detailed descriptions and heartfelt anecdotes that the true essence of the book emerges, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's heart and mind.

Overall, despite the somewhat slow start, the story ultimately proves to be a beautiful and engaging exploration of family, love, and the power of memories.

I truly relished reading this piece, as it offered me the opportunity to gain a bit more knowledge about Brautigan from the perspective of his daughter. Many years ago, I came across the statement that Brautigan had made regarding the success of something he wrote, "Not bad for a high school drop-out." However, now I have learned that he actually graduated from high school. All this while, I had been under the impression that he had dropped out. Perhaps it was a myth that Brautigan wished to create about himself, or maybe it was a friend or acquaintance who had written that Brautigan had told him this.

Well, she never once mentions that Hemingway was one of Brautigan's favorite writers, which is something else I had read. In fact, I remember reading that it was the reason he chose to end his life the way he did. But then his daughter does state that she didn't recognize the father she knew in anything she had read. Man, the stuff people invent! Or, I suppose, it could be a case of personal perception laced with assumptions. After all, everyone has their own reality, and people do have a tendency to make assumptions.

It remains unclear what exactly led Brautigan to commit suicide. However, Ianthe's grandmother says, "Those Brautigan's. Always killing themselves." Apparently, Richard Brautigan had an uncle and an aunt who also committed suicide. That is quite interesting. I wonder if they drank in the same way that Brautigan did. Ianthe makes no mention of this.

Ianthe Brautigan is, in my opinion, a decent writer. It is a lovely and touching memoir, but I wouldn't claim that she has her father's magical touch. Richard Brautigan is one of my all-time favorite writers. "In Watermelon Sugar" was my absolute favorite book until I read "Jesus' Son" by Denis Johnson. Anyway, it was a pleasure to read this memoir.

I truly had a great liking for this book.

It was extremely easy to read, which made the whole experience quite enjoyable.

This book is a memoir, and that's what initially caught my attention.

The reason I was so drawn to it is because my own dad also took his own life.

To some extent, I can really relate to the emotions and experiences described in the book.

It made me feel a sense of connection and understanding, as if I wasn't alone in this pain.

The author's honest and raw portrayal of their journey through grief and loss was both touching and inspiring.

It gave me hope that perhaps I too could find a way to heal and move forward.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced a similar loss or is interested in reading a powerful and moving memoir.

In "You Can't Catch Death", Ianthe Brautigan takes us on a profound journey through the experience of her father's suicide and its far-reaching impact on her life.

She vividly remembers her relationship with her father, the renowned poet and writer Richard Brautigan. By focusing on the characteristics of both herself as she grew up and of her father, she provides a detailed and intimate account.

She also tracks down the places her father knew and his mother, adding another layer of depth to the story.

Throughout the book, she uses quotes from her father's books to set the stage for certain sections, creating a unique connection between their works.

Her writing is clear and flowing, like a cold trout stream, yet deeply poignant, gentle, and personal. It is nearly intimate, as if she is sharing her most private thoughts and feelings with the reader.

Her writing style is suggestive, although different from that of her father. There is a comfortable resonance, as if she is addressing her father and inviting the reader to join her on this journey or conversation.

When I read "You Can't Catch Death", I had just finished Hjortsberg's biography of Richard Brautigan, "Jubilee Hitchhiker". This allowed me to put the accounts together, fill in some gaps, and perhaps have a deeper connection to Ianthe's book.

I found Ianthe's recollection to be truly meaningful and moving. It further opened up their lives and the times they lived in, giving me a unique perspective on suicide from both their viewpoints.

Despite the tragedy at its core, the book is rich with details and emotions, and I am grateful to have encountered it.

The book begins with a Preface and is followed by 56 chapters, distinguished by headings but not numbered. The chapters are divided unequally into two sections, with the last section titled "Three Dreams".

A few chapters cover a period of time and have the years as their heading or as a subheading. Some of the chapters are as short as a single sentence, similar to those in her father's books.

There are several black and white photographs, taken from unusual perspectives, which add a great deal to the book's overall atmosphere and depth.

Overall, I found the book to be deeply evocative and highly recommend it. It can be enjoyed on its own, but is especially recommended for those interested in the times (1960s - 1970s), Richard Brautigan, and the complex topic of suicide.

Really good.

I didn't even know that Richard Brautigan had committed suicide. This might be a testament to either my 90s professor's pure love for his work (The Revenge of the Lawn is especially good when read aloud in class) or my undergraduate inattention.

This book is a very personal and relational tale. It讲述了一个女儿与她父亲在父亲自杀前后的关系。She can get Brautigan-y at times, which I like a lot.

The author delves deep into the complex emotions and memories that the daughter experiences. We see her struggle to come to terms with her father's death, to understand his motives, and to find her own place in the world without him.

The writing is细腻而动人, painting a vivid picture of the父女之间的 bond and the impact that his death has on her life. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one or has had a complicated relationship with a parent.

Overall, this is a beautiful and poignant book that I would highly recommend.

It was just an ordinary story, really.

At first glance, it seemed interesting enough, but as I delved deeper, I found myself with a bit of a dilemma.

I wanted to hear more about her father. His life, his experiences, the things that shaped him. There was an air of mystery surrounding him that piqued my curiosity.

On the other hand, I felt that perhaps there was a bit too much emphasis on her relationship with her own daughter. While that is undoubtedly an important aspect of her life, I couldn't help but think that there was more to her story than just that.

I wanted to know about the other people and events that had influenced her, the choices she had made along the way.

So, overall, it was just ok. But it left me with a sense of longing for more, a desire to uncover the hidden layers of her story and truly understand who she was.

Maybe with a bit more exploration, I would be able to satisfy my curiosity and gain a more complete picture of her life.

Until then, I would have to wait and see what else there was to discover.