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A collection of another extraordinary stories from an author that, in my opinion, I discovered very late.

This author seems to have a unique talent for crafting tales that are both captivating and thought-provoking.

The stories in this collection take the reader on a journey through different worlds and experiences, filled with vivid characters and unexpected twists.

Despite the fact that I only came across this author recently, I have already become a big fan of their work.

I can't wait to explore more of their stories and see what other amazing things they have to offer.

I received this book as a gift several years ago.

To be honest, there is no significant content in it.

There are some poems. If you want to get more acquainted with this type of poetry, I recommend Sohrab Sepehri.

The letter-like texts in it are written at such a basic level that you feel a 7-year-old child has written them.

Not quite reaching the level of Kafka entrusting his manuscripts to Max Brod with the instruction to burn them, but one has to admire the audacity of the 21-year-old who set off for San Francisco and handed his ex-girlfriend's mom, the eponymous Edna Webster, his manuscripts, saying, "Here is your retirement. Sell them off after I make it big."

This is likely a book that one should come to after reading a significant amount of Brautigan's later work. That way, one can experience the pleasant sensation of witnessing trout leap off the page or observe his other future themes frolicking around in their embryonic stage.

It's as if this early work serves as a precursor, hinting at the unique literary landscapes that Brautigan would later explore and develop.

Reading it in the context of his later oeuvre allows for a deeper appreciation of the evolution of his writing style and the emergence of his signature motifs.

It's a fascinating journey through the mind of a budding writer, and one that offers valuable insights into the creative process that would ultimately lead to his more well-known and celebrated works.

I recently had the pleasure of finishing The Edna Webster Collection of Undiscovered Writings by Richard Brautigan.

I discovered this precious find in the Cover to Cover Bookstore in White River Junction, Vermont.

The book houses his very earliest literary endeavors.

The shop specializes in selling used books, and interestingly, whoever owned my copy before had left an inscription on the title page that read, “This book is worth reading 100 million times.”

While I do agree that it's a great read, I think the number might be a touch exaggerated.

In 1956, the twenty-one-year-old Brautigan presented a package of poems, stories, and conversational dialogs to Edna Webster, who was the mother of his girlfriend.

In October of 1992, Edna brought this collection to the public's attention.

Today, the archive is housed in the Bancroft Library at Berkeley, along with the manuscripts of Brautigan’s later writings.

Brautigan fans are sure not to be disappointed with these early efforts.

The poems and stories are short, concise, and full of whimsy.

Some are even quite bizarre, but there are also moments of genuine brilliance.

There are three experimental dramas within the collection that seem ready to be staged in some sort of surreal theatre.

One of my personal favorites is “A Love Letter from State Insane Asylum,” which tells the story of Calin’s life from the age of three to twenty-one, presented in ten sections on just four pages.

Another engaging piece is “I Watched the World Glide Effortlessly Bye.” It is divided into two books, with 83 chapters, and is essentially a collection of short phrases strung together to form a story.

Brautigan fans will instantly recognize his trademark surreal whimsy and dreamlike narratives, which are present throughout this collection.

We all were good children at one time.

We used to follow the rules, be respectful to our elders, and show kindness to others.

Our days were filled with innocent joys and simple pleasures.

We would play games with our friends, explore the outdoors, and learn new things in school.

We didn't have many worries or concerns back then.

Our hearts were pure and our minds were open.

But as time passed, we grew up and things changed.

We faced challenges and difficulties that tested our character.

Some of us lost our way and forgot what it meant to be a good child.

But deep down inside, we still have that little child within us who wants to do good and be kind.

We just need to remember and reconnect with that part of ourselves.

Because no matter how old we get, we can always choose to be good and make a positive difference in the world.

This incident reminds me somewhat of the time when I delved into Wallace Stegner's Collected Letters without having previously read any of his works. Similarly, I have not perused any other of Brautigan's literary output, so I am unable to draw comparisons.

However, I found his hitherto undiscovered writings to be quite decent. They were decent because they exuded a light, easy, and somewhat goofy charm, as if written in a state of intoxication, filled with the passion of love and the exuberance of youth. He penned these when he was just 21, and the collection features a remarkable preface: "My name is Richard Brautigan. I am twenty-one years old. I am an unknown poet. That does not mean I do not have any friends. It means mostly my friends know I am a poet, because I have told them so."

Most of the poems seem to read like a punch-line, which leads me to believe that they might have had a greater impact when presented in isolation rather than in a consecutive sequence. Many of them also fixate on themes of death and the loss of love. The collection is interspersed with moments of truly awesome grace, such as the poem:

if i should die before you do

When
you wake up
from death,
you will find youself
in my arms,
and
I will be
kissing you,
and
I
will be crying.

After reading it, no one will want anything from you, so don't be hard on yourself when reading it. ;)

This simple statement holds a certain truth. When we engage in reading, it should be a source of relaxation and learning, not a cause for stress or self-criticism. We often put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to understand every word, remember every detail, or have a profound interpretation. However, this can take away the joy and benefits of reading.

We should approach reading with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. It's okay to not fully understand everything on the first read. We can let the words wash over us, allowing our minds to soak up the ideas and emotions. Sometimes, the true meaning of a text reveals itself over time, as we reflect on it or read it again.

So, the next time you pick up a book or an article, remember to be gentle with yourself. Enjoy the process of reading, and don't worry too much about the outcome. You might be surprised at how much you can gain from a relaxed and enjoyable reading experience.

A very thoughtful gift indeed.

It consists of the early writings of Brautigan before he left Oregon.

The content within is of great quality, with raw and genuine writing and poetry.

These works have such an allure that they truly make me want to read more of Brautigan's creations.

Each piece seems to offer a unique glimpse into his mind and the world he inhabited at that time.

The rawness of his writing style adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm.

It's as if he is directly sharing his thoughts and emotions with the reader, without any filters or pretenses.

This gift has not only introduced me to Brautigan's early works but has also piqued my curiosity and made me eager to explore more of his literary contributions.

I am excited to see what other gems await me in his other writings.

Reading continuously is not suitable for this book. It belongs to that kind of books where you have to read a story, have a slow-paced approach, and savor it so that you can establish a connection with the author, his emotions, and his unique style. In my opinion, this collection of stories has an additional ruling for other Bratigan books. That is, you should read them, enjoy them, and then when you fall in love with Bratigan and are sure that you are having a good time with him, come to this book.

It's like a special path that leads you to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the author's works. Each story in this collection is like a precious gem, waiting to be discovered and cherished. By following this sequence, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Bratigan and experience the beauty and complexity of his writing.

So, don't rush into reading this book. Take your time, explore the other works of Bratigan first, and then let this one be the culmination of your journey. You will be rewarded with a more profound and fulfilling reading experience.

Richard Brautigan is a writer I will always hold in high regard. "I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone" is not only one of my favorites but perhaps the most beloved piece of writing about love for me. I'm likely to mention this work in every review I write about Richard Brautigan.

Good poems have a certain impact. It could be the combination of specific words or the way the last line transforms everything you thought you understood from the previous stanzas. I'll probably repeat this in every poetry review. In this book, among the numerous poems, some are real gems, while many others seem silly and like excerpts from random rambles. Unpoetically speaking, if we consider it in terms of percentages, only 10% of the writing is truly great, and the remaining 90% is mediocre.

There are also a few short stories or "pieces" (I'm worried I'm using the word "pieces" too liberally). They are just okay, although I would consider "The Conscripted Storyteller" to be part of the 10% that stands out.

I have copied the 10% that I liked into my journal. However, if this book had more outstanding poems, it wouldn't have been necessary to copy them.

Overall, while there are some shining moments in this collection, it also has its fair share of average content.

Uncomfortable and dull - these are the words that come to mind when reading some of the poems in this collection. Even by Brautigan's standards, the absurdity of certain poems here seems to have crossed over into mundanity. It's as if the once-quirky charm has lost its luster and become a bit too ordinary.

Compared to some of his other works, this collection and "Hawkline" are by far my least-favorite Brautigan books. There's a lack of the spark and innovation that made his earlier writings so captivating. The poems here often feel flat and fail to engage the reader on a deeper level.

Perhaps it's a case of high expectations, but I can't help but feel disappointed. Brautigan has shown us what he's capable of, and unfortunately, this collection just doesn't measure up. It's a shame, really, as I had hoped for more from one of my favorite authors.

Not just for completionists, but I wouldn't start here.

This place is a strange mix. There is some really strong work on display, which shows great skill and creativity. The pieces seem to have been crafted with great care and attention to detail.

However, there is also some really adolescent stuff here. It feels as if it was made by someone who is still finding their way, lacking in the maturity and finesse of the stronger works.

The juxtaposition of these two extremes makes for an interesting, yet somewhat jarring, experience. It's as if two different worlds are colliding within the same space.

While I can appreciate the effort that has gone into both the strong and the adolescent work, I don't think this is the best place to begin. There are other places that might offer a more cohesive and engaging introduction to the art or subject matter.

Perhaps a more curated collection would be a better starting point, one that showcases the best of what is available and provides a more guided exploration.

Overall, this place has its merits, but it's not where I would choose to begin my journey.