This is truly an outstanding book.

There are several stories within it that I held in particularly high regard. Among them were:

'Harem', 'Another Texas Ghost Story', 'One Arm Burning in Tokyo', 'The Bed Salesman', 'Montana Traffic Spell', 'Hangover as Folk Art', 'California Mailman', 'Her Last Known Boyfriend a Canadian Airman', 'The Butcher', 'The Eyes of Japan' and 'Imaginary Beginning to Japan'.

It seems that these include my favorites, but aside from them, every story in this book was more than worth reading.

Sometimes, I was unable to fathom what Brautigan had in his mind, yet I adored his prose. It was like listening to a classical piece of Jazz art with the trombone and saxophones, and you sort of drifted into the millennia where it all began.

He employed a plethora of metaphors and earth-to-cloud connections that at times seemed murky, but after reading it repeatedly, I discovered it to be thrilling, similar to finding the appropriately sized bulb suitable for a theater in the night. Reading this was a rich experience, and I even came to know a little more about Japan. His experience led me from Harajuku Station to step onto the Yamanote Line train, taking him home to Shinjuku. I can already envision the uneasy echoes on the platform as he sat, his eyes fixed on a Japanese woman.

Regrettably, like every excellent book, this one reached its conclusion. I have stored up more of Brautigan's works in my closet, and I will most definitely be eagerly awaiting the next literary destination.

Brautigan's works are truly a display of whimsy at its very best.

His unique style and vivid imagination transport readers to extraordinary worlds filled with strange characters and unexpected events.

Each story seems to unfold like a magical dream, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Brautigan's use of language is equally enchanting, with his words dancing on the page and creating a sense of wonder and delight.

Whether it's a tale of a talking tree or a journey through a parallel universe, his stories have the power to captivate and inspire.

Brautigan's whimsy is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making readers question the nature of reality and the possibilities that lie beyond our ordinary perception.

His works are a testament to the power of imagination and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Little bits of introspection and daydreams can lead to remarkable discoveries. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, "I remind you that it should not be hard for you to stop sometimes and look into the stains of walls, or the ashes of a fire, or clouds, or mud or like places, in which, if you consider them well, you may find really marvelous ideas."

Introspection allows us to look within ourselves and explore our thoughts, feelings, and desires. It is a time when we can reflect on our experiences and gain a deeper understanding of who we are. Daydreams, on the other hand, are a form of mental escape where we can let our imaginations run wild.

Both introspection and daydreams can provide us with inspiration and new perspectives. By taking the time to stop and observe the world around us, we may notice things that we have never seen before. The stains on a wall, the ashes of a fire, the clouds in the sky, or the mud on the ground can all hold hidden meanings and ideas.

So, the next time you find yourself with a few moments of free time, take a break and engage in some introspection or daydreaming. You may be surprised at what you discover.

A series of small texts imbued with poetry.

Sometimes it is a bit disjointed and a bit uneven.

However, there are still some good moments.

These texts seem to dance on the page, with words flowing like a gentle stream.

The poetry within them has the power to touch the heart and stir the imagination.

Even though they may not be perfect, they have a certain charm that keeps the reader engaged.

Each text is like a small gem, shining with its own unique light.

Some may make you smile, while others may make you think deeply.

Overall, this collection of texts offers a diverse and interesting reading experience.

It is a testament to the creativity and talent of the author.

Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply looking for something different to read, these texts are sure to provide some enjoyment.

Afskaplega skemmtileg lesning. Flakkað á milli Bandaríkjanna og Japan, hraðlestin brunar og stoppin margskonar. Fjölbreytt persónugallerí og heillandi heimar sem við fáum að kynnast. Þetta er ekki bara eina þeirra bókmenntaverkanna sem býður upp á spennandi upplifun fyrir lesendur. Í þessari bókinni getum við hittið sérstaka samfélagslífsgögn úr tveimur löndum, Bandaríkjunum og Japan.

Hraðlestin og stoppin margskonar gefa okkur til kynna hversu mismunandi þessi tvö lönd eru í því hvernig þau hlaupa. Persónugalleríið er fjölbreytt og við fáum að kynnast ýmsum einstaklingum með mismunandi persónuleikum og reynslum. Heimurinn sem við fáum að kynnast er heillandi og fullur af vísindum, menningu og sögum.

Mæli með þessari bók, því hún er ekki aðeins skemmtileg, heldur og fræðandi. Hún gefur okkur innsýn í annars konar heima og lætur okkur þekkja nýjar lýðsögur og menningar. Ef þú ert á leið og nýrra lesningaraðferða og upplifana, þá ættuðu að skoða þessa bók.

I have perused nearly every single one of the Brautigan books that can be classified as "fiction" (as opposed to poetry). And this particular one, "The Tokyo-Montana Express," is by far among my top favorites. It is also one of the very last works he penned before his tragic suicide. Throughout the book, there are subtle hints of his despair, as can be seen in "No Hunting Without Permission." However, despite this, it is by no means a disheartening read. Quite the contrary, in fact. It showcases Brautigan at his absolute finest, and there are numerous moments that will make you burst out laughing.

Word of caution: Do not take the introduction to the book too literally. It states: "Though the Tokyo-Montana Express moves at a great speed, there are many stops along the way. This book is those brief stations: some confident, others still searching for their identities. The 'I' in this book is the voice of the stations along the tracks of the Tokyo-Montana Express."

Like a fool, it took me some time to truly get into this book. I initially thought I was supposed to be grasping something other than the autobiographical vignettes of Brautigan's life as he shuttled back and forth between Montana and Tokyo. Just read the "I" as Brautigan himself. (Oh, silly me.)

There are an abundance of outstanding stories within these pages. One of my absolute favorites is "The Menu / 1965," which delves into the menu for death row inmates at San Quentin. I also thoroughly enjoyed "What Are You Going to Do with 390 Photographs of Christmas Trees?," "The Bed Salesman," and "The Old Testament Book of the Telephone Company."

It is a truly great read, and one that I will surely return to time and time again in the future.

Most writers are fortunate if they can produce one truly good book. However, RB is an exception as he has managed to write five. Nevertheless, this particular work is not among his best.

The short pieces within this collection seem to strive too forcefully to be funny and whimsical. Regrettably, the majority of them fall flat, lacking the charm and sparkle that one might expect.

One of the hallmarks of RB's novels, the magical realism, is conspicuously absent here. There are a few pieces that do offer some social commentary. For instance, one delves into the traditional roles of women in Japan, while another explores the concept of a dog cemetery.

I firmly believe that this collection would have been far more engaging if it had been firmly rooted in reality. RB's power of observation is truly off the charts, and had he focused on real-life stories, this work could have been a masterpiece. As it stands, however, it limps rather lamely to the finish line.

I have never read a Brautigan book that I didn't like. His works have a unique charm that always manages to draw me in and keep me engaged from start to finish. The way he weaves his stories, with his vivid descriptions and interesting characters, is truly captivating. Each book seems to offer a different perspective on life, love, and the human condition, and I find myself constantly learning and being inspired by his words.

Whether it's the humorous and lighthearted tales in "Trout Fishing in America" or the more profound and thought-provoking themes in "In Watermelon Sugar," Brautigan's writing always has something to offer. His books are not only entertaining but also make you think about the world around you in a new way. I would highly recommend any of his works to anyone looking for a good read that will leave a lasting impression.

The Tokyo Montana Express
by Richard Brautigan

This is a remarkable 250-page collection of Brautigan's musings. It is largely based on his recent experiences of living in both Livingston, Montana and Tokyo, Japan. The book is presented in prose, yet Brautigan has the remarkable ability to transform much of it into poetry. The carefully chosen words and vivid imagery are truly vintage Brautigan. His irreverent humor, the blend of loneliness with optimism, and his unique views on sexuality are all characteristic of his style.

Here are some of my favorite chapters:
1. The Irrevocable Sadness of her Thank You.
2. Montana Love
3. One Arm Burning in Tokyo
4. Light On at the Tastee Freez
5. Times Square in Montana
6. The Menu/1965
7. A Different Way of Looking at President Kennedy's Assassination
8. Self Portrait as an Old Man
9. Homage to Rudi Gernreich/1965
10. Old Man Working the Rain
11. The Good Work of Chickens

While Trout Fishing in America is widely regarded as his best novel, this one, written just a few years before his untimely death in the early eighties, is still very good if you appreciate his style of writing. He was truly one of a kind, a highly observant writer who had the gift of seeing the world in a unique and captivating way. 4.5 stars

The concept is interesting, but it didn't seem readable to me.

It might have had some unique aspects that caught my attention initially. However, as I delved deeper, I found it difficult to engage with the content.

Perhaps the presentation could have been more organized or the language more accessible.

Despite its interesting concept, the lack of readability detracted from the overall experience.

It's important for any piece of writing to be both engaging and easy to understand in order to effectively convey its message.

Maybe with some revisions and improvements, this could have been a more enjoyable and worthwhile read.

As it stands, though, it falls short in the readability department.

Love, love, love him.

He is truly brilliant as ever. His intelligence shines through in every aspect of his life. Whether it's in his work, where he comes up with innovative ideas and solutions, or in his conversations, where he can engage with people on a deep and meaningful level.

His kindness and compassion are also remarkable. He always has a listening ear for those in need and is quick to offer a helping hand. His positive attitude is contagious, and he has the ability to make those around him feel better just by being in his presence.

Overall, he is an amazing person, and I can't help but love him more and more each day. His brilliance and his kind heart make him one of a kind, and I feel so lucky to have him in my life.

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us and continuing to grow and learn together.

I will never not love my main boi Rich. It's a feeling that has endured through countless lunch breaks and cold afternoons. During those lunch breaks, I would often find myself thinking about him, a smile unconsciously spreading across my face. And on those cold afternoons, his presence in my thoughts would warm my heart like a cozy fire.

Rich is not just an ordinary person to me. He is someone who has made a significant impact on my life. His kindness, his humor, and his unwavering support have all endeared him to me. Whether it's through a simple text message or a face-to-face conversation, he always knows how to make my day better.

No matter what the future holds, I know that my love for Rich will always remain. He is an important part of my life, and I will cherish every moment I have with him.