Stories occur almost in the middle, in Tokyo and Montana. Many of them are not even classic stories in the true sense. Sometimes it describes a fleeting feeling, sometimes it expresses a hidden sorrow.

However, the translation, spelling, and so on have once mangled people's lives. If only someone could reach out and pick up that book and turn it into a worthy work of its author.

Stories have the power to transport us to different places and emotions. They can be simple and yet profound. In Tokyo and Montana, countless stories are being written and lived every day. Some may be ordinary, but they all have a unique charm.

The process of translation and the nuances of language can sometimes distort the true essence of a story. It is a pity when this happens, as it takes away from the beauty and impact that the author intended.

We should strive to preserve the integrity of stories and ensure that they are presented in the best possible way. This way, we can fully appreciate the artistry and creativity of the authors and be moved by their words.

In the beginning of the 80s, nobody among the beat people seemed to like it. However, Richard, in a rather remarkable way, manages to bridge the essence of Big Sur in the 60s with vivid memory snapshots from Japan.

As a result, the future no longer appears as terrifying as it once did. You could hail a cab, step inside, only to discover that it has transformed into a shrine of carp and is no longer a typical taxi. Then, you can drive aimlessly, leaving the tombs of unknown friends along the roadside.

Life takes on a truly poetic quality when one finds themselves hanging out solely with fire hydrants, 200-watt bulbs, parking lots in heaven, the vast Pacific Ocean, and umbrellas. Perhaps, at this moment, the poetry is reaching its peak, painting a unique and captivating picture of existence.

This strange and wonderful combination of elements creates a world that is both mysterious and enchanting, inviting us to explore the depths of our own imaginations and embrace the beauty that lies within the unexpected.

It shows that even in the midst of change and uncertainty, there is still room for magic and poetry to thrive, if only we have the eyes to see and the heart to appreciate.

Richard's ability to connect these disparate elements and create a new reality is a testament to the power of the human spirit and its capacity to find meaning and beauty in the most unlikely of places.

So, let us follow Richard's lead and open ourselves up to the possibilities that lie ahead, for who knows what kind of poetry and magic awaits us in the future?

The man has an extraordinary ability. He can literally transform the simple act of changing a lightbulb into a captivating short story. It's truly remarkable.

He might start by describing the old, dim lightbulb that has served its purpose for so long. Then, he would detail the process of carefully unscrewing it, perhaps mentioning the slight resistance he feels.

As he reaches for the new lightbulb, he could share his thoughts and emotions. Maybe he's thinking about how this new bulb will bring a brighter future to the room.

Finally, when he screws in the new lightbulb and flips the switch, he can describe the sudden burst of light and the sense of satisfaction that washes over him.

In the end, what seems like a mundane task becomes a memorable and engaging short story, all thanks to this man's unique talent.

Sometimes at night before going to sleep, I think of him. But the only thing that comes to my mind is that he had a dog. We met in a coffee shop. We talked a little and had a few drinks together. Then we went to his house. There was a bicycle in the hall. It was close to me. It was right beside me.

We were together and I remember that he had a dog. The dog was always there with us, running around and being playful. It added a lot of fun to our time together. I still think about those moments sometimes, especially when I'm alone at night. The memory of him and his dog brings a smile to my face.

I wonder what he's doing now and if he still has that dog. Maybe one day we'll meet again and be able to share more memories.

A great Brautigan, and it truly is a tremendous book in every conceivable way. It was among the last of his works before his untimely demise. In form, it bears a resemblance to his first book, Trout Fishing in America, yet it differs significantly in numerous other aspects as well. The content is whimsical, but not in a definitive sense. It is more world-weary, yet also clearer and wiser. The framing conceit is present simply because a book of this nature requires a structuring device. Each brief chapter is narrated by the 'voice' of a station on an imaginary railway line that links Tokyo to Montana. However, this conceit is quickly forgotten and overlooked in the subsequent text, which is a true hodgepodge. It is a collection of brief observations, speculations, stories, musings, laments, whimsies, and prose poems. Some of them are slight, while a few are truly profound. And many are written in Brautigan's captivating prose style, in which utterly unexpected and completely original (yet coherent and intensely applicable) metaphors are abundant. There are very few Brautigan prose books that I haven't read yet. This one is无疑 one of his best. But then again, most of them are one of his best, so go figure...

Some of the stories have a deep connection with me, while others don't resonate as strongly.

There are stories that are clearly fictional, yet for the most part, it gives the impression that you are delving into Richard's personal journal as he traverses through life and encounters various experiences.

This aspect really appeals to me. It makes the reading experience feel more intimate and personal, as if I am privy to Richard's innermost thoughts and feelings.

The way the stories are presented, some fictional and some perhaps more autobiographical, creates a unique blend that keeps the reader engaged and interested.

It allows for a deeper exploration of different themes and emotions, and I find myself constantly drawn back to these stories to see what new insights and perspectives I can gain.

Overall, the collection of stories offers a rich and diverse reading experience that I thoroughly enjoy.

The book contains a few poignant and/or amusing quips and scenes. However, they are not anywhere near the level of "Trout Fishing in America".

The author's writing in this book may have its moments, but it fails to reach the same heights as the renowned "Trout Fishing in America".

One can find some interesting passages here and there, but overall, it doesn't have the same charm and impact.

Recommendation: Read "Trout Fishing". This classic work is truly a masterpiece that offers a unique and engaging reading experience. It has the power to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.

So, if you're looking for a book that will truly touch your heart and make you laugh out loud, "Trout Fishing" is the one to pick up.

Don't waste your time on this other book when you could be enjoying the brilliance of "Trout Fishing in America".

Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.

**"About Himself in a Semi-Automatic Letter"**

Not only is every book by Brautigan about himself, in this one he sends a train (like a third-class assembler) through some redundant heroes with names. There is a house in Montana and a hotel in Tokyo - the others just flash by in the windows. But it's better to be alone with such a man when he is pouring out stories, and the stronger the better. Somehow - he is our cloud.

The cloud is too ephemeral to take everything at face value. Sometimes, one wants to say to him, "THERE IS A CLOUD IN YOUR PANTS, AND IT REQUIRES RAIN". Richard is unusually static here, like an old suit. He sits in front of the TV, sits in a café, on a train, and even worse, he remembers everything about his horrible second marriage that surrounds him. Here, even a trip to the store for a light bulb becomes an event for him.

Against this background, it is easiest to prepare his style. Here he is looking at the wolf in the cage, but mentally already looking at the road to the moon, which he managed to trample on while sitting in it. Oh, if only imagination was still paid for. But the production of imagination is inhumane and not automated, so half of the thoughts according to individual recipes have been replaced by their synthetic analogues.

The worst book to get to know Richard. Even the naïve "Monster in the Haunted House" is much more humane. I won't quote anything except the famous line of the author in the original with my quick translation:

"Hey! This Is What It's All About"
No publication
No money
No star
No fuck

I'm not in print
They don't pay me
I'm in the dark
In an empty bed

I really like this. A great deal.

I have developed a habit of underlining certain parts in pencil because they are so likable.

Brautigan's works are at their best when presented in random, bite-sized bits.

It's as if each small piece is a precious gem, shining with its own unique charm.

The randomness adds an element of surprise and discovery, making the reading experience all the more engaging.

These bite-sized bits are easy to digest, yet they pack a powerful punch.

They can make you laugh, make you think, or simply touch your heart.

Brautigan has a way of capturing the essence of life in these small moments, and it's truly captivating.

I find myself constantly drawn back to his works, eager to uncover more of these wonderful little treasures.

His writing style is both accessible and profound, making it suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a deeper exploration of the human condition, Brautigan's random, bite-sized bits are sure to satisfy.

I highly recommend giving his works a try.

I think this might be the most hilarious of Brautigan's books.

It's not as if it's all just fun and games throughout. There are serious undertones and deeper themes at play.

However, when the moments of humor arrive, they are truly side-splitting. You find yourself laughing so hard that you feel like your gut might burst.

Brautigan has a unique way of presenting the absurdities of life in a way that is both comical and thought-provoking.

The characters and their situations are so strange and yet so relatable that you can't help but be entertained.

This book is a real gem, full of unexpected twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of Brautigan's work or just looking for a good laugh, this book is definitely worth checking out.

There are some truly incredible stories here. The score is rather negligible because, to be honest, I didn't have much interest in MOST of the stories that emerged towards the end of this thing. However, some of his very best works are included within these pages. They had such an impact on me that I felt compelled to give it some recognition, I guess. It's like a collection of diverse tales, with a few gems shining brightly amidst the rest. The ones that really touched me made me realize the power of his storytelling. Even though not every story was to my liking, those that were managed to leave a lasting impression. It's almost as if they were carefully crafted to tug at the heartstrings and make the reader feel something deep within.

A found many of the observational stories interesting.

The contrast between Montana and Tokyo is truly fascinating. Montana represents a vast and rural landscape, with wide-open spaces and a slower pace of life. On the other hand, Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, filled with skyscrapers, a vibrant nightlife, and a highly efficient transportation system.

For A, this contrast somewhat parallels the vast differences between Alaska and Seoul. Alaska, like Montana, is known for its natural beauty and wildness. It has a small population and a unique culture that is deeply connected to the land. Seoul, on the other hand, is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with a high population density and a rich history and culture.

Both sets of locations offer a wealth of experiences and opportunities for exploration. Whether it's the natural beauty of Montana and Alaska or the urban excitement of Tokyo and Seoul, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy.