4.2 stars!

The voyage from San Francisco to Hawaii was an absolute nightmare for Greer and Cameron. It was the most terrifying experience they had ever endured, even surpassing that fateful time in Idaho when they shot a deputy sheriff ten times and he just wouldn't die. Greer finally had to plead with the deputy sheriff, saying, "Please die because we don't want to shoot you again." And the deputy sheriff replied, "Ok, I'll die, but don't shoot me again." Cameron reassured him, "We won't shoot you again." And then the deputy sheriff said, "Ok, I'm dead," and indeed he was.

What we have here is a unique blend of a Gothic western horror show, yet it's laced with humor. Cameron, for instance, was a counter. On the way to San Francisco, he vomited nineteen times. He had this strange habit of counting everything he did. When Greer first met Cameron years ago, it made him a little nervous, but by now, he had gotten used to it. He had to, or else it might have driven him crazy.

This story was published in 1974, right at the peak of Richard Brautigan's creative tsunami. It's a work that is awash in humor, horror, and western wisdom. And as Brautigan so cleverly put it, "…those doughnuts are a lot better than having a mule kick you in the head," and there was no argument there.

A postmodern House on the Borderland. If you believed that Cortazar's "House Taken Over" was already the epitome of postmodernism, well, you're not wrong. That was intellectual postmodernism. However, this one is of the crazy hippy variety. It's a wild ride filled with guns, which add an element of danger and excitement. The laughs come thick and fast, keeping you entertained throughout. And then there's the random sex, which adds a touch of chaos and unpredictability. But that's not all. There's also an actual monster lurking around. It's like a recipe for an unforgettable experience. So, what else could you possibly need? Video review

I am truly willing to give second chances.

Even when I'm angered, bewildered, or heartbroken, I always take the time to assess the circumstances, offer the opportunity for redemption, and let someone back into the warmth of my heart. We should all strive to be as emotionally charitable as I am. Just make sure not to mess up a second time.

I picked up this Brautigan novel with a sense of trepidation. That darn author burned me before.

Are you bothered that I've already used variants of the word "fuck" twice in the first fifty or so words?

Well, then you probably won't like Richard Brautigan. Read this instead. (I love the angry southerner's review of this - teehee)

Maureen assured me that this was a "good" Brautigan book, unlike the ones I'd been exposed to in the past. If I had the right facial muscles, I would have raised a single eyebrow at her, but since I can't do anything cool, I just grunted. She was in Canada and couldn't hear me anyway.

But I'm game, so I made Greg get this for me from the library. (Princess neither does her own taxes nor leaves her own library-rental paper trail)

And it was not at all bad.

In fact, it was pretty enjoyable.

I was doubly concerned before reading because remember when Robert Coover wrote his version of a western, Ghost Town? I didn't love that book at all. Usually, his schtick works for me, but I remember being annoyed by that one. This one also does a sort of western mash-up, decorating the traditional western theme with some furnishings from the gothic genre. There's a big isolated house, subterranean caverns, and an unnameable force of eeeevil. (Well, pretty nameable actually. It's called the Hawkline Monster, as a matter of fact) But it's got some Ionesco lunacy and a lot of fuckin'. Also, teenaged prostitutes, a giant butler, and an umbrella stand made out of an elephant's foot. And, of course, some more fuckin'.

It is a little icky, of course, as artifacts from the seventies often are in their attitudes towards the interchangeability of women as sex partners and icky group sex.

But it's also a fast and perplexing read. People suffer memory loss and blend into other people, sort of, and things are all a bit eerie. But it's also funny. I don't know how to explain it. It's like watching a bunch of clowns in cowboy hats and eyeliner having an orgy. Who can find the words?

I'm going to magnanimously let Greg read this book before he returns it to the library. Maybe he'll find a better way of describing it.

But for me, I'll say - welcome to my heart, Brautigan - watch your step...

Come to my blog!

Fun and Irreverent Monster Story

Once upon a time, in a world filled with mystery and wonder, there was a monster. This monster was not your typical scary beast. Oh no, this monster had a sense of humor and a penchant for getting into mischief.

One day, the monster decided to visit a small village. The villagers were initially terrified when they saw the monster approaching. But to their surprise, the monster didn't come to cause harm. Instead, it started cracking jokes and making silly faces. The villagers couldn't help but laugh.

From that day on, the monster became a regular visitor to the village. It would play games with the children, tell stories, and even help out with odd jobs. The villagers grew to love the monster and its fun and irreverent ways.

This monster story shows that not all monsters are bad. Sometimes, even the scariest of creatures can have a heart of gold and bring joy and laughter to those around them.

Funny, vulgar, and absolutely insane - this uniquely strange little book starts off with a bang. The early chapters are filled with edgy and promising ideas that are pure genius. However, as the story progresses, it unfortunately transforms into predictable slapstick. It's a real shame because the initial concept had so much potential. The book seems to run out of steam halfway through, losing the magic and excitement that made it so captivating in the beginning. Despite this, it still manages to have some moments of humor and entertainment. But overall, it falls short of what it could have been.

This book is truly hilarious.

It presents the weirdest ghost story that you'll ever come across.

The author has a unique way of weaving a tale that combines elements of the supernatural with a touch of humor.

From the very beginning, the story grabs your attention and keeps you engaged until the very end.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns.

You'll find yourself laughing out loud at some of the absurd situations that the characters find themselves in.

Despite being a ghost story, it doesn't rely on cheap scares but rather on its clever writing and engaging narrative.

If you're looking for a book that will both entertain and amuse you, then this is definitely the one to pick up.

You won't be disappointed!

Bizarre, surreal, and thoroughly memorable, this is my first encounter with Brautigan's work and it has left an indelible mark on my literary journey. The moment I delved into his words, I was transported to a world that defied convention and logic. His unique style, filled with unexpected twists and turns, kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what lay ahead. Each sentence seemed to be a carefully crafted gem, shining with a strange and wonderful light. I found myself completely immersed in his fictional universe, unable to tear myself away. This initial experience has ignited a passion within me to explore more of Brautigan's writings. I am certain that there are many more treasures waiting to be unearthed, and I cannot wait to embark on this new literary adventure.

Mrs Hawkline's monster ain't real. That's the only thing I took away from this book when I stored that criticism in my autistic memory during the psychedelic seventies.

It's true: this one, and all my inner monsters, have no reality in my current Christian mindset.

This is hardly what Poor Richard meant in his confused praise of the paraphernalia of a hippie's perpetual high.

That's why he's now in my discard box, destined for Value Village eventually.

I couldn't understand his enduring value in my brother's eyes. But I didn't like "tuning in, turning on and dropping out" too much either.

Freud says monsters (like the one under Mrs Hawkline's house) are real to psychotics. And the allure of street drugs for rebellious kids lies in the temporary psychosis they induce!

I didn't get it.

You see, I wanted to permanently kill my mad monsters, not encourage them, so I became Catholic.

We believers think such monsters are real inhabitants of the Underworld in the next world. Only they carry pitchforks, much to the discomfort of the damned.

Yes, you're right: it's a metaphor. But whatever they are, they curse our poor attempts to be free!

Shades of The Exorcist? You're right. My long adult life has been just that. A never-ending rite of exorcism.

Faith brings conviction, and being convicted, I am now carefully and fully conscious. Through conviction, I found my true value!

And at last, I know peace from such monsters.

My bipolar disease is now in remission.

Thank Heaven and all the Saints...

And so, Mr Brautigan -

"Tell me if I am not glad," Mrs Hawkline!

This short book was first published in 1974.

During that era, Richard Brautigan was quite well known among a small group of people. I was among that group, yet strangely, I never heard of this particular story.

That was truly my loss at that time because it is really quite an enjoyable and classic Brautigan piece. It may be an allegorical tale, but I am not quite sure what it is allegorical about.

Brautigan, who may know that he is no more, is gone like the Hawkline monster, perhaps under the effects of a glass of whiskey. Who knows?

I give this book 5 stars because I think it is glorious and should have more fans. It is clever and fun, and generally very enjoyable.

The audible version, which was not created until the 21st century, seems to be a good replication of the original story that was simply words on paper.

It has many fantastic images, which is the hallmark of Mr. Brautigan. I won't repeat the story here because that is best done by Mr. Brautigan himself.

But I will say that if you are a fan of whimsy and weirdness, you will probably enjoy this book. And if you do not enjoy it, just know that it is a short book, so you won't waste much time with it.

This was a re-read.

I hadn't delved into Brautigan's works since my 20s.

As I revisit his writings now, I come to the realization that he is not in the league of Flaubert or Nabokov.

However, that doesn't mean his works lack merit.

In fact, there is still an abundance of charm and humor that pervades his stories.

The unique way he crafts his characters and the situations they find themselves in never fails to bring a smile to my face.

His writing style, though perhaps not as polished or refined as some of the literary greats, has its own distinctiveness that makes it engaging and enjoyable.

Brautigan has a way of capturing the essence of the human experience in a light-hearted and often comical way, which is truly a talent.

Even after all these years, his works still hold a certain allure that keeps me coming back for more.

This story is truly a unique blend, kind of a cross between True Grit, Frankenstein, and a psychedelic hippie folk tale.

It offers a very humorous and engaging read that you can breeze through quickly.

What makes it even more interesting is its setting. It takes place in 1902, in a haunted mansion that sits on top of some ice caves in the high desert of Eastern Oregon.

The combination of these elements creates a truly captivating and one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

As you read, you'll be transported to this strange and wonderful world, filled with mystery, humor, and a touch of the supernatural.

Whether you're a fan of Westerns, horror, or just good storytelling, this book has something for everyone.

So, if you're looking for a fun and entertaining read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, give this story a try. You won't be disappointed.

Hawklin's Hole was a strange journey indeed.

It has a three-part story. The first part is similar to Western tales, with two cowboy killers and the portrayal of them, their behaviors, and their actions.

In the second part, we come to the Hawklin sisters who are exactly alike and their strange and eerie house, which is suitable for the horror genre! Two sisters who hire two cowboys to kill the Hole of Hawklin.

And in the third part, we enter the realm of science fiction and the mystery of the Hole of Hawklin.

Overall, it's a captivating and diverse story that takes the reader on a wild ride through different genres and scenarios.

The vivid descriptions and unique characters make it a memorable read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Whether you're a fan of Westerns, horror, or science fiction, Hawklin's Hole has something to offer.

It's a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and engaging story that defies expectations and takes you on an unforgettable adventure.