I remember that

Another blog (the Humble Farmer; see my sidebar list) mentioned a book in a recent post: Trout Fishing in America by Richard Brautigan.
Being the quasi-hippie Californian of the 60s that I was (hey, I'm old; so sue me), I read all of Brautigan's stuff:
A Confederate General from Big Sur
In Watermelon Sugar
Revenge of the Lawn
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace
The Pill versus the Springhill Mine Disaster
The Abortion: An Historical Romance
Rommel Drives on Deep into Egypt

and, of course, my favorite, and a book I want to make into a movie some day, starring Charles Bronson (yes, I know, I know, he's been dead for awhile, but he wasn't when I thought of it, so play along) The Hawkline Monster: A Gothic Western
I recommend that you read any on this list, but if you read nothing else try The Hawkline Monster. A great story, and well written.
If you want to know more about the man himself, including a nice little set of photos and reminiscences by his friends and family, check http://brautigan.cybernetic-meadows.net/tiki-index.php?page=Manso+1985+Brautigans+Wake