'Another Roadside Attraction' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and zany novel that explores themes of organized religion, counterculture movements, and the search for meaning. The story follows a group of eccentric characters, including John Paul Zimmer, Amanda Ziller, and Plucky Purcell, as they navigate a hot dog stand zoo, a mysterious mummy believed to be Jesus Christ, and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. Robbins' writing style is described as descriptive, humorous, thought-provoking, and filled with quirky characters and plot twists.

Characters:

The characters are quirky and eccentric, embodying exaggerated traits that contribute to the humorous and satirical tone, often serving as reflections of counterculture themes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vibrant, descriptive prose, humor, and creativity, with an emphasis on metaphor and unconventional narrative techniques.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is marked by its unusual and quirky nature, incorporating oddball characters and exploring themes of religion and freedom amidst a comedic and erratic journey.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in Washington State, highlighting the unique culture of roadside attractions while capturing the essence of the 1970s counterculture.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow start that ultimately gains momentum, allowing for deeper engagement with themes and character exploration.

THE MAGICIAN'S UNDERWEAR has just been found in a cardboard suitcase floating in a stagnant pond on the outskirts of Miami. However significant that discovery may be—and there is the possibility that ...

Notes:

This is Tom Robbins' first novel published in 1971.

The book features quirky characters and includes themes like freedom, organized religion, and capitalism.

It creatively combines humor with deep philosophical inquiries.

Robbins' writing is known for its beautiful prose and vivid imagery.

The plot revolves around a hot dog stand zoo and a significant religious discovery.

Notable characters include Amanda, a vegetarian butterfly lover, and a baboon named Mon Cul.

The book captures the essence of the 1960s counterculture but also has modern relevance.

Robbins employs unconventional storytelling techniques, including shifts in narrative perspective.

Often identified as a 'hippie novel,' it explores the spirituality and absurdities of its time.

The story mixes elements of magical realism with absurd humor.

It is well-regarded for its critique of authority and organized religion.

Readers find both delightful and challenging elements in his writing style, which may be polarizing.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include explicit sexual content, drug use, and themes that may be offensive to deeply religious readers.

Has Romance?

There are significant romantic elements, particularly concerning the relationships between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

"Written with a style and humor that haven't been seen since Mark Twain."-Los Angeles Times

What if the Second Coming didn't quite come off as advertised? What if "the Corpse" on display in that funky roadside zoo is really who they say it is-what does that portend for the future of western civilization? And what if a young clairvoyant named Amanda reestablishes the flea circus as popular entertainment and fertility worship as the principal religious form of our high-tech age? Another Roadside Attraction answers those questions and a lot more. It tell us, for example, what the sixties were truly all about, not by reporting on the psychedelic decade but by recreating it, from the inside out. In the process, this stunningly original seriocomic thriller is fully capable of simultaneously eating a literary hot dog and eroding the borders of the mind.

"Hard to put down because of the sheer brilliance and fun of the writing. The sentiments of Brautigan and the joyously compassionate omniscience of Fielding dance through the pages garbed colorfully in the language of Joyce."-Rolling Stone

Ratings (7)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (13):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (5)
Did Not Finish (1)

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About the Author:

Tom Robbins has been called "a vital natural resource" by the Oregonian, "one of the wildest and most entertaining novelists in the world" by the Financial Times of London, and "the most dangerous writer in the world today" by Fernanda Pivano of Italy's Corriere…

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Another Roadside Attraction

Tom Robbins