Books Like...
'Jitterbug Perfume' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and eccentric novel that weaves together multiple storylines revolving around immortality, perfume-making, and the love story of Alobar and Kudra. The book is known for its unique blend of mythology, romance, humor, and eccentricity, with characters pursuing the quest for eternal life and the perfect perfume recipe. Robbins' writing style is characterized by clever similes, witty humor, and imaginative storytelling, creating a fantastical world where beets, immortality, and New Orleans perfumeries play central roles.
If you liked Jitterbug Perfume, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and unconventional love story between a princess and an outlaw. The book explores the theme of making love last, as the central question revolves around the idea of eternal love. Through the quirky characters of Princess Leigh-Cheri and Bernard Wrangler, Robbins weaves a tale filled with humor, philosophy, and social commentary. The writing style is described as poetic, with unique metaphors and insightful theories that challenge traditional storytelling norms.
IN THE LAST QUARTER of the twentieth century, at a time when Western civilization was declining too rapidly for comfort and yet too slowly to be very exciting, much of the world sat on the edge of an ... - #2
Save:'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues' by Tom Robbins is a quirky and surreal novel following the adventures of Sissy Hankshaw, a woman born with unusually large thumbs who uses them to hitchhike. The story intersects with intriguing characters such as the all-female inhabitants of a ranch designed to test feminine hygiene products. The book delves into themes of freedom, happiness, individuality, and gender issues, all wrapped in Robbins' unique writing style that combines humor, philosophical musings, and explicit scenes.
The plot of the book revolves around Sissy's journey as she navigates through bizarre and outlandish situations, including encounters with eccentric characters like Bonanza Jellybean, the Countess, and the Chink. The writing style is fast-paced, complex, and filled with wordplay and metaphors, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Despite some readers finding the book weird and over the top, it remains a cult classic that challenges societal norms and explores feminist themes in a playful and philosophical manner.
It is not a brain. The brain, that pound and a half of chicken-colored goo so highly regarded (by the brain itself), that slimy organ to which is attributed such intricate and mysterious powers (it is... - #3
Save:'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.
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 ... - #4
Save:'Skinny Legs and All' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and thought-provoking tale that delves into various topics such as politics, religion, mythology, and sexuality. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, both human and inanimate objects, as they navigate through themes of love, life, and the Middle East conflict. Robbins weaves together elements of humor, absurdity, and philosophical musings, creating a narrative that is both complex and entertaining.
Through Robbins' unique writing style, readers are taken on a wild ride filled with acerbic wit, quirky characters, and profound insights. The novel explores the human condition, asking important questions about philosophy, religion, art, and family, all while maintaining a sense of humor and charm. With a mix of humor, sarcasm, eroticism, and history, 'Skinny Legs and All' offers a small yet impactful storyline that leaves a lasting impression on readers.
The turkey lay upon its back, as roast turkeys will; submissive, agreeable, volunteering its breast to the carving blade, its roly-poly legs cocked in a stiff but jaunty position, as if it might summo... - #5
Save:'Kitchens of the Great Midwest' by J. Ryan Stradal is a series of interconnected vignettes that follow the life of Eva Thorvald, a renowned chef, from infancy to adulthood. The book delves into Eva's culinary journey, her relationships with family and friends, and the impact she has on those around her. Each chapter is narrated from a different character's perspective, providing a unique insight into Eva's life and the Midwest setting.
The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family, food, and life, capturing the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Stradal's writing style is described as humorous, poignant, and engaging, with colorful and realistic character development that resonates with readers on an emotional level.
Lars Thorvald loved two women. That was it, he thought in passing, while he sat on the cold concrete steps of his apartment building. Perhaps he would’ve loved more than two, but it just didn’t seem l... - #6
Save:City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is a novel narrated by Vivian Morris, an elderly woman looking back on her youth in 1940s New York City. Vivian is sent to live with her aunt Peg, who owns a theater called the Lily Playhouse, after being asked to leave Vassar. The story unfolds through Vivian's memories as she reflects on her experiences in the theater world, her friendships, and her personal growth. The narrative is a mix of nostalgia, humor, drama, and self-discovery, capturing Vivian's journey from a sheltered young woman to a more worldly and independent individual.
The book explores themes of friendship, women's autonomy, sexuality, forgiveness, and the importance of chosen family. Through Vivian's candid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey filled with vibrant characters, nostalgic descriptions of 1940s New York City, and a reflection on life's ups and downs. The narrative style shifts between light-hearted and poignant moments, offering a glimpse into Vivian's past and the lessons she has learned throughout her life.
I had recently been excused from Vassar College, on account of never having attended classes and thereby failing every single one of my freshman exams. I was not quite as dumb as my grades made me loo... "Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates" by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and eccentric novel that follows the wheelchair-bound protagonist, Switters, on a globetrotting adventure filled with love, danger, and spiritual exploration. The book delves into themes of contradiction, light and dark coexisting, and the complexities of human nature. With a diverse cast of characters including a pyramid-headed shaman, a matisse model turned nun, rogue CIA agents, and a squawking parrot, Robbins weaves a tale that challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality.
The naked parrot looked like a human fetus spliced onto a kosher chicken. It was so old it had lost every single one of its feathers, even its pinfeathers, and its bumpy, jaundiced skin was latticed b...- #8
Save:'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a novel written in an interview format that tells the story of a 70s rock band, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. The book delves into the lives of the band members, their rise to fame, struggles with addiction, complex relationships, and the dynamics within the group. The writing style, portrayed through interview transcripts, provides a unique and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the rock 'n' roll era.
Daisy Jones was born in 1951 and grew up in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. The daughter of Frank Jones, the well-known British painter, and Jeanne LeFevre, a French model, Daisy start... Christopher Moore's 'Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal' is a clever and engaging avenue into a story about Jesus Christ's early life. The novel humorously fills in the blanks of Christ's childhood through the eyes of his best friend Biff, incorporating elements of Taoism, Buddhism, Kung Fu, and yoga into the narrative. The book offers a lighthearted and irreverent take on the missing years of Christ's life, blending humor with thought-provoking insights and a unique perspective on religious history.
The first time I saw the man who would save the world he was sitting near the central well in Nazareth with a lizard hanging out of his mouth. Just the tail end and the hind legs were visible on the o...- #10
Save:Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins is a whimsical novel that blends fantastical scenarios with social commentary. The book follows a stockbroker named Gwen who embarks on a journey with a mysterious man named Larry Diamond, exploring themes of materialism, spirituality, and absurdity. Robbins' writing style in this novel is described as maniacal, poetic, and hypnotic, with characters that defy Earth's physics and a narrative that mixes magic realism with eccentricity.
The day the stock market falls out of bed and breaks its back is the worst day of your life. Or so you think. It isnt the worst day of your life, but you think it is. And when you give voice to that t...
