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"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.

If you liked Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates, here are the top 88 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins
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    "Villa Incognito" by Tom Robbins is a novel that takes readers on a whimsical journey through Southeast Asia, blending elements of fantasy, folklore, and social commentary. The story follows American MIAs who have chosen to stay hidden in the jungle, a woman claiming Tanuki heritage with a chrysanthemum seed in her mouth, and a group of ex-pats involved in heroin smuggling for charitable purposes. Robbins' writing style is characterized by quirky characters, witty wordplay, and philosophical reflections, creating a narrative that is both surreal and insightful.

    What immediately follows is a brief, and only partial, clarification concerning Tanuki’s nature. To wit: while virtually everyone refers to him as a “badger,” to the point where “Badger” is practicall...

  2. #2

    Another Roadside Attraction by Tom Robbins
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    '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 ...

  3. #3

    Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins
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    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 ...

  4. #4

    Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins
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    '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...

  5. #5

    Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins
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    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...

  6. #6

    Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins
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    '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...

  7. #7

    Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins
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    '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.

    Blacksmiths hammered the Edge Serpent on the anvils of their closed eyelids. Wheelwrights rolled it, tail in mouth, down the cart roads of their slumber. Cooks roasted it in dream pits, seamstresses s...

  8. #8

    Tibetan Peach Pie by Tom Robbins
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    'Tibetan Peach Pie' by Tom Robbins is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's adventurous life, from his humble beginnings in North Carolina during the Great Depression to his rise as a successful fiction writer. Robbins writes with humor, wit, and a cosmic sensibility, blending down-home common sense, jazz riff, and Eastern philosophy to explore the cultural movements of the 60s and 70s. delves into Robbins' experiences with famous personalities like Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, his relationships, experimentation with hallucinogenics, and his search for meaning and adventure.

    Tom Robbins' 'Tibetan Peach Pie' is praised for its nostalgic portrayal of the author's childhood, insightful reflections on imagination, and humorous anecdotes. is described as touching, brimming with quotable material, and a wonderful addition to Robbins' body of work. Readers appreciate the author's unique writing style, which combines seriousness, fun, and folly, offering a glimpse into his unconventional life and philosophy.


  9. #9

    Scepticism inc by Bo Fowler
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    Scepticism, Inc. is a satirical exploration of religion and human nature, portrayed through absurd and humorous scenarios. The book delves into the absurdity of religious sects and the certainty of their beliefs, providing a critical commentary on organized religion and the behavior of its followers. The plot follows a unique narrative style, with inventive lampooning of hypocrisy and a subtle yet merciless satire on faith and human silliness.

    A month after Edgar's death the United Nations granted my request to become a space probe. I was hastily placed aboard Space Shuttle Virile and put into low earth orbit. I think they were glad to get ...

  10. #10

    The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove - Pine Cove by Christopher Moore
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    In the quirky coastal town of Pine Cove, California, strange occurrences begin when the local psychiatrist switches her patients' antidepressants with placebos, causing the townspeople to act erratically. To add to the chaos, an ancient sea beast named Steve appears, inducing abnormal levels of lust in both humans and animals. As the town spirals into madness, it's up to the local sheriff and a cast of colorful characters to unravel the mystery and save the day. Christopher Moore weaves a tale filled with humor, absurdity, and fantastical elements, creating a unique and entertaining story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    Told from multiple perspectives, including the Lust Lizard itself, 'The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove' maintains a good momentum throughout, blending elements of fantasy, humor, and mystery. Moore's signature writing style, characterized by zany characters and witty storytelling, brings to life a hilarious and offbeat narrative that offers a delightful escape into a world where the absurd meets the extraordinary.

    "Dear, dear, how queer everything is today! And yesterday everything went on just as usual. I wonder if I've been changed in thenight? Let me think: Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pine Cove )

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