Books Like...
'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.
If you liked Another Roadside Attraction, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'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... - #2
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 ... - #3
'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... - #4
'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... "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...- #6
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... - #7
'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.
- #8
"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... - #9
B is for Beer by Tom Robbins is a unique addition to the author's library, taking his brand of humor in a different direction towards children's literature for adults. The story follows Gracie, a young girl, as she embarks on a whimsical journey to learn about the history, creation, and distillation of beer with the help of The Beer Fairy. The book is described as a children's book for grown-ups or a grown-up book for children, intertwining humor, life lessons, and fairy tale elements in a short and engaging narrative.
- #10
'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test' by Tom Wolfe is a journalistic exploration into the counter culture of the 1960s, following Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters as they embark on a psychedelic journey across the United States and into Mexico. Wolfe captures the essence of the hippie movement, providing insight into the psychedelic experiences and the era of free love and experimentation.
Wolfe's writing style in the book is described as vivid, evocative, and journalistic, offering a unique perspective on the drug culture of the 1960s. The narrative delves into the lives of the characters, the use of psychedelic drugs, and the cultural icons of the time, creating a colorful and immersive portrayal of a significant period in American history.
THAT’S GOOD THINKING THERE, COOL BREEZE, COOL BREEZE is a kid with three or four days’ beard sitting next to me on the stamped metal bottom of the open back part of a pickup truck. Bouncing along. Dip...