Another Roadside Attraction: A Novel

I'm ready to declare Another Roadside Attraction the final book of the bible. While I'm willing to admit that this is not exactly fine literature, it's the most fun I've had in a while reading and also really made me think about things a bit. The first 50-60 pages are confusing, but the characters keep you going; I love Amanda's quotes ("There's no word for what I'm going to be when I grow up,"). Robbins' brilliant similes will keep a smile on your face the whole way. I've read almost all of Robbins' books, and this is by far the best I've read. If you want a fun little book that you'll be sure to keep on your shelf for a while, try out Another Roadside Attraction.

Fans of Tom Robbins' more recent work will enjoy going back and taking a look at his first novel, Another Roadside Attraction. From page one, the reader will note that the author's writing style is fully formed, fat, juicy, and full of snap. There are several little stories going on, but the one I like best goes something like this.A former college football player, banished from organized football after a carnal episode with his coach's wife, is hiking through the wet wilderness of Olympic National Park. He comes upon a murdered Catholic monk with a letter of introduction. Stealing the monk's clothes and assuming his identity, he continues on the path until he arrives at what was to be the monk's destination: a completely unknown monastary that serves as a training ground for the Vatican hit squad. Passing himself off as the murdered monk, he soon finds himself transferred to duty at the Vatican where, after some time, he is able to use the confusion created by a rather severe earthquake to sneak his way into the lowest, off-limits section of the Vatican catacombs. Who's body he finds, and what happens after that? Read the book.Five big stars for this one!

Tom Robbins has an inimitable writing style that could be described as "suculent". Just when you thought you have heard every turn of phrase, Tom finds yet another. As if this wasn't enough reason to read such an original author, Tom raises the ante by discussing the Big Issues in his books: art, religion, meaning of life. But instead of the reverent tone found in most spiritual writing, Tom uses humor.Some of the deeper issues in this book include: Would you believe in Jesus if you discovered he didn't resurrect? Would his failure to resurrect lessen his message? While you may disagree with Tom's conclusions, you'll certainly have fun while dealing with these issues. Enjoy.

This is my favorite book of all time. I think that the four main characters are absolutely perfect, the way they are written. You can't get more interesting and original. In fact, I consider Amanda to be the greatest fictional character I have ever read about in a novel. Just brilliantly written.The dialogue is fantastic, and story line and description of the whole book is just perfect. The first time I read this book, I was sitting out front of one of my classrooms with about 15 minutes to kill, so I figured I'd start reading this book that a friend of mine loaned me. When I looked up at the clock after taking a break from the pages, I realized that it was 3 hours later. This book totally captivated me, and I think I have lent that same copy to at least 20 different people over the years, and every one of them agreed with a full heart. It the single, greatest recommendation I have ever recieved. You have to read it!!!!! Thank you, Mr. Robbins for writing it. I'm totally serious.