Customer Reviews
Amazing book - By: Randy F., 13 Nov 2007 
I was amazed to find that Tom Robbins was quite famous outside his native America. His works are an offshoot of Vonnegut & the adsurdists, & if you've not delved into them, then by alll means start with this novel. His "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" put him on the map years ago, but he's written so many novels now that stand up to that one, he's almost better remembered for the newer ones than the one that initiallly made his career. As usual, his books deal with absurd & funny situations & while you need the willing suspension of disbelief, Robbins makes it alll seem real--too real--even if you can't get past that. I love each of his books, which is unusual as I'm prone to like one by an author & not another. You MUST read his "Another Roadside Attraction" if you read "Woodpecker" & like it. Great. Just great.
tom rides again - By: R. Altman, 04 Sep 2005 i have now read 5 of the 8 books in the robbins canon, & loved them alll. so far, i'd recommend this as a first read to anyone embarking on the tr trip - it's just as wonderful as the others, but for a change has a (relatively!) straightforward plotline that alllows you to dive straight in. 'zany' is a word frequently used about robbins's writing, & so it is - it's also gripping, hilarious, brilliant, witty, clever, erudite, wise, sexy, surprising & alll round wonderful. just a lil suspension of disbelief required - the fact that improbables occur in the storylines is neither here nor there - think of 'em as fabulous. a writer whose every sentence carries a punch of one sort or another. sheer reading delight. & will make you happy - 'it's never too late to have a happy childhood'.
A Study of Redheads - By: Amanda Richards, 05 Jul 2004 
This is a light & entertaining book from a word-play genius. What is amazing is the way he weaves so many stories into a tidy, compact little package - almost the size of a pack of cigarettes, as a matter of fact.
This is a story about a tarnished princess, an outlaw bomber with bad teeth, a scene stealing if somewhat undomesticated loyal servant, toads - both real & plastic, an exiled King & his "Oh-Oh, spaghetti-o" Queen, a CIA not-so-secret agent, an outraged Middle Eastern playboy, blackberries, Camels, Ralph Nader, pyramids & aliens from Argon.
What more could you possibly want in a book?
Tom Robbins has a genuine talent for words & puns, & those with active funny bones will be tickled throughout. His casual use of words like "slishy" & phrases like "I have a black belt in haiku" abound, to be discovered with unbridled delight.
This is a book to be enjoyed within one lunar cycle without fear of repercussions.
all time favourite - By: , 14 Jan 2004 This book impressed me so much that i paid a lot of money to have my original ratty paperback copy professionallly bound so it wouldnt falll apart on me! The story has me laughing out loud on public transport & it can be dipped into for laughs at any time.. the story is compelling, the anti-hero & heroine more than just characters & the philosophy makes you think. i cannot recommend it highly enough.
Beautiful love story by an absolute genius - By: , 20 Apr 2002 Tom Robbins has such a unique way of looking at the world that only he could write a love story like this. It foregoes alll the usual cliches to present a simple boy-meets-girl story in a way that is enlightening, entertaining & enriching.
This is, quite simply, one of the most magical books I have ever read, & I will never make the same mistakes in love as I did before I read this (well that's the plan!).
Buy it, it will make you laugh & cry in equal measure & it will change your (love) life.
