Steve's review
Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins
Here’s a question for those who have read Tom Robbins: How would you describe him to the uninitiated? Certainly you’d have to say he’s quirky, in a wordplayful sort of way. His eccentric use of metaphors is like a Catskills comedian’s use of one-liners – it’s a big part of the act. There’s usually some substance to his writing, too. The social commentary is often straight from the flower power perspective, but he’s more insightful than most when it comes to articulating a view. He was an art major in school and did graduate work in religious history before becoming a journalist. Maybe I find him interesting because I have such a different background. The less structured thinking in a book like Jitterbug Perfume is a good antidote to econometric analysis texts.
It was a long time ago that I read my favorite Robbins books, but I think I’d still appreciate the humor, the artistry, and the full twisting verbal layouts in the pike position. One of the th...more
It was a long time ago that I read my favorite Robbins books, but I think I’d still appreciate the humor, the artistry, and the full twisting verbal layouts in the pike position. One of the th...more
Steve, I'm just grateful that you convinced me to read Tom Robbins! I think that I was put off by the titles to his books, so I had never given any thought to reading his stuff. As you may recall, I found him to be laugh out loud funny. That's how I would describe him--hilarious, left-field notions that are obviously the product of a first-rate mind.
I like your description, Susan: left-field notions from a first-rate mind. That sums up so much of what he's written. Plus, as Robbins fans will attest, it's much better than routine pop flies to short from a run-of-the-mill thinker.
