This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Even Cowgirls Get The Blues

   

   The novel follows the unconventional life of Sissy Hankshaw, a free-spirited woman born with abnormally large thumbs, which she turns into an asset by becoming a hitchhiking legend. Her journey takes her from a troubled childhood to a modeling career and eventually to the Rubber Rose Ranch, a haven for rebellious cowgirls. Along the way, Sissy encounters a cast of eccentric characters and explores themes of freedom, individuality, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The story is infused with humor, philosophical musings, and a celebration of nonconformity.

   The 9285th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Another Roadside Attraction

   

   The novel is a whimsical and philosophical exploration of counterculture in the 1970s, centered around a free-spirited couple who open a roadside zoo and hot dog stand in the Pacific Northwest. Their lives take a surreal turn when they come into possession of a mysterious and controversial religious artifact, leading them on a journey filled with eccentric characters, existential musings, and a critique of societal norms. The story blends humor, mysticism, and social commentary, challenging conventional beliefs and celebrating the pursuit of individual freedom and enlightenment.

   The 11245th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Skinny Legs and All

   

   The novel follows the story of Ellen Cherry Charles, an artist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, and her husband, Randolph "Boomer" Petway, who creates a mobile home out of a turkey. The narrative also includes inanimate objects - a Conch Shell, a Can of Beans, a Dirty Sock, a Painted Stick, and a Silver Spoon - that come to life and embark on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The book explores themes of love, art, religion, and the human condition, all with a blend of humor and philosophical insight.

   The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Still Life With Woodpecker

   A Sort of a Love Story

   

   The novel is a whimsical and philosophical exploration of love, individuality, and the search for meaning. It follows the unconventional romance between a rebellious princess and an outlaw bomber, set against the backdrop of a world grappling with environmental and societal issues. Through a series of humorous and surreal events, the characters navigate their desires and beliefs, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the possibility of creating a better world. The story is rich with Robbins' signature wit and vibrant prose, offering a playful yet profound commentary on the complexities of human existence.

   The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Jitterbug Perfume

   

   The novel weaves together multiple narratives across time and space, exploring themes of immortality, love, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Central to the story is the journey of a king from ancient Bohemia who seeks eternal life, intertwined with the modern-day adventures of perfumers in Seattle and New Orleans. As the characters' paths converge, the book delves into the mystical and sensual aspects of scent, celebrating the interconnectedness of life and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through its whimsical and philosophical storytelling, the novel challenges conventional notions of time, identity, and the essence of existence.

   The 17150th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Half Asleep In Frog Pajamas

   

   The novel is a quirky and satirical exploration of a young stockbroker's chaotic life during a financial crisis. Set over the course of a long Easter weekend, the protagonist navigates a series of bizarre and surreal events, including encounters with a mysterious con artist and a primate with unusual abilities. As she grapples with her personal and professional challenges, the story delves into themes of spirituality, consumerism, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to be unraveling. The narrative is infused with humor, philosophical musings, and Robbins' signature playful prose.

7. 7. Villa Incognito

   

   In a whimsical blend of myth and reality, the narrative unfolds across continents and decades, weaving together the lives of a mysterious trickster figure, a group of American pilots who vanished during the Vietnam War, and a peculiar family with a penchant for secrets. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the thin line between illusion and truth, all wrapped in a tapestry of humor and philosophical musings. As the characters navigate their intertwined destinies, they confront the complexities of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness in a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

8. 8. B Is For Beer

   A Children's Book for Grown-ups

   

   A whimsical and imaginative tale unfolds as a curious young girl embarks on a journey to understand the mysterious allure of beer. Her adventure begins with a simple question about the beverage that adults seem to enjoy so much, leading her to an unexpected encounter with a magical beer fairy. Through a blend of humor, fantasy, and insightful musings, the story explores themes of curiosity, the complexities of adult life, and the importance of questioning the world around us, all while maintaining a light-hearted and playful tone.

9. 9. Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates

   

   A quirky and adventurous tale follows Switters, a CIA operative with a penchant for breaking rules, as he embarks on a journey that takes him from the Amazon rainforest to the deserts of the Middle East. Switters, who is confined to a wheelchair due to a mysterious curse, navigates a world filled with eccentric characters, philosophical musings, and unexpected twists. His quest for enlightenment and personal freedom challenges societal norms and explores the boundaries between chaos and order, all while maintaining a humorous and irreverent tone.
10. 10. Wild Ducks Flying Backward

    

    A lively, irreverent collection of short essays and stories that blend surreal humor, playful language, and sharp cultural critique to explore love, sex, spirituality, art, and the eccentricities of modern life; the pieces range from whimsical meditations and satirical portraits to thought-provoking riffs on freedom and meaning, all delivered with a mischievous voice that celebrates individuality and invites readers to see the ordinary anew.

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