Cheap Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (Book) (TOM ROBBINS) Price

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Customer Reviews of Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

excellent
Simply put, reading Even Cow Girls Get the Blues is fun. Robbin's prose are not only easy to read but a pleasure. While this book has a deeper meaning than the story, and provides many ideas worthy of philosophical reflection, it also provides a comical story that makes the book a pleasant escape from the world. Robbin's humor is undeniable, and created through his masterful use of the language as well as the plot of the novel. While the novel becomes tedious in places, Robbins sometimes discusses his philosophical ideas point blank - directly to the reader - instead of revealing them implicity through the developement of his novel, such digressions are infrequent and rarely last for more than a page. And of course, the idea of Sissy, a maestro in the world of hitchkicking, is so unique and original that it provides a freshness that is both captivating and invigorating. If for no other reason, you should read this book for Sissy's monologues of her experience, and expertise, when it comes to hitch hikking.

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Insightful romp
There is a certain kind of novel in which the author takes a handful of quirky characters, tosses them into a pot of somewhat absurd occurrences, and stirs vigorously. Such novels typically end up half-read and remembered as immature drivel. But Robbins is a skilled chef and has added the key final ingredient: a healthy pinch of perspective and philosophizing.

So Cowgirls becomes a playful romp through the life of hitchhiking Sissy Hankshaw and her association with "typical" society members (her husband, her employer) as well as atypical society members (Bonanza Jellybean, the "Chink"). These associations and influences are bridged by the eponymous Dr. Robbins. Not all of Robbins' philosophy made sense, and sections of the book were boring / seemed purely absurd. But his general theme of finding one's place and "making lemonade out of lemons" (a trite way of summarizing Robbins' work, admittedly) and the symbols of the majestically goofy cranes work quite nicely.

It'll be awhile before I'm ready for another Robbins but I will certainly be reading another.

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silly throwaway entertainment
Maybe my expectations are too high or I am a snob, but I thought this was a truly lousy novel. It is a typical frivolous 70s-style story, posturing as a more genuine 1960s anti-establishment statement but really just baldly commercial.

The plot is full of characters that are 2-dimensional sterotypes, from the neurotic Indian advertising artist to the guru in the desert. With its breathtaking pretentions, it is not even as good as a TV sitcom.

Not recommended. Watch Mork & Mindy or re-runs of the original Saturday night live instead, if you want a genuine 70s experience.