Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

By: Tom Robbins

Narrated by: Michael Nouri

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Sissy Hankshaw, an almost flawlessly beautiful small-town girl with big-time dreams, hitchhikes her way into your heart, your hopes, and your sleeping bag in Tom Robbins's magical, funny, and most famous novel. Follow Sissy's amazing odyssey from Virginia to chic Manhattan to the Dakota Badlands, where FBI agents, cowgirls, and ecstatic whooping cranes explode in a deliciously drawn-out climax. Along the way, you'll meet such unforgettable characters as Bonanza Jellybean and the smooth-riding cowgirls of Rubber Rose Ranch; Chink, the lascivious guru of yams and yang; Julian, an asthmatic Mohawk; and Dr. Robbins, the preventive psychiatrist and reality instructor. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues is Tom Robbins at his offbeat, outrageous, and inventive best.

©1976 by Thomas Robbins (P)1993 Dove Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This is one of those special novels - a piece of working magic, warm, funny, and sane - that you just want to ride off into the sunset with." (Thomas Pynchon)

Nothing can prepare a reader for Tom Robbins

Tom Robbins is the most imaginative writer in the English language. "Even....Blues" is another composition blending the mystical and spiritual with humor and unexpected plot twists. The story is a creative exploration of modern society and human nature.

Not my favorite

Jitterbug Perfume is one of my favorite books. I thought I would give another Tom Robbins book a try. This story is very dated and definitely not politically correct. For example, I flinched every time the book referred to "the chink", who was actually Japanese to boot. In the audio version the accent the reader gave to him also made me cringe.

Great book

Reread it again. Musical and beautiful. This time I took different things out of it, highly recommend it to listen to it and to read it again maybe every 5 years

Not my favorite Robbins

I'm working my way through all of Tom Robbins' books, but this wasn't my favorite. I'll give it an "OK," but "Fierce Invalids..." and "Frog Pajamas..." are the types of books that I will actually listen to more than once. I wouldn't listen to this one a second time.

You Did It Again

I only take in a new Tom Robbins book every few years. This is number 3 for me and it's an Experience every time.

Beyond words

It’s a piece of art. Touches on so many things that all lead to inner love for ourselves and others

Better than the sum of its parts

I have always wanted to read this book. I saw the Uma Thurman film. I liked enough of it to get me interested in the book. Ten years later I have achieved this ambition and I'm quietly pleased with the achievement.
The novel is quirky, if not "out there". It is interestingly serious amongst the throw away one liners, clever phrases and plain ribald humour. It may be a bit too racy for some sensibilities and it must have been damn near banned when it was published. But, for all that, it is clever introspective about the pervading social condition in the US of its day and remarkably forward thinking. I think it is still very relevant, today.
It won't appeal to you if you are sensitive about four letter words (including the C word). It won't appeal to you if you think government and authority are always to be respected without question. It won't appeal to you if you are squeamish about birds and animals. It might not even be your cup of tea if you are a serious feminist (because it is feminism from one man's point of view).
On the other hand, I think you will really enjoy the belly laughs, the satire and the insight if you suspend your judgment for, say, the first 10 Chapters.
I thought Michael Nouri did a wonderful job with the text; 31/2 if I could give that rating. I could hear him on the discovery Channel as the cranes came to roost. The story is very clever too. almost a 4. Overall, I thought it was better than just good, hence the Overall assessment.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

This is a GOOD book! It's at least on par with Robbins other writing. I really enjoyed it. If you enjoyed Fierce Invalids ... or Half Asleep ... then you probably enjoy Robbins irreverent prosaic genius and are entertained by the ideas and the depth he includes in his well constructed stories. He delivers all this in this book too. Don't pass this book up. It's worth your time.

Strange, quere, excellent

My first contact to the work of Tom Robbins. What a interesting and funny story. A sinphony of words where one is tempted to rewind or pause often to comprehend the authors thoughts. Irving meets Djian, meets Kotzwinkle... just great!!

A Tom Robbins Must

ludicrous! meta! lovely! if you are curious about this author, start here! Haha, hoho, and hee hee!