In each of his previous five novels, Tom Robbins has been concerned with redefining the individual's relationship to society in an attempt to correct a society that limits its members' spiritual development. This novel proves to be no exception. Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas presents Robbins's critique of the business world, specifically stockbrokers whose commitment to making money distorts their characters and prevents them from achieving selfawareness and spiritual fulfillment.

Gwendolyn Mati, a twenty-nine-year old stockbroker for the Seattle brokerage house of Posner Lampard McEvoy and Jacobsen, serves as the focus for Robbins's investigation of misplaced American values.

Virtually all of Gwen's decisions have been motivated by greed, and as the novel opens, she sees the end of her career approaching, brought about by the collapse of the New York stock market. Her questionable deals will result in the loss of huge sums by her clients...