Members of discussion groups generally divide themselves into three categories when they discuss Robbins's novels: those who do not understand what he is talking about; those who find his ideas immoral or offensive; and those who delight in his playful social criticism. Another Roadside Attraction will probably produce this sort of division among discussion group members. It may be useful to confront Robbins's controversial themes head on and begin with his attack on Christianity. Another area which may generate much interest is drugs. Is the novel irresponsible in its promotion of mindaltering substances? Is our society too inflexible in its prohibition of psychedelic drugs? Discussion leaders should be prepared for potentially heated debate.

A less controversial direction may involve the classification of Robbins himself. Is he a western writer? A humorist? A counter-culture novelist?

Some combination of these? Related to this, a group may find discussing...