No novelist sees the world in all its mesmerising contradictions like Tom Robbins, the New York Times bestselling author of HALF ASLEEP IN FROG PAJAMAS. In his biggest novel yet, Robbins explores, challenges, mocks and celebrates virtually every major aspect of our millennial eraIn FIERCE INVALIDS HOME FROM HOT CLIMATES the fearless, inimitable and always entertaining Tom Robbins brings on stage the most complex and compelling character he has ever created.Switters is a contradiction for all seasons- an anarchist who works for the government, a pacifist who carries a gun, a vegetarian who sops up ham gravy, a cyberwhiz who hates computers, a robust bon vivant to can be as squeamish as any fop; a man, who, though obsessed with the preservation of innocence, is aching to deflower his high-school age stepsister (and later becomes enamoured of a nun ten years his senior). Yet there's nothing remotely wishy washy about Switters. He doesn't merely pack a pistol. He is a pistol.Robbins has said that throughout the writing of FIERCE INVALIDS HOME FROM HOT CLIMATES he was guided by the advice of Julia Child- "Learn to handle hot things. Keep your knives sharp. Above all, have a good time." (Perhaps that's why he's managed to write a provocative, rascally novel that takes no prisoners - and yet is upbeat, edifying and fun.)"Tom Robbins has a grasp on things that dazzles the brain and he's also a world class storyteller" - Thomas PynchonPraise for HALF ASLEEP IN FROG PAJAMAS-"Tom Robbins continues to pour water on a dozing America" The author is one of the most inventive stylists writing today." - People"Turn off the television, unplug the telephone, curl up in bed (with or without pajamas) and consider this book as an interactive experience that requires neither cd-rom nor a modem." - Entertainment Weekly