Reviewers have consistently linked Robbins with Thomas Pynchon, John Barth, Kurt Vonnegut, and Richard Brautigan. Robbins, like these authors, writes "metafiction," fiction in which the nature of writing itself is explored.

In Another Roadside Attraction, Robbins frequently addresses the reader directly, commenting on the action of the novel and pointing the reader to his themes. In addition, the structure of the novel is unconventional; the divisions of the novel are not arranged in chronological order, obliging the reader to work at constructing the text.

Both stylistically and thematically, Robbins seems to be most closely connected with Pynchon. Clearly, there is documentation of Pynchon's familiarity with Robbins's work; Pynchon has written quite warmly of Robbins's ability as storyteller. Additionally, readers have noted similarities between Pynchon and Robbins in their mutual devotion to uncertainty and their delight in absurdity. Indeed, The Crying of Lot 49 and Another Roadside Attraction...