Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Christopher Moore is more than a little crazy........but then genius is often labeled that way.

He most obviously did extensive research for this book (seriously, not kidding here) and puts a very humorous twist to his conjecture on how Christ spent the "un-documented" years.

A very enjoyable read, especially if you have any kind of religious training left over from your youth (and not just Christian either).

Highly recommended.

I admit, I laughed my way through the first half of this book. Moore has a knack for dialog, mixing the bizarre and mundane at will and with great success. The random factor is deliciously high, but not obnoxiously so, and the sparse, oddly-focused prose fits the subject matter perfectly.

But- you knew there was a but coming -I put this book down after the first part and I do not ever wish to have anything to do with it ever again. Moore chose to use the only prominent female character (Maggie, AKA Mary Magdalene) as a plot device in the most offensive way possible. Not only is she forced into a marriage to someone she hates, but the two male leads are perfectly happy to leave her behind while they set off for an adventure.

Please. This is the twentieth century. This situation is not only trite, but misogynist. Perhaps it fits the time period where the book is set. This is a book about Jesus where a character sings a dirge involving the phrase "wacka wacka", so spare me.

Christopher Moore, women are not plot devices or chattel. Thanks for nothing!

Although I have only read the first one hundred pages or so, I found myself chuckling out loud at points. The only other author who has illicitted that affect on my is Davis Sedaris. A basic knowledge of christian theology is helpful to understand the "inside jokes" but not necessary to enjoy this book. The recount of Jesus (Josh) as preteen acting out biblical stories, the likes of Lot and the Sodomites is absolutely hysterical. In addition to the biblical satire, such humane issues like adolescent love (and lust) are addressed in an authentic, charming manner. I look forward to finishing it and would recommend a read.

Entertaining, provocative, fun to read. The story of Christ told in a very different and amusing fashion, still escaping sacrilege.
Have given several as gifts to friends who have also thoroughly enjoyed the book!

Will you enjoy Christopher Moore's LAMB, the story of Jesus Christ's lost years as told by his bosom buddy, Biff (a.k.a. Levi)? That is the question, and a lot depends upon your sense of humor. First of all, if you take your religion seriously, maybe you shouldn't even start the book. Second of all, what makes you laugh? Toilet humor? Sexual humor? Monty Python-style humor? Saturday Night Live-type humor? Lay it on with a cudgel humor? If the answer to many of these questions is "yes," then I say go for it and give Moore's iconoclastic romp a ride.

For me, the book had many strengths and weaknesses. As a strength, I see Moore using humor as a vehicle to promote tolerance in Christianity, a device I liked. Also, the book covers some of the basic tenets of Buddhism and Hinduism by having Joshua (Jesus) and Biff (Levi) travel to China and India. Moore did his research not only on this, but on the historical setting and history of Christ's lifetime under the Roman occupation, and good information can be gleaned underneath all the jests. Finally, many, many lines in this book are genuinely funny.

For weaknesses, I'd start with the book's unevenness. Certain narrative arcs are dwelled on for too long, while others (most notably the ending) are inexplicably rushed. Also, the same humor which serves Moore so well can betray him at times. That is, he goes over the top and perhaps grows too insistent now and then. For instance, use of profanity for shock-value humor (say, coming out of the Lord's and certainly out of Biff's mouth) lose their shock value once the card is played too often. And the plot begins to collapse when Moore introduces monster chases and the abominable snowman. Monsters and yetis? It's just too much and probably would best have been deleted so he could focus on his main plot.

This review is conflicted. I surely do not want to dissuade you from reading it, I just want you to gauge the style of writing and humor you like before taking the plunge. If you like a breezy read and savor Adam Sandler/Will Ferrell movies, you'll probably be 5-starring this book. If you're like me and have your limits with all that frat-boy fun (yes, you like to indulge, but moderation is your byword), then proceed with caution.