Cherie (CheriePie) reviewed Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
This was a funny book. I'm not sure that I liked it as much as Moore's other works, but I guess that's to be expected since I didn't resonate with the Christianity aspect as much as others who follow the religion and know it's history would. However, that being said, I did recognize a few things from what I recall of the story of Jesus, for instance, it was funny the way he worked the walking on water thing into the story at one point, as if it was something Joshua (his real name) did every day. And the way they'd talk, even the Buddhist monks, saying things like, "Just fucking with you..." That was a hoot! A sarcastic and ironic tale, in the manner I've come to expect from Moore. I only hope that Christian fundies didn't get all over his ass for writing this, and took it with the grace and humour with which I'm sure was the author's intent.
Barbara W. reviewed Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
Those who enjoy sarcastic wit and are not easily offended will love this book. It is really very funny, but is also for adults only due to language and situations. The main character, Biff, is Jesus' best friends throughout their short lives. He tells many a tale that didn't make it into the "final cut" of the Bible. Great humor, some food for thought, and very irreverent. Enjoy!
KELLY M. (thewoobdog) reviewed Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This book definitely had moments of hilarity, with a rather 'Monty Python: Life of Brian' feel. Christopher Moore's surprising flashes of insight into human nature give one the sense that the author is poking fun at the entire human race, himself included, and often surprises one into laughing at oneself.
There are also sections where the book seems to drag, like a comic skit that would have been funny for 2 minutes but is monotonous when extended to 10. Thankfully, these sections are the exception rather than the rule - on the whole the book is engaging and humorous, although some might feel that the humor borders on heresy or blasphemy. The overall tone is not one of a writer hell-bent (pun intended) on poking holes in religious belief or angrily attacking people of certain belief systems - rather, it tends to be a humorous and often self-deprecating look at the traditions, origins, and tenets of several spiritual belief systems, and more often than not provokes one to examine the underlying supports of one's own beliefs (or lack thereof).
I can definitely see where Lamb would completely offend the sensibilities of some and seem like the epitome of hilarity to others; for me personally it fell somewhere in between, but I (cautiously!) recommend it as a quick and fun read, if one isn't too sensitive about having one's toes stepped on.
There are also sections where the book seems to drag, like a comic skit that would have been funny for 2 minutes but is monotonous when extended to 10. Thankfully, these sections are the exception rather than the rule - on the whole the book is engaging and humorous, although some might feel that the humor borders on heresy or blasphemy. The overall tone is not one of a writer hell-bent (pun intended) on poking holes in religious belief or angrily attacking people of certain belief systems - rather, it tends to be a humorous and often self-deprecating look at the traditions, origins, and tenets of several spiritual belief systems, and more often than not provokes one to examine the underlying supports of one's own beliefs (or lack thereof).
I can definitely see where Lamb would completely offend the sensibilities of some and seem like the epitome of hilarity to others; for me personally it fell somewhere in between, but I (cautiously!) recommend it as a quick and fun read, if one isn't too sensitive about having one's toes stepped on.
Heather S. (literati) reviewed Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Hilarious! Could possibly be seen as sacrilegious because of the topic, but I didn't see it that way: I thought it was great.
carlamo -
Helpful Score: 6
Far and away the most bizarre book I have ever read. I laughed constantly. Definitely not a book for close-minded people, people who take Christianity or Judaism, or well, ANY religion too seriously, people who are easily offended by sexual situations... you get the idea...
