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Book Review of A Dirty Job

A Dirty Job
A Dirty Job
Author: Christopher Moore
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 121 more book reviews


2 Words that describe the book: Dying (of) Laughter

3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:

1. Setting: San Francisco, CA, modern times
2. Charlie Ashera normal guy (a "Beta Male") with a normal life ... until his wife dies shortly after childbirth and he become Death.
3. SophieCharlie's young daughter, who seems to have problem keeping pets alive until she gets two 400-pound hellhounds to protect her from the increasingly strange happenings that seem to happen around her and her father. And it turns out young Sophie has some special talents of her own.

4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it:

1. I like this author. He has such a good imagination and (often dark) sense of humor, but it is wrapped up in this amazingly compassionate and human point of view that keeps his books from being just about the jokes.
2. I liked how Moore incorporated research into mythology and religion (in this case, the Tibetan Book of the Dead and creatures called Morrigans from Irish Celtic mythology) into the story.
3. I liked how Moore creates these outlandish story lines, but his characters remain firmly grounded in the real world. In fact, I think this juxtaposition is what makes his books so amusing. Charlie may be Death, but he's got a bunch of problems like anyone else.4. I liked all the little extras in my version of the book: a glow-in-the-dark cover and The Official, Christopher Moore-Sanctioned "Are You A Beta Male?" Quiz.

5 Stars or less for your rating?

I'm giving the book 4 stars. If you haven't picked up on it by now, I just adore Christopher Moore's books. I didn't think this book was as good as Lamb, but only in the sense that I got 2.3 laughs per page instead of 4.2. If you enjoy wicked humor with an edge (and a heart), Moore is the author for you.