Lamb by Christopher Moore (2003, Paperback, Reprint)

My sister insisted that I had to read this book, and from the moment I started I could not put it down! It is literally laugh-out-loud funny! Christopher Moore captures the essence of boyhood in Jerusalem in an amazingly desciptive (and funny) manner, which really brings the reader in. Biff's antics remind you of that friend everyone has at some point, the crazy one who is blissfully ignorant of the stuff that stresses everyone else out. The characters along the way and the explanation of how Jesus evolves into the man he becomes are creative, funny and truly entertaining. One of the best books I have read in a long time!

I read this book on a recommendation from a friend. I truly did not know what to expect. It's hilarious without being disrespectful to the characters (mainly Jesus). Imagine it being written by the author of Forrest Gump where real events are embellished on regarding their origins. For instance Biff says it was his idea to put milk in coffee to lessen the bitterness. The humor is well placed and consistent. I loved this book.

If you take your bible with a grain a salt or can find humor in yourself and the world, then this book is right up your alley.

Moore looks to fill in the 30 year biblical gap of Jesus' life between birth and death. Levi who is called Biff, Joshua's (Jesus in Greek tradition) best friend, accompanies Josh through his travels to become the Messiah. This heartfelt and comedic look at what transformed Jesus from child of Nazareth to Savior is audacious and irreverant and not as offensive as the title or subject matter might lead one to believe.

The journey takes Joshua and Biff from Nazareth to Afghanistan, to a Busshist monestary in China to India while tracking the three wise men to learn the lessons they have to offer and ending with a return to Isreal and an alternative hypothesis of the resurrection. The travels are wild and extravagent as you imagine would necessarily be to transform the child of God to the Savior of Man and touching through the end of Christ's life. Biff as is necessary to protect and save Josh is ever good at getting out of trouble with wit, sarcasm, lying and cheating and faithfully resolves to take part in sin for the benefit of Josh.

If you notice little things and can put them together you will notice Jesus and Biff should be credited for creating cappucino. Just one enticing and witty mark in this very entertaining book.

Now that I am done this one, I'm off ot get the rest of Christopher Moore's works.

This was the first Christopher Moore book I ever read, and even though I have since devoured every other book he's produced, "LAMB" still remains my favorite. In fact, it's my favorite book, period.

The other reviews have already told you what this is about, but let me add that it is not simply a toungue-in-cheek look at the eighteen missing years of Jesus of Nazareth; it is the story of a guy who truly loves his best friend. Biff is a great friend, and seeing as you all know how this story ends (hint: Jesus is crucified), you can guess just how much it rips Biff apart. This book is as touching and bittersweet as it is hilarious and controversial.

Try not to judge this before you read it. It not only made me laugh, it made me cry. Christopher Moore has written an excellent, FICTIONAL story about friendship that everyone who's ever had a best friend should read.

This book was recommended to me by a friend from church- GREAT way to understand that religion should be taken with a grain of salt and a good amount of faith. A great story about what actually happens during those mysterious years in the teens and twenties of Christ's life- that are hilarious, but make so much sense. Well worth the read.

THIS BOOK IS FUNNY, ALTHOUGH IT IS IRREVERENT IT DOES NOT DENIES JESUS OR HIS GREATNESS. THERE IS FOUL LANGUAGE, BUT I STILL ENJOYED THIS BOOK

Thanks for asking - I never received the book. US POSTAL said the item was mailed from Denver, Co on 7 July. I know MEDIA MAIL is the slowest, but should've made it here in a month.

I know, the seller did his/her part and USPS probably lost it.

JWalters

This is my first book by this author but will not be the last. His imagination and story telling are par excellance. And his off the wall humor is unbelievable. He finds humor in just about all situations makes side-splitting references to current events. history, mythology, et al. Once you start, you won't put it down. If you like this, you should also read "Fluke".

I haven't even read this book yet, and I already know it's excellent. I love Christopher Moore. The man has got to be mentally unbalanced, and that's why he can make me laugh out loud at inappropriate times. Definitely worth the read.

A laugh out loud novel!

I picked this up based on the cover ( I know, I know - Don't judge a book by its cover) But boy - am I glad I did!

Moore writes like he's having a personal conversation with you. Very witty and interesting writing style.

bought it for a book club and totally loved it! it made me laugh out loud almost every other page! a bit "irreverant" but thoroughly enjoyable!

This book was recommended to me by three different people, and when I finally read it, I could see why. It is a hilarious account of the story of Jesus Christ, particularly during the period before he started preaching and gathering disciples. It combines aspects of Eastern religions to explain the difference in Jesus's teachings as opposed to those of the Old Testament, as well as a lot of simply funny (some might say sacriligious) material. As someone who was raised in the church and knows the Bible well (but am a liberal Presbyterian, not a fundamentalist), I felt that I enjoyed it more than someone who was not familiar with Christianity might. As it states in the epilogue, "Lamb is peppered with biblical references, both real and made-up.... if the reader knows the Bible well enough to recognize the real references, theres a good chance that he or she has decided not to read this book." I've read several of Christopher Moore's books, and this one is the best by far.

My 19 year old son is an avid reader and he asked for all the Christopher Moore books for Christmas. He's already read all the ones I was able to find!! He said they were his favorite presents!!!

Christopher Moore's great book on the "in-between" years of Jesus (his adventures with his best friend 'Biff')will have even the most die-hard believer laughing until the tears come...and then elbowing strangers in the ribs and quoting paragraphs and pages! The only folks who might not like this are the most humorless fundamentalists who can't imagine that God might have a sense of humor.

Imagine Jesus standing at the newly-opened grave of Lazarus, dead for four days: (paraphrase) "Lazarus, come out!"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"Because I'm all yucky."

"We're going to need some soap and water...and bandages. Get me some bandages...lots of bandages!"

As a Lutheran minister, I've dared to share some excerpts from this book with folks in some of my Bible studies...but to get the full punch, you've got to read the book.

I haven't laughed this much since reading Michael Malone's "Handling Sin" (copyright 1986), which doesn't purport to be a biblical epic, but is downright hilarious. "Lamb" is over the top.

So maybe you don't know much about the life of Jesus (the biblical account, anyway). That's okay; "Lamb" assumes some familiarity with the basic story, but you'll still find a whole lot to chuckle about. And you might just discover a curiosity to go back and compare Moore's story with the biblical record. Hey, go for it!

Great read; share it with a friend!

Rev. Richard Rentner

I love Christopher Moore but this happens to be his best book ever. It is the story of Jesus growing up, told through the eyes of his best mischievous friend Biff. Some argue this book is sacrilegious but I completely I disagree. It is funnier if you know some stories of the bible but even if you have no religious background,have no interest in religion at all, or are a devout Christian, this book is for everybody to enjoy.

As an avid reader of Christopher Moore books, this by far, is the best of his stories. Sarcastic, sharp, and fantastic- this book is always a good read. Perfect story telling of Jesus' tales and adventures as told by his best friend Biff. I would recommend this read for those who appreciate sarcasm, and other authors like David Sedaris, Douglas Coupland, Laurie Notaro. Very few things in life bring as much laughter as this book. Please read, and give it to every one you know!!

This is the second time I've bought this book. Last time I loaned it to someone and never got it back. It is absolutely hysterical, and those who have a sense of humor about their faith should really enjoy this book. It's the story of the missing years of Jesus (called Josh in the book) as told by his incredibly irreverent best friend Biff. Together they journey the world to find the 3 wise men so Jesus to learn from them, so he can become the Messiah.

If you can stand a little fun poked at the bible and the life of Jesus, you should read this book. One of the funniest things I've read in a long time. Had me laughing out loud from page one. I'm in the midst of ordering more Christopher Moore novels right now. This guy is a terrific writer.

this book is fiction but it gives you a little insight on what it might have been in a way for Biff! and Jesus.
I do not recomend it if you are closed minded. But like I said it is purely fiction and enjoyable reading!
just all around a fun book!