Moore is more

Have you ever wondered what Jesus did before miracle work? Ever mused over an adolescent Christ and the trouble he undoubtedly caused? Christopher Moore explores the possibilities in his hilariously funny epic, "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal." This seemingly real prologue to the Bible unveils the invention of sarcasm, the integration of bacon into Jewish faith, and the multitude of women Jesus had a chance to sleep with. As comical as the novel sounds, it is also a highly researched masterpiece. Moore, as any writer should, took his time to learn the ins and outs of the Bible, translate it into layman's terms, and add dashes of his own creative genius. A most delicious recipe of satire, wit, and humor ensued.

Levi-who-is-called-Biff writes his version of the Gospel under surveillance of the Angel Raziel in a high rise hotel in modern day San Francisco, California. This lends the story an extra edge as it gives Moore two levels of narration with which to "wow" his audience.

Moore's first words as Biff hook a reader's attention immediately. A clever claim of being present in Christ's life is swiftly proven by an image of the savior with a lizard hanging from his mouth. From this moment in the text, there is no putting the book down. Moore takes his readers with him into a hurricane of hilarity, then gently washes them ashore with a heart-warming ending of love.

If you enjoy anything related to irony, bacon, Jesus, or the Bible, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone of any faith and any background knowledge of the original Bible or texts related to the Bible.

"Lamb" should be in everyone's house, book group, and "favorite books" list.