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

Kristen rated it:

04/01/08

Read in January, 2008

recommends it for: fans of absurdist humor. 15 year olds who like to pretend they're 18.

Remember back in 9th grade when you wrote a wonderful, insightful papers for every assignment and then, eventually, you got cocky, got drunk on your own brilliance, got sloppy and lazy with self assurance? And, inevitably, your next paper would come back with a comment from your teacher that went something like this "Accurate, and mildly interesting, but doesn't compare with your previous work...What happened?" This is what I felt like writing in my copy of "Lamb" ab...more Remember back in 9th grade when you wrote a wonderful, insightful papers for every assignment and then, eventually, you got cocky, got drunk on your own brilliance, got sloppy and lazy with self assurance? And, inevitably, your next paper would come back with a comment from your teacher that went something like this "Accurate, and mildly interesting, but doesn't compare with your previous work...What happened?" This is what I felt like writing in my copy of "Lamb" about 120 pages in.
There's a really lovely forward to this book, inviting believers and non believers alike to enjoy the book, take what they need from it, disregard the rest. I should have liked to take the first 1/3 of the book and left the rest. The story's protagonist is not Christ himself, but his best buddy Biff, brough back from the dead by an angel of the Lord. The reason for Biff's resurrection is that the Powers that Be (Uh, God) has decided that the Bible doesn't really tell us enough of what happens to Jesus between the time He's born and around 30, when He becomes a big deal with His proclaiming to be the Son of God bit. So, Biff is brought back by the angel Raziel to write the Gospel According to Biff, giving us an insight to Jesus from the man who knew him best.
What a great idea. It's such a great idea, that as a writer, I'm jealous and annoyed I didn't come up with it first. Anyone unclear as to why they've never come across a "Biff" in their readings of Leviticus or Matthew should note that the protagonist's real name is Levi. He's just called Biff. Just like Jesus Christ, who's name in Hebrew translates to Joshua. At first I thought this was a clever trick of Moore's, enabling the reader to see past what we already know about Jesus Christ by giving that character a new name. That was, of course, before I got to the chapter where Joshua and Biff are living in a desert fortress with one of the three Magi and seven Asian concubines. Yup. You read that sentence correctly. Incidentally, that's where it all went down hill for me.
The early chapters are full of clever twists on things we already know or think we know about the life of Jesus in 5 B.C. We meet a young Mary Magdalene, and surprise surprise, she does have a crush on the Boy Who Would be the Savior, but her story take a delicious turn I didn't see coming and won't spoil for you. We also meet Jes..um, Joshua's parents, Joseph and Mary, and get a little insight into the caprenter and the virgin who produced the world's most famous son. The world of Joshua and Biff is contextualized for us, made relatable, by modern day Biff, reminiscing not only on his childhood but trying to compare it to this strange world he suddenly finds himself alone in.
Then, with almost no warning, the innocent reader is thrust into a world of sex, drugs, and kung fu. My complaint is not with the sex, drugs, kung fu, meditation, yaks, human sacrifices, and bull violating but with the seemnig randomness in the story. It's like Moore got a little too comfortable with how well he was going and jumped the shark. I have no problem with the fact that theoretically Jesus, oh right, JOSHUA, would study with Buddhist monks except this...it doesn't fit in the story. Who cares iff it doesn't fit in history, this is fiction after all, but it doesn't fit in the narration.
As the book goes on, we touch in less and less with modern day Biff, losing our conduit to the world that is slowly but sreuly getting more outlandish and harder to stay connected with. And then BAM! There are the last four chapters, with the ending we all know, slapdashed on the page as if the author has to interest in them himself, so why should we? And then the books over. Arguably, that is the author's point. This book, Biff's Gospel, is about Joshua's life, not his death, and neither Moore, nor Biff, will give us the safisfaction of retreading every moment of the end, like some perverse literary "The Passion of the Christ." But to me, that is mute point. "Lamb" prides itself, from the first sentence, on shocking us with insight and irreverance for what most people think is the most mporant story of our time. The charm of the book, of Biff himself, is that he treats his pal like anybody else...well, not quite true. He treats Joshua as his best friend in the world, but not as the Savior. By repriving the reader of the true anguish at the death of a best friend, Moore looses something...His book had smarts and it had charm. What it's missing is heart. A more detailed ending could have given us that. Without it, the book was accuate and mildly interesting...what happened?
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Chris rated it:

02/09/08

bookshelves: fantasy, humor, top-shelf

Read in October, 2006

Knowing my friends, I don't see any reason why I should have to put a caution into this, but here it is: if you're not open to the reinterpretation of the life of Jesus, speculation on the gaps in the gospels and the possibility of pan-religious values, then you should probably not read this book. Nor should you really be using the internet - there's just too much nasty "Free Thinking" out there.
Okay, that'll weed out the wusses.

Each time I read this, I love it more. It's Moore's...more

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Shannon rated it:

03/09/08

bookshelves: 2008, contemporary-historical-fiction, humour, religious

Read in March, 2008

**some spoilers**

Lamb starts with one of my favourite quotes, which sets the scene very aptly: "God is a comedian playing to an audience that is afraid to laugh" (Voltaire). A deceptively slim-looking book (but one that is absolutely heavenly to hold - no pun intended - with it's glossy floppy cover and delicate leaves), Lamb is, as the title says, the (fictional) story of Christ's childhood as told by his best friend Levi who is called Biff.

Now, Moore doesn't mention Monty Py...more **some spoilers**

Lamb starts with one of my favourite quotes, which sets the scene very aptly: "God is a comedian playing to an audience that is afraid to laugh" (Voltaire). A deceptively slim-looking book (but one that is absolutely heavenly to hold - no pun intended - with it's glossy floppy cover and delicate leaves), Lamb is, as the title says, the (fictional) story of Christ's childhood as told by his best friend Levi who is called Biff.

Now, Moore doesn't mention Monty Python anywhere, but I'd wager he's seen Life of Brian. Whether he liked it, got it or appreciated it, I couldn't say, but it's a possible inspiration. It doesn't have the clever wit or irony, or the sheer genius of Brian, but it does have the irreverant humour. That aside, Lamb is a great story, made up but oddly plausible.

Keeping to the "known" facts and not interested in questioning your faith in any grand or cynical way, Lamb is told by Biff, resurrected today by an angel so he can write down his version of events. Given the gift of tongues, Biff writes it in contemporary American idiom, which saves the story from being dry and boring. He claims to have invented sarcasm, and encourages Joshua (later Jesus) to have a sense of humour. The best bit about this book, though, are the adventures the two friends have.

At about 13, they set off to find the three Wise Men who had been there at Joshua's birth, in order for Joshua to learn how to be the Messiah. They spend years in a cave-like fortress in Afghanistan with Balthasar, more years at a Budhist temple in the mountains with Gaspar, and yet more time in India in nooks in a cliff with the seagulls learning from Melchior. They learn Confuscius from Balthasar, Biff learns about poisons and alchemy from Balthasar's Chinese concubines, and they encounter a very hungry demon They meditate and study Budhism from Gaspar (as well as kung-fu and "Jew-do" because Joshua doesn't want to hurt anyone) and encounter the last Yeti; and rescue children from the Hindu god of destruction, Kali, before finding Melchior, who teaches Joshua how to fit himself inside a wine bottle and multiply food - which comes in handy later, that's for sure - while Biff learns the Kama Sutra.

Biff is the perfect counter-point to the more serious, naive and well-meaning Joshua, whose mother brought him up from birth to believe his father is God, not her husband Joseph. Although Moore admits it's hard to write a story set in this time and place because of the lack of knowledge of the period, he does an admirable job and it's entirely believable. I did find it a slow read at times, but I definitely found myself laughing as well. It also gave the best explanation of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, that I've ever heard, and suddenly it makes more sense. More to the point, though, it makes Joshua - Jesus - more human, and thus more sympathetic. That matters to me, though it might not to other people.

It got so that I found myself really caring for this character, and the others - especially Maggie (the Mary Magdelene), their friend from childhood. The final scenes, when you're suddenly reminded of how the story ends, creep up on you and settles like a lump in your throat, and I totally felt for Biff and understand why he did what he did at the end - though interestingly enough, despite all he'd seen Joshua do, and despite the fact that he had always believed in him, he did not believe Joshua could really bring himself back from the dead. And so, in the end, he did not have faith. A slight irony.

Despite Biff's silly humour and the occasional fart joke, Lamb is written with maturity, compassion and skill. The setting, landscape and supporting characters immerse you in the story, the period and the upheavels. More to the point, it's a nice (comforting) thought that Jesus might have had as good and loyal and silly a friend as Levi who is called Biff....less

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smalls rated it:

02/24/07

Read in December, 2006

OK, I finished the book! Whoohoo! All in all, it was ok for me. I laughed a lot in the beginning...
some of my favorite lines were
"Revelations 2; Just When you thought it was safe to sin."
and "Actually , I thought I'd stay Josh. Your mother needs someone to look after her, and she's still a relatively attractive woman. I mean a guy could do worse."

My absolute favorite part was the lizard in the beginning. I laughed so hard! very fun and creative.

It got slow fo...more OK, I finished the book! Whoohoo! All in all, it was ok for me. I laughed a lot in the beginning...
some of my favorite lines were
"Revelations 2; Just When you thought it was safe to sin."
and "Actually , I thought I'd stay Josh. Your mother needs someone to look after her, and she's still a relatively attractive woman. I mean a guy could do worse."

My absolute favorite part was the lizard in the beginning. I laughed so hard! very fun and creative.

It got slow for me while he was visiting the wisemen. But I did laugh once in a while. Definately not as much as in the beginning.

The End...
I was nervous reading the part during His ministry. Being a Born Again Christian, I knew this could be difficult. I did struggle with a few things, and to me they were important. Well, at least two things. First, the scorging, "At least it wasn't a Roman scourge they lashed him with. He took thirty nine lashes, but it was just leather, not the lead -tipped whip that the romands use. "
A cat of nine tails was used with other devices. It was the Romans scourging so it was a roman scourge. Pieces of glass and metal shards are embedded in the leather strips, and they rip through the flesh. Important to me because I want others to know how bad the penalty for our sins was.

Second part was the crusificiton, the poisen. This is a fictional work. But Mr. Moore did do a lot of research for this book as well. And I always have to take a stand on the belief of the real death and resurection of Jesus. I found myself praying that the book wouldn't go that route. But it did, and you are lead to believe that he drinks it. Thankfully Moore didn't let the ending be the poisen.

Now that that is said, I would like to say that I loved that no matter how raunchy the book got, or made me shake my head, the ending was still sad. His followers didn't get it, didn't want to believe it even. It ripped them to shreds inside. With how the book was going,I kept expecting humor in the crusifiction, but it was well done emotionally. If there was a poisen that could work like that, I would have wanted to try it to save Him too. It is too much to fathom that the person you have been friends with for even the time that the real diciples were with Him, was going to have to bear that torture, and then to understand He was coming back, and that it was being done to save the world, I wouldn't have gotten it either. Because of the Bible, those who believe have hindsight. I really appreciated that Moore stayed true to at least the tragedy and pain that His friends had to wittness.

Jesus swearing as a kid, didn't seem to bother me quite as much as it did as He aged. Once the book got to the part that is written, it was much harder for me to find the humor in certain things. But there were some. Like when Biff talks about his mom and Joshua says, "she still plagued with demons?" Lines like that cracked me up.

Thanks for letting me read the book. It was interesting and at times fun. I will still reccomend it to one more of my friends who I know can handle it as a Born Again believer. But it is definately a book I have to be careful of recomendations. Only because so many "Christians" that I know would have a fit reading this book.
But I did pass it on to a friend of mine, who is a christian, but who also has a great sense of humor....less

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Tom rated it:

06/12/07

Read in June, 2007

recommends it for: anyone interested in a funny explanation and some context to Christ's life

This is one great book, just freaking hilarious while also being pretty useful to me.

Lamb gives me context where I hadn’t completely understood before.

Christopher tells the story of Christ from birth. While he talks about his life after he comes out and begins preaching openly, he focus much more on Christ’s formative years, everything from an interest in sin to learning the ways of the Buddha.

This is, of course, a complete work of fiction. Everything is made of from the author...more

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Aaron rated it:

08/30/07

recommends it for: anyone who doesn't mind a bit of blasphemy

Christopher Moore is a sick, sick fuck. And I mean that in a good way.

I found a copy of this wonderfully hilarious novel at the Champaign Public Library Book Sale and decided that I ought to own a copy. It holds up well on a second read and served to fill a nostalgia for Kurt Vonnegut, whose death I may not ever get over. This book is very reminiscent of Vonnegut in its plotting and style and wisecracks and it certainly filled a hole. I've read everything Vonnegut ever wrote and I was more t...more Christopher Moore is a sick, sick fuck. And I mean that in a good way.

I found a copy of this wonderfully hilarious novel at the Champaign Public Library Book Sale and decided that I ought to own a copy. It holds up well on a second read and served to fill a nostalgia for Kurt Vonnegut, whose death I may not ever get over. This book is very reminiscent of Vonnegut in its plotting and style and wisecracks and it certainly filled a hole. I've read everything Vonnegut ever wrote and I was more than a little depressed that my days of reading new works by one of my favorite authors had come to a close. This book alone marks Christopher Moore as the leading contender for that particular throne. If not Vonnegut, then Douglas Adams.

Lamb tells the story of Jesus Christ, chronicling the missing years from 12 through 30 that the Bible itself fails to enlighten us on. It's very funny and more than a little blasphemous, but it's also firmly grounded in theology. Moore doesn't make any shit up here. He merely expounds on the details the Bible has left out.

Basically, Levi who is called Biff is resurrected by an angel of the Lord centuries after his death so that he can write a new gospel (we later come to find out that Mary Magdalene has been resurrected to write one, too). Holed up in a seedy motel with the angel Raziel, himself addicted to professional wrestling and soap operas, Biff writes his side of the story on hotel stationery. Biff was Christ's only companion during the missing eighteen years, so he's pretty much the authority on this subject. Through Biff's writings, we learn that he and Jesus (here named Joshua, due to Hebrew translation) spent many years traveling the world in search of the three wisemen, hoping that they can help Joshua understand exactly what it is Joshua is supposed to be doing. They battle a vicious demon with Balthazar. They encounter a Yeti with Gaspar. They study Buddhism with Melchior. And through all of this, Joshua creates a new ministry that seems to totally contradict the one started by his father.

Along the way, we learn how all of the apostles came to stand at Jesus's side. We learn what bunnies and chocolates have to do with Easter. We discover how to tell the difference between a legitimate vision of The Virgin Mary and just a face in a pile of cow dung. We meet some ninjas. We stand face-to-face with the blood-thirsty goddess Kali. And we also get treated to a rough draft of The Sermon on the Mount (apparently Jesus really wanted to bless all the dumbshits, but got vetoed).

This book is highly recommended.
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Dana rated it:

05/13/08

bookshelves: own-it

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in May, 2008

I found this review...it pretty much sums it up for me. I don't really feel like writing a review right now, but I want to remember this book later.

Review from Amazon.com

"Finding some real theology in a bawdy sarcastic laff-riot parody of a gospel is like finding either real butter or a dead frog in your movie popcorn, depending on your own religious perspective. It is a wonderful addition for some, a cause for disgust in others, and a complete surprise to everybody.

Christophe...more I found this review...it pretty much sums it up for me. I don't really feel like writing a review right now, but I want to remember this book later.

Review from Amazon.com

"Finding some real theology in a bawdy sarcastic laff-riot parody of a gospel is like finding either real butter or a dead frog in your movie popcorn, depending on your own religious perspective. It is a wonderful addition for some, a cause for disgust in others, and a complete surprise to everybody.

Christopher Moore's story claims to be a new Gospel written by one Levi, known as "Biff," who was Jesus' best friend from childhood. A blond, air-headed angel (somehow I see Owen Wilson in the movie) has resurrected him and ensconced him in the Hyatt-Regency Saint Louis to write a new Gospel (while the Angel becomes addicted to soap operas). Biff writes a wacky, profane story about how Jesus, accompanied by Biff, grew from a kind of pipsqueak six-year-old to become truly the Messiah-with special emphasis on the years between childhood and the beginning of his ministry, during which Moore asserts that Jesus and Biff sought out the three Magi. On the road (like a Biblical Bob Hope and Bing Crosby), they spend years in a magical Confucian stronghold carved into a mountain (populated by lusty whipsmart concubines with martial arts skills straight out of a Tarentino movie), as well as in a Tibet-like Buddhist monastery (where Biff learns to move like lightning and Jesus becomes a bodhisattva), and finally visiting India. In the process Jesus becomes the Messiah and Biff....well, Biff becomes the inventor of sarcasm.

Now, as to the butter-vs-frogs analogy: I'm a religious liberal, and to me Moore's book is real farce. It's the funniest book I've ever read, and parts of it are so funny they will have many people actually gasping for air from laughter (and Jesus' attempt to dictate the Beatitudes to Biff is the single funniest passage of the funniest book). So for me this book is real butter on my popcorn.

Moreover, because Moore is grappling with a genuine theological puzzle - how Jesus could be fully man and fully god at the same time - even believing Christians who can read the book at armslength will find something interesting. Theologically, the "fully man" part has always been hard to appreciate, since part of what makes us human (lust, say, or incomprehension, or even, I'm amazed to say, flatulence) seems to be entirely outside Jesus' historical existence. Moore's take on Jesus was that he had to learn (as all true humans must do) how to grow into his calling, yet the premise of the book is, indisputably, that Jesus WAS the Messiah. So behind the laughter Moore is, in his way, trying to suggest one possible solution to this very old theological problem.

But to a final group - those who are offended by a humorous approach to their faith - you folks will just hate this. Honest, you'll be deeply offended. If you see someone reading "Lamb," and rolling on the floor, just stay clear. For you this is popcorn with a dead frog in it.

Everybody else, please read this!"...less

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Ginny rated it:

02/24/08

Read in March, 2008

I hope Jesus was at least a little bit like the character portraying him in "Lamb." While the intentional historical inaccuracies show him studying Eastern philosophy and kung fu, it does seem probable and desirable that Jesus would have spent time learning as much as he could about the world and its people. It's also believable that he would have had friends and contemplated an adolescent desire for female companionship. What is not believable is that his friend would have been named ...more I hope Jesus was at least a little bit like the character portraying him in "Lamb." While the intentional historical inaccuracies show him studying Eastern philosophy and kung fu, it does seem probable and desirable that Jesus would have spent time learning as much as he could about the world and its people. It's also believable that he would have had friends and contemplated an adolescent desire for female companionship. What is not believable is that his friend would have been named Biff (it took me a while to not think of "Back to the Future" every time his name was mentioned) or that he would have been so curious about sex that he would have encouraged Biff to fornicate and recount the details.

I enjoyed this book most when Joshua (Jesus) and Biff were very close. As the book neared the end, the details seemed rushed. The reader was distanced from Joshua until his execution, which was a well-written scene that almost brought a tear to my eye. However, what followed was quite obviously a formulaic excuse for why Biff was omitted from the existing gospels. Granted, the author tried to make up for it with a bit of a twist at the end (which was foreshadowed much too early in the book -- you thought the author was never going to get back to it, and actually never completely explained it). Biff is called to write his gospel in modern-day America, and he speaks to the reader frequently at the beginning of the book, but when his side notes wane you actually start to miss him. The epilogue that resolves modern-day Biff's dilemma is quick and forced, and leaves the reader less emotionally connected than he would like to be.

Those gripes aside, this book was quite an entertaining read, and I found myself laughing out loud and, at times, fully in suspense (the encounter with the demon was great, if a bit wordy). The author's mix of thorough research and silly humor was fairly balanced, although I got tired of the "I invented sarcasm" bit. OK maybe a little more griping -- I wish the character of Mary (Jesus' mother) had been more fully developed, and that I had been able to feel more of her pain upon Joshua's death. I realize her scope was limited by the narrator's viewpoint, but it would have been nice to hear more about her than how beautiful she was. I do also feel compelled to mention that the author has a slight penchant for rambling -- most often while trying to describe the physical setting, which I sometimes had trouble picturing in my head. So he tried really hard, but didn't always succeed.

However, I did give this book four stars for good reason. I did really like it. I enjoyed the subject matter, and I thought it was treated with nothing but respect by the author. I probably would've given the book five stars if he had just left out some of the truly inconceivable events. A yeti? Come on, now. ...less

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Chris rated it:

01/06/08

recommends it for: everyone

I've been a apostle of Christopher Moore's manic, wonderful fiction since the publication of his brilliant first novel, Practical Demonkeeping. For years now, I've spread the Word, bringing friends and random strangers into the fold, spreading the gospel of twisted humor to the previously uninitiated.

Until I read LAMB, his latest novel, I would have said that Blood Sucking Fiends (A Love Story) was not only his best book, but a feat of comic wonder and wondrous comedy that even the genius of...more I've been a apostle of Christopher Moore's manic, wonderful fiction since the publication of his brilliant first novel, Practical Demonkeeping. For years now, I've spread the Word, bringing friends and random strangers into the fold, spreading the gospel of twisted humor to the previously uninitiated.

Until I read LAMB, his latest novel, I would have said that Blood Sucking Fiends (A Love Story) was not only his best book, but a feat of comic wonder and wondrous comedy that even the genius of Christopher Moore might never surpass.

His new book is another thing entirely, which is not to say that the bizarre sense of humor that has been the hallmark of Moore's novels in not as omnipresent in LAMB as it is in all his work; if anything, he is funnier than ever. But in telling the story of Christ's "missing years" through the eyes of his childhood pal (Levi, who is called Biff), Moore has managed to exceed the hilarity of his previous work while leavening the jokes with a respect for his subject that comes through as something approaching reverence. Only the reader who picks up this novel with the sole intention of being offended could find anything truly offensive here. Most readers, regardless of their religious beliefs, will find themselves hoping that Josh of Nazareth really had a friend like Biff.

As with all of Moore's work, LAMB is funny enough to be easily rejected by those who refuse to see that humor can allow a sufficiently gifted author to approach a serious subject with depth and intelligence. The careful research and attention to detail that inform the novel without weighing it down will be dismissed by those who wish to diminish the minor miracle that the author has accomplished with this book. But those who pick up LAMB with an open mind will find more than "merely" light entertainment; beneath the hilarious surface of this beautifully written novel lies a tender, respectful treatment of the idea that maybe, just maybe, love and kindness might be a better thing than hatred and fear.

In LAMB, Christopher Moore picks up the gauntlet that Theodore Sturgeon threw down in his controversial novel of the second coming, Godbody, filtering a similar message through the warped lens of his twisted mind to create an utterly unique, yet fascinatingly similar work. The Clown Prince of fiction is not just another jester; like the best comedians in any medium, there is a deep vein of truth (with or without the capital "T") that runs through all his work, especially this latest book. Can an "alternate" history comic novel of the life of Christ bring enlightenment? Perhaps not, but careful readers will find at least a glimpse of transcendence, and this mental pilgrimage to the Holy Land of entertainment will surely hold them enthralled. ...less

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Wormie rated it:

03/31/07

Read in September, 2006

Initially, when I picked up “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal”, I was afraid to buy the book. Obviously it was a humorous book, but when it comes to religion, one person’s humor is another person’s sacrilege. Scanning the first few pages of the novel was enough to convince me that Moore’s humor is smart, so off I went to the check out line.

“Lamb” is a fictional tale of Jesus’ childhood as recounted by his best friend Biff. Little is known of Jesus...more Initially, when I picked up “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal”, I was afraid to buy the book. Obviously it was a humorous book, but when it comes to religion, one person’s humor is another person’s sacrilege. Scanning the first few pages of the novel was enough to convince me that Moore’s humor is smart, so off I went to the check out line.

“Lamb” is a fictional tale of Jesus’ childhood as recounted by his best friend Biff. Little is known of Jesus’ life as a young child and an adolescent, and this novel tries to fill in the blanks in a most humorous fashion. I don’t think that the novel is disrespectful to Judaism or to Christianity, but it most certainly pokes fun at religion and dogma. I can imagine that some religious people will find the humor distasteful and childish. Certainly this book will offend some.

I chose to read this book like I would any other novel. It’s fiction. The fact that it uses Jesus and his life as a launching board into the absurd should not detract from Moore’s incredible sense of humor and attention to detail. This is the story of a young boy. Like most young boys he goes through stages of rebellion. Young Jesus, called Josh in the novel, can be naughty. He uses colorful language. He is curious about sex. Josh is a boy, and while presented to us as the son of God, he remains a normal human boy who struggles with trying to fit in while following the call of greatness.

Moore is incredibly funny, but the attention to biblical detail that he works into his story is sheer genius! Many times I found myself laughing out loud, and reading passages to my husband who would laugh and say “I have to read that book!” While Moore tries to stay true to history and/or bible stories, he peppers his novels with adventures and plot lines that are purely of his imagination. He weaves bible stories with fantasy in a truly artful way. I could share some of the humor from the novel, but I think it is best to allow the reader to enjoy them in context.

There were parts of the book that dragged a bit, but Moore’s short chapters kept the novel moving. I did not particularly like Moore’s storyline leading up to the crucifixion, and to Josh/Jesus persecution, but if I accept the rest of the book as fiction, I must accept the writer’s handling of those events.

This novel is not perfect. It leaves a few unanswered questions and may leave the reader wanting a bit more. Despite that, it kept my attention and entertained me from cover to cover. As a work of humorous fiction, this book is amongst the best, if not the best, that I have read. Truly a laugh out loud rip-roaring good read!

If the thought of poking fun at the life of Jesus offends you, you may opt not to read this novel, but I would suggest you try another of Moore’s novels. He is a gifted humorist, and I plan on adding his other novels to my reading list.

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Tripp rated it:

04/06/07

recommends it for: everyone

So this is the story. I was dating this girl and she stole my copy of Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. Then she leaves town and never returns the book. I inquire as to where the book has gone before she moves and she mentions that one of her couch surfers took it. So alas I am without my own copy at the moment but I hope that the book will give that couch surfer many things to think about and a great deal of laughs.
Lamb is a wonderfully written and constructed nov...more So this is the story. I was dating this girl and she stole my copy of Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. Then she leaves town and never returns the book. I inquire as to where the book has gone before she moves and she mentions that one of her couch surfers took it. So alas I am without my own copy at the moment but I hope that the book will give that couch surfer many things to think about and a great deal of laughs.
Lamb is a wonderfully written and constructed novel by Christopher Moore, who I believe has flown underneath the radar for too long. Or at least the circles I travel in, don't know much about him. Moore is a fantastic writer and he gives a very sensitive issue a comical twist. As a skeptic or as an avid believer in the Gospels, one must question why the canonical gospels fail to discuss what Jesus did as a child and young adult. Everyone for the most part is familiar with the birth of Jesus, his teachings and of course his death. Yet Moore in a beautiful and fantastic way explores the lost years through a character brought down from Heaven to recount his time spent with the Lord; and he's very pissed by the fact that he was left out of the Gospels and that no one ever mentions Jesus as a child or young man. Being fascinated by the subject of the historical Jesus, the gospels, early Christianity, etc., personally, It appears that Moore has done his homework and explores a lot of theories held by theologians, archaeologists, that mainstream believers fail or don't seem to want to consider. For Christian believers there is a taboo about exploring the character and nature of Jesus Christ as a person but throw caution to the wind and free your mind just for a little while. I know it may be painful but try, knowing that God is with you. Moore touches on this delicate subject of J.C.’s humanity with comical scenes and hilarious dialogue. Because how else can we talk about such delicate matters regarding religion? Maybe that’s why Christopher Moore is not a household name. People don't want to joke about or explore the very thing that they hold so dear. I, however recommend this book to everyone who is interested in the stories of Jesus or just wants a good laugh. But I feel that people who know the Gospels will find this book to be a deep and richly rewarding read. So if you haven't read Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal, pick up a copy and don't be embarrassed by laughing out loud and getting quizzical looks from strangers. Happy reads.
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Chris rated it:

03/14/08

Read in March, 2008

recommended to Chris by: lindsey bach

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

post script

march 14, 08

finished the book in a bathroom. a wonderful read, full of humor, history, it will make you wonder what exactly he is basing strictly on the bible, what has been written, commented on, what historical records he may have worked with, data! I would have loved a bibliography! You won't go wrong, specially if you're a lapped catholic, a burned out buddhist, or a lost taoist, but in this case, you won't need it :)

smile,

you'll like it, promise.

i love ...more

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Randall rated it:

04/30/08

Read in January, 2003

With Easter having just passed, I thought I would take the time to write about Chris Moore’s book, ‘Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal.’ What? You have never heard of Biff? Biff would like you to believe that he was Jesus’ best friend, and was excised from the other gospels because of jealousy. He has been resurrected by an angel to write his version of Christ’s life.
Biff recounts the life of his best friend from the age of 6 until the crucifixion, spending...more With Easter having just passed, I thought I would take the time to write about Chris Moore’s book, ‘Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal.’ What? You have never heard of Biff? Biff would like you to believe that he was Jesus’ best friend, and was excised from the other gospels because of jealousy. He has been resurrected by an angel to write his version of Christ’s life.
Biff recounts the life of his best friend from the age of 6 until the crucifixion, spending lots of time on the 30 years not covered by Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Biff is there to help Joshua (Jesus) come to terms with the fact that he is the Son of God. When you think of it in human terms, how does one cope with that? Moore’s answer is a LOT of humor. I have to warn you, this book is not for the faint hearted. Joshua curses, plays practical jokes, and is sometimes filled with a rage that is frightening. Most people will read only the first few chapters and put it down because it challenges their faith or it offends them. I urge you not to do this.
I first read this book 7 years ago, and laughed so hard by sides hurt. It was a rollicking, and entertaining read. And then something happened: Moore did a 180 and turned the end of the book so serious, I was tearing up. I got so caught up in the hilarity; I didn’t realize I cared about Biff and Maggie (Mary Magdalene) and how they now fit into Joshua’s story.
While the book may appear to be offensive or light hearted, what Moore really does is try to explain how a child can become a Savior. Biff and Joshua travel the known world in the 30 year gap and meet the 3 wise men who attended Joshua’s birth. They impart wisdom and encouragement to the young Joshua, helping him to realize who he is and why he is on Earth. It’s a sneaky way of Moore showing how many religions, denominations and philosophies have the same tenants: Love, Compassion, and Charity. People who read this will be reminded that in this day and age, we are really more alike than we think we are.
I was so happy when this book was re-released in a gift edition for Christmas. In the author’s note, Moore exclaims his surprise at the love people have for this book, and the number of churches that use it for Book Clubs. Moore is asked to speak at some of these and he recounts that it is always a treat.
Even if you are unsure, I recommend that you pick this book up and give it a try. You will not be sorry.
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Josh rated it:

07/25/07

bookshelves: humor-satire

Read in June, 2007

recommends it for: Anyone who can read

This book is great. After the hillarious Practical Demonkeeping, I was expecting a really funny book, but I had no idea I would enjoy this so much. Every ounce of it is written with whit and its packed with more puns, irony and great one liners then can be found anywhere else.

Moore comes up with an excellent idea in filling the missing gap of Jesus'(actually Yeshua or Joshua as he is called in the book) life between birth and in his thirties. The POV of Lamb, and the one chosen to write thi...more This book is great. After the hillarious Practical Demonkeeping, I was expecting a really funny book, but I had no idea I would enjoy this so much. Every ounce of it is written with whit and its packed with more puns, irony and great one liners then can be found anywhere else.

Moore comes up with an excellent idea in filling the missing gap of Jesus'(actually Yeshua or Joshua as he is called in the book) life between birth and in his thirties. The POV of Lamb, and the one chosen to write this gospel is Levi who is called Biff, Christ's best friend. Biff is resurrected sometime after the new millenium and under orders of Christ himself, he provides a wonderfully detailed gospel. Of course, he doesn't have much of a choice as he has been kidnapped by the angel who resurrected him and forced to write in a hotel room while said angel watches soap operas.

The first part of the book has so many laugh out loud moments that I had to stop reading it in front of people because I kept getting weird looks. That humor maintains throughout Lamb, but as the story progresses it becomes surprisingly heartfelt and you can tell that Moore isn't writing the book as a mockery of the New Testament, but as a "what if" that happens to be really funny. He admits himself that most of the story is made up as no one really knows what Jesus did during the lost 20+ years, but its as plausible as anything else someone could come up with. And despite the fact that this is humorous fiction, you can actually learn quite a bit about the time period. He inserts all kinds of facts about what life was like in Jerusalem during the 1st century as well as in the East, where Joshua and Biff went to seek the three wisemen and learn from their ways.

To summarize, this story has everything: humor, insight, Chinese concubines, martial arts, yettis, elephants that do yoga and all in a great epic tale. We learn how sarcasm was invented, as well as who first thought to flavor coffee with milk (that was Biff.) And one of my favorite parts is a nice tie in to Practical Demonkeeping. This will go on my shelf and remain one of my favorite books of all time. Read this book and give it to everyone you know that reads. Regardless of weather or not you are religous, everyone can get something out of Lamb. ...less

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Jay rated it:

05/12/08

bookshelves: horror, humor

Read in May, 2008

recommends it for: Susie

I've put off reading "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" for a long time now. I love Christopher Moore, own at least one copy of all of his books, more often than not multiple copies so I can loan them out, but I have never read what is often considered his best book.

The book tells the story of Jesus, although he is known as Joshua in the book, from his childhood to his death, filling in the missing thirty years not really talked about in the Bible.

This...more I've put off reading "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" for a long time now. I love Christopher Moore, own at least one copy of all of his books, more often than not multiple copies so I can loan them out, but I have never read what is often considered his best book.

The book tells the story of Jesus, although he is known as Joshua in the book, from his childhood to his death, filling in the missing thirty years not really talked about in the Bible.

This book was so fucking good I can't even tell you. First of all, it has Moore's sense of humor throughout the novel, which is always a good thing. But it is also so profound in some places you end up awed while reading. I find it no surprise that this book is taught in seminary schools, even with the use of "fuck" throughout the novel.

I've been to the point of almost finishing the book for over a week and a half, but haven't done it. Mainly, for the same reason I rarely listen to Jesus Christ Superstar all the way. How does the story of Christ end? Reading about his best friend dealing with it was something I felt I should put off. Well, I finally finished it.

And I cried. Like a fucking baby. The big, heaving, sobbing type of crying. And I'm not even Christian. That is how good this book is.

I once read an article/interview with Christopher Moore and the person writing about his work said something that I keep coming back to – Christopher Moore isn't mean spirited in his writing. He writes predominantly horror, people die in his books, the books are hysterically funny, but he does all of this without being mean spirited even a little bit. Sardonic, cynical, sarcastic, and a bunch of other things, but not mean spirited. He doesn't feel a need to be mean to his audience, unlike some other authors I've read (Chuck Palahnuik, I'm looking at you!).

"Lamb" is not mean spirited. It is really a great book, one that I should have read sooner. But you know what? No matter how many times I read/see/hear the story of Christ, he always dies, so you can see my hesitation.

Now I'm off to reread everything he has written! If you haven't done so, start of with "Blood Sucking Fiends: A Love Story" because it is hilarious. And about vampires. A story with vampires sounds ok, right? ;-)...less

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Sam rated it:

03/06/08

Read in March, 2007

recommends it for: Absolutley anyone who likes a good, funny story

I should preface this review by saying that I am not a Christian. I don't believe that Jesus was the messiah. In fact, I don't really believe in any of the organized religions that I'm at all familiar with. How can an earthbound man pretend to understand the goings-on of a god? Still, I can suspend my disbelief. That's what you have to do to read fiction anyway, right, for the duration of the book, believe that the characters and their traits (like healing the sick and being the son of God)...more I should preface this review by saying that I am not a Christian. I don't believe that Jesus was the messiah. In fact, I don't really believe in any of the organized religions that I'm at all familiar with. How can an earthbound man pretend to understand the goings-on of a god? Still, I can suspend my disbelief. That's what you have to do to read fiction anyway, right, for the duration of the book, believe that the characters and their traits (like healing the sick and being the son of God) are real.

But on to the review. This book is superb. It kinds of sneaks up on the reader with its humanity. For a while, it goes along as being very entertaining and extremely funny. Then something happens and the reader realizes that he is actually starting to care about these characters. The story ultimately told is one of responsibility and friendship. And the responsibility that comes with friendship. It also tells the story about the difficulty of doing the right thing, even when you are the messiah.

I will say that, as I was nearing the end of the book, I was torn as to whether to give it four or five stars. As it progressed, it was less humorous and the introduction of the disciples made things rather confused. I decided that I would more than likely lean in favor of the five. It was my realization that the book's lack of steam toward the end is due more to my lack of knowledge about Jesus’ life and the disciples than about any flaws with the book. And as the book crept toward His crucifixion, perhaps a gradual phasing out of the comedy was a necessity. Still, I would leave the final decision until the book's conclusion.

I was still of two minds when I reached the last chapter. But after the heartening epilogue, I had no choice but to go with the five. I'm a sucker for a happy ending.

I should note that, although this book could be construed as sacrilegious in many ways, Jesus’ divinity is never in question. Most of the humor comes from Biff, Jesus' lifelong buddy. In fact, I think Christians might like this book for the very human way that Jesus is portrayed. And as I said, I'm not a Christian and I absolutely loved it. So in conclusion, I would say that any reader would enjoy this fantastic novel....less

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