In Christopher Moore's ingenious debut novel, we meet one of the most memorably mismatched pairs in the annals of literature. The good-looking o... read full description
reviews
Jan 02, 2010
Erin
rated it: 
holy crap,
this book. was. bad.
so effing bad there must be a logical explanation for it. the logical explanation is: christopher moore, you used to be a very stinky writer. i'm not sure what happened between "practical demonkeeping" and "a dirty job", but i'm guessing it was nothing short of an earth quaking, baby shaking, holy sweet mother of pearl miracle.
all the raw elements are there. the slightly deranged yet interesting menagerie of cha More...
this book. was. bad.
so effing bad there must be a logical explanation for it. the logical explanation is: christopher moore, you used to be a very stinky writer. i'm not sure what happened between "practical demonkeeping" and "a dirty job", but i'm guessing it was nothing short of an earth quaking, baby shaking, holy sweet mother of pearl miracle.
all the raw elements are there. the slightly deranged yet interesting menagerie of cha More...
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Jun 03, 2010
BarkLessWagMore
rated it: 
I'm rereading this on audio because I desperately needed a laugh but even this book isn't doing it. Might it be because I've already heard all of the punchlines and I need more snark? I don't know. It's mildly entertaining but has some dull moments and too many long moments of explanation and I find myself drifting away all too often.
My impressions when I initially read it:
This is a quirky book about a young priest-in-training who unwittingly commands a demon into existence More...
My impressions when I initially read it:
This is a quirky book about a young priest-in-training who unwittingly commands a demon into existence More...
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Oct 25, 2007
Josh
rated it: 
This is the first Moore book that I have read, and I have to say, I am a fan. I've read a lot of Tom Robbins (Jitterbug Perfume, Still Life With Woodpecker) and his style is very similar, but more straightforward I think. And just as funny. I haven't laughed so hard at a book in a long time.
The premise is fairly simple... A young man, Travis, conjurs a demon on accident while cleaning the accolyte candles at a Catholic church. He is stuck with the demon, who does not have to tell him how More...
The premise is fairly simple... A young man, Travis, conjurs a demon on accident while cleaning the accolyte candles at a Catholic church. He is stuck with the demon, who does not have to tell him how More...
Aug 29, 2008
Joseph
rated it:
Another funny, well-written book by Christopher Moore. In his debut novel, he introduces characters and places that keep popping up throughout his following novels, but never in conspicuous ways. I just love seeing how his different characters' lives touch and interconnect.
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Jan 30, 2008
Sara
rated it: 
This is the first time that I've actually read a whole book in one day. It was just so flippin' funny I couldn't put it down!
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Apr 25, 2008
Kristen
rated it:
This novel was a surprisingly quick read, it is short and although not action packed, it manages to keep your attention from beginning to end. The writing style is very casual and humorous, slightly vulgar but not so much as to gain an "R" rating or to turn off the casual reader. There are drugs, but they are not glorified, there is sex, but it is not explicit and there is profanity, but it is not overwhelming.
The story itself is simple enough, one man (Travis) is cursed w More...
The story itself is simple enough, one man (Travis) is cursed w More...
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Mar 02, 2009
Heather
rated it:
I marked this read because I read most of it. I just got to a point where I put it down and never got the oomph to pick it back up. It just wasn't holding my interest.
Granted, this is Moore's first book, but really, I think it's a good example of how I feel about his work in general sometimes. That is to say, a great idea with some genuinely funny bits thrown in, but overall, not so great in execution. There are lots of things I'm clearly supposed to think are hilariously dark and wi More...
Granted, this is Moore's first book, but really, I think it's a good example of how I feel about his work in general sometimes. That is to say, a great idea with some genuinely funny bits thrown in, but overall, not so great in execution. There are lots of things I'm clearly supposed to think are hilariously dark and wi More...
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Feb 05, 2009
Yael
rated it:
As it turned out, this is Christopher Moore's debut novel, setting the stage for his other novels. It's a magnificent novel, by turns hilarious, terrifying, heartwarming, and outrageous. Like his The Stupidest Angel Version 2.0, I had real trouble putting it down to eat, sleep, and get on with things.
It's very clear from this novel and his others that Mr. Moore has a genuine fondness for his characters. He presents them just as they are, with all their flaws and virtues evident to More...
It's very clear from this novel and his others that Mr. Moore has a genuine fondness for his characters. He presents them just as they are, with all their flaws and virtues evident to More...
Jan 20, 2012
Jenny
rated it:
I’ve sort of gone about reading Moore’s books backwards, I think – or, in some sort of sideways rhythm anyway. This is his first book, and yet it’s the fourth of his I’ve read. I mention this because I think my impressions on the book were colored by this fact. This is one author whose writing, wit, repartee, and timing has definitely improved as he’s gone along. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy this book – it definitely had it’s moments where I laughed or rolled my eyes along with the character
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Jun 16, 2011
Susanne
rated it:
When I decided to read Christopher Moore’s first book, I somehow expected it to be his funniest. You know, something fresh and original, created before the new author gets sucked into the commercial publishing machine and starts churning out mass-manufactured replica of his first success.
But compared to Moore’s later books, Practical Demonkeeping seems to lack maturity and courage - it feels as if the author was testing the waters that he would fully plunge into only later in his caree More...
But compared to Moore’s later books, Practical Demonkeeping seems to lack maturity and courage - it feels as if the author was testing the waters that he would fully plunge into only later in his caree More...
Jun 07, 2011
Darlene
rated it:
After reading a more serious book, such as Memoirs of a Geisha, I like to balance it out with something a little more wacky and zany...enter Christopher Moore!
My massage therapist recommended Moore to me as an author that is very readable, whose books don't involve a lot of complex thoughts that could be forgotten if the book is read over long periods of time. I had lamented to her how much I missed reading adult literature for pleasure, and she suggested Moore books primarily because More...
My massage therapist recommended Moore to me as an author that is very readable, whose books don't involve a lot of complex thoughts that could be forgotten if the book is read over long periods of time. I had lamented to her how much I missed reading adult literature for pleasure, and she suggested Moore books primarily because More...
Aug 17, 2010
Kevin
rated it:
Be careful what you wish for. And while you're at it, be careful what you wish for when you don't even realize that you're making a wish. If only Travis O'Hearn had received this gem of advice before being saddled with Catch, a demon he inadvertently freed from the bowels of Hell and is now stuck with for eternity. Sure, he's gotten used to Catch's human munching ways and effectively disappearing from wherever they might be very quickly. But it's a hassle. And Travis would rather just settle dow
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May 21, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it:
Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore (pp. 243)
An ancient netherworld demon wrecks havoc on a sleepy little resort town in California as his handler tries to contain him while attempting to keep the demon’s presence a secret and battling other external elements.
Christopher Moore has long been recommended to me. This is the first novel of his and the first that I’ve read. From page one I realized I should have been reading this author much earlier. There’s a lo More...
An ancient netherworld demon wrecks havoc on a sleepy little resort town in California as his handler tries to contain him while attempting to keep the demon’s presence a secret and battling other external elements.
Christopher Moore has long been recommended to me. This is the first novel of his and the first that I’ve read. From page one I realized I should have been reading this author much earlier. There’s a lo More...
Feb 27, 2010
Cid
rated it:
I think I have an issue getting through the first chapter in any Moore book, save Lamb. I read the first chapter and almost gave the book up as a lost cause, but a stressful day had me reaching into my bag for it and I'm glad I finished it. I like how Moore weaves together multiple characters and events, including sometimes silly, pointless side lines of things that happen as a result of the plot. His characters are always diverse, interesting things, and often times display attributes true t
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Feb 22, 2010
Quinn
rated it:
It's a good travel book. Not very taxing, but as I read it, I couldn't help but feel it was an immitation or blend of Tom Robbins and Neil Gaiman (I acknowledge that I've just mixed chronological predecessors and contemporaries/peers - I'm just trying to describe what it felt like to read). I selected this book among the range of Christopher Moore's books in the airport bookstore because it was his first. He appears to be pretty prolific, so I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't evolve into
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Jan 18, 2012
Tung
rated it:
This is the third book by Moore that I have read (after Lamb and the Stupidest Angel), but chronologically it is Moore’s first published work. The story takes place in Moore’s oft-used fictional town of Pine Cove, CA. A stranger rolls into town bringing with him an invisible demon named Catch. Over the course of the story we find out that the stranger (a man named Travis) is trying to rid himself of Catch, while at the same time Catch is trying to rid himself of his master Travis. This plotline
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Sep 08, 2011
Matt
rated it:
Practical Demonkeeping lacks the sparkle and humor that infuses much of Moore's other works. Structurally, it's a bit of a mess, with Moore meandering around through the back stories of tertiary and quaternary characters that serve no purpose whatsoever other than the bring the narrative flow to a screeching halt. Yet, despite all of this extra information, it feels as though huge swaths of the mythology are just missing--swaths which actually would have made the events of the novel of greater
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Nov 16, 2009
I_heart_snape
rated it:
Not one of Moore's funnier novels by far, but the action and intrigue made up for it in my opinion. I fell into this one much easier than Coyote Blue or a Dirty Job and though I didn't chuckle nearly as much, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked that Rivera from A Dirty Job was featured in it, but I guess since this novel was first, this would be his first appearance. I think perhaps the previous acquaintance with Catch from Lamb kept me from taking him too seriously in this piece. (It's
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Jun 17, 2010
Steve
rated it:
Well, more like 3.5 stars... a solid read, nothing too exciting or groundbreaking, but considering this was Moore's first novel, not bad. Enjoyable and funny.
Of Moore's work, I read A DIRTY JOB first and really dug it, then subsequently picked up FOOL and LAMB and didn't make past the halfway point with either one. They weren't bad, they just didn't hold my interest, nor have I had a desire to return to them. DEMONKEEPING is closer to DIRTY JOB in terms of style and tone, a similar, More...
Of Moore's work, I read A DIRTY JOB first and really dug it, then subsequently picked up FOOL and LAMB and didn't make past the halfway point with either one. They weren't bad, they just didn't hold my interest, nor have I had a desire to return to them. DEMONKEEPING is closer to DIRTY JOB in terms of style and tone, a similar, More...
Oct 30, 2010
Avel
rated it:
This was the first Christopher Moore book and I was pleasantly surprised. I'd call this book a comedic drama rather than a dramatic comedy. I liked Moore's humor but think Douglas Adams' is about eight coats to think.
To those contemplating reading this book but put-off by some reviewers commenting on difficulties keeping the characters straight, take heart. Only 15 people really need to be tracked - not in great detail, mind you, just remember a one sentence description of who they are. If More...
To those contemplating reading this book but put-off by some reviewers commenting on difficulties keeping the characters straight, take heart. Only 15 people really need to be tracked - not in great detail, mind you, just remember a one sentence description of who they are. If More...
Jan 03, 2012
Alpha
rated it:
I first came across Christopher Moore's books browsing the shelves at my local Barnes & Noble. It was the artwork and the titles themselves which drew my interest to them...but I was very unsure about picking up any of the books. Thanks to my 20% discount coupon along with my Barnes & Noble membership, I decided "why not", researched what was Moore's first novel he wrote, bought it online, and started reading once I got it in my hands. I am very happy and satisfied with what I just rea
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Jan 26, 2012
Rach
rated it:
Eh. I mean, I still like Christopher Moore, and think his stuff is funny and slightly shocking, but this book in particular felt really dated. I know, it was published 20 years ago, and so some technical differences are to be expected, but it continually threw me for a loop when people would call each other at home and leave messages on their voicemail. Oh yeah! No cell phones! It's not like I've never read a book where people didn't have cell phones, because clearly I have. It's more so that th
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Sep 20, 2011
Bill
rated it:
A new fan of Christopher Moore. I am a big fan of a book like this. It does not take itself too seriously, has some interesting bits of Science Fiction or Fantasy and has some laugh-out-loud moments.
Practical Demonkeeping is the story of a guy that looks in his 20's but is much older than that. This is because he has to keep a demon named Catch. Catch is one of the funnier characters in this book as he loves to act out funny scenes from movies while he causes great harm to his vict More...
Practical Demonkeeping is the story of a guy that looks in his 20's but is much older than that. This is because he has to keep a demon named Catch. Catch is one of the funnier characters in this book as he loves to act out funny scenes from movies while he causes great harm to his vict More...
Jul 31, 2011
David
rated it:
It's only been two books now, but it's official...I love Christopher Moore's books! He now joins ranks with Tim Dorsey and Carl Hiaasen as the funniest American fiction writers I've read. This is actually Moore's debut and first book set in his fictitious town of Pine Cove, California. Like Dorsey, Moore employs a wide-ranging third person narrative from several points of view that keeps the interest. This is a good story and, in some ways, an old-fashioned horror story, except that Christop
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Aug 10, 2010
Joseph
rated it:
I'm quickly becoming a big Christopher Moore fan. I read Lamb earlier this year and absolutely loved it. I've never laughed out loud so much while reading a novel. His sarcasm fit me perfectly.
Practical Demonkeeping is a great story, but you can tell that it is his first novel. My only issue with this book is the amount of characters he tries to fit into 243 pages. There were a couple of times when i had to go back for a quick glance to remind me of what certain characters reasons we More...
Practical Demonkeeping is a great story, but you can tell that it is his first novel. My only issue with this book is the amount of characters he tries to fit into 243 pages. There were a couple of times when i had to go back for a quick glance to remind me of what certain characters reasons we More...
Feb 27, 2010
Mick
rated it:
I think this was Moore's first novel - in any case, it is an earlier work, and he has not yet hit the stride he has obtained in recent books like Lamb and Fool.
Still, this was a quick & entertaining read, and many glimpses of the solid character empathy and comic banter that Moore has mastered were present here, in a somewhat less masterful form.
The story reads like a lite-and-quirky take on a Stephen King or Peter Straub tale. The plot was fairly standard, but entertaini More...
Still, this was a quick & entertaining read, and many glimpses of the solid character empathy and comic banter that Moore has mastered were present here, in a somewhat less masterful form.
The story reads like a lite-and-quirky take on a Stephen King or Peter Straub tale. The plot was fairly standard, but entertaini More...
Oct 25, 2010
Harmonybites
rated it:
A mix of horror and humor about a ravening demon, Catch, trying to free himself, his demonkeeper, Travis, trying to keep him from eating (people) too much, a djinn trying to send the demon back to hell and quirky inhabitants of Pine Cove, California who find themselves involved when the demon comes to town.
The author reminds me in his charm and wacky humor of a Pratchett or Douglas Adams, American style. Moore doesn't engage in the the same kind of word play as those authors do, nor d More...
The author reminds me in his charm and wacky humor of a Pratchett or Douglas Adams, American style. Moore doesn't engage in the the same kind of word play as those authors do, nor d More...
Feb 13, 2011
Sarah Jane
rated it:
The plot of this book is just weird. In a nutshell, a boy inadvertently summons a demon that is then bound to him. He hates the demon; the demon hates him. The guy spends hundreds of years trying to find the items necessary to banish the demon again. The book itself focuses on the last few months of the guy's search while the demon terrorizes an unsuspecting town. Shenanigans ensue. This one is Christopher Moore's first book and it's obvious from the writing. He definitely hadn't fully developed
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Jun 17, 2009
Kathleen
rated it:
In the beginning, God created the Djinn, the storytellers, but they were too awesome, so he gave the earth to the angels, some of whom fell, and to thumb his nose at Satan, he created man, who gets to make his own destiny but is eternally dumb about it. Man summons Djinn, Djinn is awesomely unhelpful. Man summons demons, that's a bad idea. Different man summons demon on accident in the kinda-modern-era, awesomeness ensues.
As always, Christopher Moore brings the crazy, messed up, More...
As always, Christopher Moore brings the crazy, messed up, More...
Jun 05, 2011
Katy
rated it:
I can't help but compare all of Christopher Moore's books to the first and best (in my opinion) book I've read of his- Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. The writing was decent, the plot very Moore-esque, which for his first novel his writing is bound to evolve.
I was hoping for the same laugh out loud humor that I appreciated in Lamb and was disappointed by the lack of it in this one. One of its redeeming qualities, however, was the story-telling. I tho More...
I was hoping for the same laugh out loud humor that I appreciated in Lamb and was disappointed by the lack of it in this one. One of its redeeming qualities, however, was the story-telling. I tho More...
