Lamb by Christopher Moore

I decided to read this book for two reasons: (1) I tend to like a story told from a different perspective (like John Gardner's Grendel and Philippa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl) and this one is humorously told by Jesus' childhood friend who saw him as a man, not as a savior (author's notes). In other words, I like the narrator. And (2) it answers a question from one of my favorite movies, Dogma: "Jesus suddenly goes from age twelve to thirty ... Where are the volumes of text dealing with the missing eighteen years?"

I enjoyed this book. It reads, not surprisingly, like a memoir: the narrator (Levi bar Alphaeus who is called Biff) alternates between talking generally about what is happening (either in the present writing or in the past reflecting on or introducing a scene) or the actual happening. I found that the material handled really well; and it helps that Moore does not attack or question Christianity as a religion or Christ, he's just telling a story. I think that (making it seem like this could've really happened in this way) makes the story the most compelling.

I think with books that I don't like, or don't like as much, I have way more to say but with this book I'm pretty much done talking. I liked it and I think if the subject matter interests you and you have the time, you should read it.

Visit Christopher Moore's website for more information about the author and how to purchase his books.