As you know, I’m a pretty avid reader.  I’ve always got something on my bookshelf waiting to be desired between my book club books.  But I tell you what, if my GBF gives me a book and says, “Read this.”  I do.  Without hesitation.  He has very good taste in books and he knows what I like and don’t.  In fact, he picked out my favorite book of last year, The Gargoyle (if you haven’t read it, it’s a must read – most favorite ever in my book club).

Years ago my GBF gave me the simply, funniest book I’ve ever read.  Since then, I have often recommended this book and finally Tiffany suggested that we read it as a part of our book club.  I’ll say right off the bat; this book is for a select few of twisted and witty folk.  It turns a lot of people off.  I get it.  Really I do.  And just because you don’t like this book doesn’t mean that you are not twisted or witty.  However, this author (Christopher Moore) and particularly this book, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal is most undeniably off the charts twisted and witty.

So outside of the impious topic, Moore has a particular brand of humor that doesn’t suit everybody.  It’s boy humor.  Farts and guts, boobies and bugs.  Frankly, sometimes I can’t hang with that kind of humor (I have enough boydom in my house), but sometimes it’s just right.  Especially when the humor comes with a side of Monty Python sauciness.  Moore’s writing hits this sweet spot that really leaves me wanting more.

So yes, Lamb is the story about the original JC.  We all know he was born in a manger.  Most of us know Jesus is the reason for the season (or the story there about).  But what happened between birth and the conclusive thirty-third year?  Well Christ had a best friend like Biff, the originator of sarcasm, who can sin freely and tell Jesus all about it.  The story is really a buddy tale about two boys learning to become men.  One man just happens to be the Son of God.  How does a kid come to terms with that kind of gravity?  It’s through levity and Moore’s kind of smarts and satirical wit. Yes, the story is irreverent, but Christians with a sense of humor are the very best kind.  I don’t think that I’ve ever laughed out loud reading before Lamb.

Recently GBF sent me a package with a book and note that said, “Read it.”  So I did.  It’s Christopher Moore’s again.  This time it was Fool.  This book is another familiar story with an alternative tale.  This is not Shakespeare’s King Lear.  Quite frankly, I don’t really remember English Lit’s Cliff Notes on that particular one, but I wish this were the notes (however, Moore throws in the witches from MacBeth, which would really mess a student up!).  There’s a ghost (“always a bloody ghost”), an old crazy king, three naughty daughters, many viers for the throne and the Black Fool.

The story is full of sex and scandal (who’s screwing who is a major theme), bawdy laughter and British boy humor. It’s funny, offensive, naughty, bawdy and a damn smart tale.  I love the dialogue and would be over the moon to see this performed on stage.  It’s that good.

If you’re up for a good laugh, a light-hearted romp and a walk on the wild side, I’d highly recommend these two books.  Christopher Moore will give it to you good.  I hope you enjoy.  Cheers friends!

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