Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Friend

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Average customer rating 4.9 (42 comments)

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If you have an open mind, and can read a story about biblical times without getting angry or judgemental, then you will thoroughly enjoy Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff. People know the story of Christ, but how much is written about his childhood...not a lot. This book tells the story of Jesus' (Joshua) childhood as seen through the eyes of his best friend, Biff. Yep, Biff. I don't know how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. The setting itself is very Python-esque, and also another favorite of mine; Jesus Was a Time Traveler. How can anybody not enjoy this story? Were you there? Nope. Could this have happened? I hope so, as it paints the characters as people in extra-ordinary circumstances. Well-written and laugh out loud funny, put this on your reading list. And for goodness sake, have an open mind about it. It is a work of fiction...as far as any of us know.

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This is probably, no--no probably about it: It is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. Christopher Moore is a storyteller par excellence. His writing is easy on the mind's eye and his ability to spin a yarn keeps the reader captivated down to the final period. This novel, in particular, fills in all the lost and/or undocumented details of the life of Christianity's most well-known leader and founder of the faith, as related by the Messiah's best bud: "Levi bar Alphaeus, more commonly known as Biff". Biff, at the order of the Great Spirit, has been sequestered in an upscale modern day hotel room by the archangel Raziel, in order to complete his version of the Gospel. And what a Gospel it is! Think you know a lot about Jesus? The Bible? History? Once you read this novel, you'll have a whole new perspective on just how one of the world's most prominent religious figures grew up before taking on the burden of mankind. He had to have a life, you know, and here's your chance to discover what it was (or could have been, anyway.) This is a great read and I believe it will make you an avid fan of Christopher Moore. He has quite a few other literary achievements in the form of entertaining (and often hilarious) fiction and they're all excellent. After reading "Lamb..." I couldn't wait to read more of Moore and read one right after another, he's that good! But why take my word for it? (Because I'm not exaggerating, that's why!) Head for your favorite bookseller (and you know who that is!) and pick up a copy today. I'm relatively sure you won't be disappointed.

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This book had me rolling on the floor with laughter. I have never read a fiction book that I wanted to be real more than Lamb. Witty, original, and fabulously well-written. A great book for atheists and devout Christians alike.

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I don't know what I was expecting when I started this book. Potshots at religion, maybe? Crudeness, and maybe a "surprising" twist that Jesus wasn't all he was cracked up to be and they fabricated or set up all of the miracles he performed. As a non-religious person, that wouldn't have bothered me, but as a reader, it would have seemed kind of stale. But that was not what this book was. This book was SO MUCH BETTER. For one, Christopher Moore was able to write a cynical, kind of assholeish character that I really liked. I didn't just love to hate him, I *liked* him. I wanted everything to turn out well for him and Joshua, and I understood why they stuck by each other's sides for so long. I started feeling sick for him as I got further in the book and I started to realize what was coming next (my only religious education is Jesus Christ Superstar, so when I started recognizing some lyrics from that, I had a pretty good idea of what was coming at the end of the next act). But not only did I like Biff, I liked Joshua. I never thought I would like Jesus as a character, because either he's shown as perfect or as a bit of a letdown, but this version was friendly, likable, and just as lost in this world as every one of us. Most of us aren't expected to bring about the kingdom, though. It also really speaks to Moore's skills as a storyteller that he utilized one of my biggest pet peeves in historical fiction and I didn't care. When something we, in modern day, know of or use regularly is shown as being "invented" in the past, I usually groan and roll my eyes and seriously consider picking up another book or changing the channel. It's such an overused, annoying trope, but I didn't even care when it was used. I can't even say it was used sparingly because there were actually a few instances in which it's very prevalent and mentioned a lot, but I didn't care. I really did not care. I was amazed to see how easy it was for me to ignore that. Plus, the book was the perfect length. I'm a moderately fast reader, and I read voraciously once a book sucks me in, and the book lasted me around a week. Most of the time, when I get into a book and I start to like the characters I read so fast that I'm done with it in a day and a half and wishing there was more (though this is the kind of book that doesn't really work with a sequel, which is too bad, because I would love it if I could just read the further adventures of Biff, Joshua and Maggie). I was able to read late into the night and still got a whole week or so with these characters that I loved, and it didn't feel too long. Like, you know, the Bible or something. I could pick and choose all my favorite passages and go over why I love it so much, but I will just say that I am incredibly glad I decided to buy this. I wasn't going to at first since the Kindle price was not exactly a steal, but I got some birthday money and decided, heck, why not? And for those who might worry it would be offensive to them and their religion (and I have admitted that I am not a religious person, so I could be totally off base here), I don't think this book would be all that offensive. For those who can put aside any historical inaccuracies in favor of a good story (and, while it is clear Moore did his research, a good writer never lets the truth get in the way of a good story), it might be nice to read a story in which Jesus is a relatable protagonist. Just don't take it to church and ask when you're going to get to the Gospel of Biff.

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One of my favorite books of all time, and the first book that ever made me laugh out loud. Unfortunately it was after a religion final at my catholic high school. I've gone through multiple copies of this book, it's that good. The one I had in college lost both front and back covers and most of the leading pages from lending it out to others. It seems to be especially touching if you grown up in a religious environment, but I think it's just an excellent look at the idea of Jesus's humanity over his divinity in a really funny and very you touching way. Its irreverent, but in a good way

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When I first picked this book up, I thought it was going to be a comedic tale of Party Rocking Jesus and his best bro running around like a religious version of Superbad. I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find that this book actually had a story - and an expertly crafted one at that. I've never read anything by Moore before, but you can bet I'll be picking up a few more of his novels. Lamb has just enough comedy without being over the top, just enough adventure to be believable, and the characters are rich and fleshed out well. I think Moore does an excellent job of showing a side of Jesus that many people fail to consider even possible; his troubled, confused, and curious messiah is quite different than the savior that most know. I guess the point is he does an excellent job at humanizing a godlike figure while keeping true to religious history. It's an interesting, entertaining, and well written book - I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good story or something a bit out of the ordinary.

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Hilarious story that fills us in on the first 30 years of Jesus' life, with his best friend Biff, the forgotten apostle. This book is loved by the religious and non-religious alike. Read it, you won't be sorry!

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One of the most refreshingly creative reads I have experienced in years! Christopher Moore must be one of the sharpest minds ticking today. You will find yourself intrigued by how witty, yet profoundly moving, this story can be. There is plenty of things to bring grins, even laughs, to the reader, but there is also an astonishing amount of truth to this story. I am a Christian myself, so I know some would scoff at the very thought of this book, getting no further than the title. Don't cheat yourself. There is a sweet friendship between the young Jesus (this story was written to fit into the part of Jesus' young life that is not specifically accounted for in The Bible, so it is not undoing anything) and his friend Biff. Their friendship shows how much opposites do attract and make good friends. It's endearing to see the truly human, fallible, awkward and odd Biff in juxtaposition to his flawless and Holy friend, who has such an unimaginable fate ahead of him. Thank you, Christopher Moore for a (more than just) delightful, insightful, and memorable read!

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This book is extremely entertaining, especially to those of us who grew up with the stories of the bible. It makes you laugh, then sit back and think, "that didn't really happen...did it?". Definitely well worth the read!

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This book is extremely entertaining, especially to those of us who grew up with the stories of the bible. It makes you laugh, then sit back and think, "that didn't really happen...did it?". Definately well worth the read!

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Oh, good God! This must be true! After all, it is Gospel.

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May well be the funniest book I've ever read. Very heartfelt and touching as well. Lamb did not offend me as a Christian, in fact if anything it deepened my faith. Not for everyone (read: all Christians), but a wonderment for those with open minds and hearts.

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It's been a while since I read Lamb, but I remember it as the funniest book that I've read in a long long time. I'm not a religious man, but somehow Moore seems to capture my interest with humor and details of someone who knows the territory well. Almost everyone that we've given the book to has been amazed and gone on to read the rest of Moore's books.

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While I was admittedly already a fan of Moore's, this book simply blew me away. Equal parts irreverent, laugh out loud funny, philosophical, sweet, inappropriate, over the top, and heartbreaking, it is quite simply a literary masterpiece.

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Christopher Moore has written some memorable books in the past ten years, but none funnier than Lamb. The biblical adventures of Joshua and Biff are not to be missed. If you've got an open mind and have ever wondered about those thirty-some-odd missing years in the life of Jesus - or the origin of the Easter bunny - this book should move immediately to the top of your MUST READ list.

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I terrifically funny book, I recommend it to EVERYONE!!

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A thoughtful, funny and well-researched book describing Jesus' lost years before starting his ministry. All told from the perspective of his best friend, Biff. Similar in style and substance to Vonnegut and Tom Robbins. Irreverant, but not sacreligous.

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One of the best and funniest books ever. Touching, hilarious, provacative and true. Moore was a great writer before this book, and with it, he cemented himself as an all-time great. A must-read!

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I've read this book several times now, usually around the holidays. I feel this book gives you some idea of what it would be like to BE the son of God, or his best friend.

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By far Christopher Moore's best book. Lamb is hysterical all the way through while filling in those pesky gaps in The Bible. If they'd use this one at church, I'd go more often!

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This book is well written and laugh out loud funny. I have given this as a gift to friends too many times to remember and they all loved it too!

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Chris Moore is shamelessly out to entertain in this story of Jesus's life as told by his best friend, Biff. But just as Joshua (Jesus) can't help poking at untouchables, Moore can't help poking at our preconceptions of who Jesus was and what religious belief is vs. what it could/should be. This book was a delightful read, and easily one of the best books of the decade for me.

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This book is smart, hilarious, and surprisingly spiritual. Plus it challenges your knowledge of Christianity, Eastern Philosophy and religious history. Shortly after reading LAMB for the first time, I actually applied this knowledge in one of my undergraduate history courses. This book presents Christ as an everyday person, struggling to survive both human foibles and a hostile environment. Keep an open mind and this book delivers "the other side of the story" in a touchingly, sweetly sad, yet hopeful culmination.

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LOVED this book! I actually snort laughed, loudly, on a plane - and didn't even care. I love to give this to people to introduce them to C. Moore.

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I think this book made me laugh harder than any book I've read in the last 10 years. SO good.

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Wow! Even if you already think you know the story of jesus Christ, you NEED to read this book. You will see Christ and the first twelve years of his life in a whole new manner. It is Hilarious and you get to see the behind the scenes reasons for many of our customs.

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One of my favourite books - an hilarious account of the life of Christ, told by his best friend - which is a welcome antidote to the sometimes excessive "religious correctness" appearing at this time each year. Notable for making you laugh at an otherwise often humourless topic! HIGHLY recommended!

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I have often thought of God as a benevolent friend to wrestle with on the living room rug not to discuss in Thee's and Thou's. Moore gives a hilarious take on a similar level and I loved it!

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I LOVE Christopher Moore's novels, having read all ten of them, and must say that Lamb is my favorite. Possibly the funniest of all of his books, it is the story of Jesus, told in first person by his best friend, Levi who is called Biff. It is touching, can make you cry, and will most definitely make you laugh out loud. If you are looking for sarcastic, wry, touching humor, or, even if you aren't, I highly recommend this book!

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I really enjoyed this very funny book. Yes, it is in many ways irreverent, but I did not find it to be offensive. As wild as "Biff" and other characters might be, Joshua (aka Jesus) was treated with great respect. In fact, I was impressed by Moore's knowledge of the Bible and various religions, including of course Judaism and Christianity, but also a few Eastern religions. Don't expect it to be too serious, though. The key word here is "funny." If this book doesn't make you laugh, you must not have a sense of humor.

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This book blew me away. The humor made it a good book, the loyalty between the main characters made it an excellent one!

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Ever wonder what Jesus might've been like as a kid? How about those thirty-odd years before he, according to the Bible, started preaching? Moore gives us a spectacularly hilarious and poignant take on Christ's life through the eyes of "Levi, called Biff," his best friend. This book is more than funny; it also allows you to imagine Jesus (called Joshua or Josh here) as a fully-realized human being, and in the process makes the account of his last days freshly painful and shocking in a way that no gory movie could accomplish. It does occasionally go off the rails a bit; the section in India got a little boring and a little silly, but overall I really loved this book.

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Christopher Moore has the ability to mix humor with situations that are often viewed as serious, historical debates. In the case of Lamb, Moore provides us with a perspective of Biff, Jesus (Joshua) friend that pushes and often times reveals a humanistic view of the Gospels. Both Christians and non-Christians with a sense of humor would view this novel as entertaining and light hearted to an otherwise serious historical event.

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Great Book ... a wonderful story that finds the humor in the bible and jesus' story while still managing to portray the love and dedication of the books characters. Yes, you must have a sense of humor to read this and you should be willing to have some sections of the bible or christ's life laughed at. Yet this book quickly protrays our characters having a great sense of humor and joy in their lives while following the quest for "joshua" to become the messia. A don't miss in my book.

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This book is laugh-out-loud hysterical. Moore's spin on Jesus's life might offend some, but his creativity is brilliant. He asks questions like, what if Jesus traveled all over Asia, learned yoga, and magic? The answers to questions such as these make for a very interesting and entertaining read.

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It made me take another look at religion, and laugh allot. Thank you Budda, Alla, and God for the creative imagination of Christopher Moore.

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I have read all his books now and this one is the best. It is so intelligently written, so true and very funny.

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I've given a copy of this book to nearly everyone I know, including as a confirmation gift for a young friend. "Lamb" manages to enduce both tears of laughter and tears of reverential emotion, frequently on the same page. If you ever wondered what happened to Jesus in "the missing years," this book will give you a story that is funny, touching, and teaching.

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Moore has a tightrope artist's ability to be completely irreverent but not at all disrespectful. This book dictates the life of Jesus through the character Biff, who feels some consternation at being brought back from the dead to write about his best friend. This book--a ridiculous, hilarious novel--will have you searching everywhere for a ticket into Moore's mind.

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Very funny and thought-provoking novel. I think "reverently irreverent" describes it best. I was amazed by the hidden truths.

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Regardless whether you do or do not believe in Jesus, this book is a spectacular choice for your holiday reading. Just finished and enjoyed Moore's outlandish take on Jesus' childhood. From learning Judo, sleeping with harlots, and walking on water... Moore's book is classic entertainment. The previous comment was right to suggest that this book should almost be considered heresy, however Moore pulls it off with a reminisingly Douglas Adam's style.

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i still don't understand why this book, and christopher moore himself, weren't burned at the stake. has he succeeded where so many others have failed in flying below the radar of the religious right? in any case, i'm grateful that he wrote this and that i read it. i find him hilarious, imaginative, curious, and comfortable. and this book did not disappoint in any way. if you need to disappear from everyday life, pick up this or any of his books. enjoy.