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Average rating: 5/5

Based on 327 ratings

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

by Christopher Moore

HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS | January 23, 2003 | Trade Paperback

The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years?except Biff, the Messiah?s best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in this divinely hilarious, yet heartfelt work "reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams" (Philadelphia Inquirer).

Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior?s pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there?s no one who loves Josh more?except maybe "Maggie," Mary of Magdala?and Biff isn?t about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.

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  • Community Reviews
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    Rating: 5/5

    Eight Bookcases

    E. Guest

    6 weeks ago

    Check out my review of Moore's work (one of my favs!) on my blog at:
    http://8bookcases.blogspot.com/2012/01/lamb-gospel-according-to-biff-christs.html

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    This is one of my favorite books. I laughed out loud and even cried the first time I read it and even after reading it several times since, I still laugh and cry. Christopher Moors is a genius and I can honestly say that every one of his books is a gift.
    I decided to try the audio book as I travel a great deal by car and it's better than trying to find a radio station. I was NOT disapointed! As entertaining as I hoped for and loads of fun. Fisher Stevens does an excellent job of conveying the right amount of innocence for Joshua and sarcasm for Biff. Truely a great buy!

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    Rating: 5/5

    Scripturelicious

    Wesley Mitchell

    12 months ago

    When a friend insisted that I read this book, I thought to myself, “how could it be better than the original gospels?” Christopher Moore creates a humorous “what-if” story based on one of the greatest stories ever told. Biff is reminiscent of comically sidekicks throughout history and despite his language, makes the story very charming and innocent. I find myself shouting “Hey, is that a seagull” whenever I want to change the subject in a conversation now. Having gone through Catholic school, familiarity with stories like the wedding at Cana, make Moore’s take that much funnier. I’m not sure how readers would find the story if they aren’t familiar with the new testament, but there is enough “middle” story to this book, that knowing scripture isn’t as important as just knowing who Jesus is. Moore makes a great point in the message from the author, in which he insists that if a comical book like this can shake your faith, you’ve got a lot of praying to do. This book in no way is to be taken seriously, but makes for some very interesting conversation among those friends of mine who have read it. Lamb is the funniest book I have read in a long time, I look forward to reading more Christopher Moore.

    This reviewer also recommends:
    • Was this review
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    I love Christopher Moore. I think he's brilliant and irreverent and ironic and hilarious and he's a wonderful author with a completely unique perspective.

    This book is just as funny as all his other books. The title gives you a pretty good idea what you'll get from this book. It's not exactly the version of the story about Jesus you may be familiar with, because Biff isn't like the other disciples. He's rude, crude and completely self-absorbed. He takes full advantage of being the best friend of the saviour to get everything he possibly can.

    We go along with Jesus [known in this story as Joshua] and Levi [known as Biff] through the early years none of the gospels currently available detail.

    Jesus is mostly the Jesus we know, although he has his "dumb young boy" moments. But the star of this story is really Biff. Biff, who speads weeks having sex with prostitutes while Josh listens from the next room so he can learn "what sin feels like" without partaking himself, having been forbidden to do so by an angel from the Lord.

    Biff, who cons, scams and bamboozles whatever he feels Joshua needs to have to fulfill his destiny. Biff, who's smart mouth and disrespect for everyone but Joshua frequently gets him into trouble. Biff, who loves Joshua and believes in his mission completely and without question. Biff is a character with many facets, but it's hard not to like him overall.

    The story is irreverent and sarcastic, but, as is always the case with Moore, there is an underlying wisdom, thoughtfulness and truth to what happens, what's said and done, and what ultimately happens at the end. The humour of the story - another Moore trademark is constant, clever, witty and delightful. I laughed out loud all the way through and highly recommend this as a great read - UNLESS you are easily offended. In that case, stay away from all Christopher Moore books!

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    Rating: 5/5

    A Great Read!

    Justin Ngai

    2 years ago

    Okay I'm going to come straight. I Do Not Like To Read. I was skeptical at first, I thought that this book would be another boring book that i would read half way through but it wasn't it wasn't the case. This book caught my attention right away, with the interesting cover and the opening chapter. There are many funny phrases and lines in this book. This books tells the story of Jesus's childhood and his journeys with his friend Biff. Christopher Moore did a great job on this book, and you can see it in this book. He makes you imagine every single part of the story he is telling, this is the only book that has every done that for me.

    I would love to see a film on this book. In the future I plan to read more books from Christopher Moore and also pass it down to my children.
    I Recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh and people who want to have fun reading experience.

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    Rating: 5/5

    Suprisingly Great

    Chao Zhuo

    2 years ago

    Let me say this upfront, I detest reading with a passion, but Lamb has made me look at books in a whole other light.Going into the book I really didn't know what to expect from it, but that changed soon. It was a amazing parody, Moore knew excatly how to use a referance for the maximum amount of humor. But at the same time knowing how to change the mood to serious just as swiftly.Lamb has wholesome values and emotion to it. Even though there are ties to religion within the novel anyone can jsut pick up and enjoy.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    I never liked reading, until I picked this book up.

    Lamb is an amazing book about the fictional story of Jesus' lost years. it's a funny and witty satire. It has everything a book can offer.It's cute, heart warming and brings you closer to Christ, himself.

    Christopher Moore put a lot of effort and research into the book, and it shows in his writing. His writing style is unique, simple, and always a joy to read.

    Summary:
    Childhood pal of the Savior, Biff has been revived by the angels, to write about the Lost Years of the Messiah. Take a look into their journey which includes, magic, healing, living dead, demons, Kung Fu and hot girls. Read and discover the little things like, the birth of sarcasm and coffee, why bunnies are associated with Easter and how to choose a harlot. Journey with Biff and Joshua (Jesus' real name, according to Biff) to find enlightenment and wisdom.

    This book to me is an instant classic. I hope to see a film of this novel in the future. It leaves you with joy and wanting to read more and more and more.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    I didn't like reading before, but after reading this book, that all changed.
    The story of Jesus' lost years is an amazing read. It has everything that I enjoy. The adult humor is witty and hilarious.As you read along, you'll discover the little things like the birth of sarcasm, Jew-do, birth of coffee, how bunnies became associated with Easter and many more.

    The author, Christopher Moore has done many research for this book and it shows in his writing. He points out misconceptions of the bible and at the same time, teaches us what religion is all about. He's fun and careful on what he says

    Summary:
    Biff, The Messiah's best friend has been revived by the angels to compete the bible by writing about the lost years of the Messiah's journey.The journey includes, magic, healing, kung fu, demons, and hot girls. Read as Biff and his good pal, the Messiah journey to find knowledge to save the people.

    Instant Classic, I hope to see this as a movie.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    I could read this book over and over and over again. It's just that good. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will likely want to call it your new Bible (it's better than the original). Moore knows how to poke fun without insulting. Well, I'm sure someone was insulted but they're probably a stuck up prude anyway. This book tells the story of a Jesus that is actually far more believable than what's in the Bible. It's entertaining and informative and yet still gets a message across. The same message that the Bible is meant to give and that same message the people twist and abuse to suit their own needs. Everyone should read this book and learn a thing or two about being kind and full of laughter.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 5/5

    Holy Moly

    This review is from: Lamb Special Gift Ed: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal (Hardcover)

    Sonia Boucher

    • Most Helpful
    • Top Contributor

    3 years ago

    Biff, Jesus’ best friend, is brought back to life in our age to write his own Gospel. His story begins when they are children and chronicles their adventures until it meets up to the stories we were taught from the New Testament. There are laugh out loud moments, as you find in all Moore novels, but there are also sad and tender moments. Christopher Moore never disappoints, and showed tremendous courage in undertaking this task, to make up the years from Jesus’ life on which almost nothing is known. I wasn’t sure if he could pull it off. He did. I enjoyed the whole book but I loved the ending. Biff is a keeper. Let's hope Moore brings him back somehow. Good job Mr. Moore!

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 5/5

    Amazing, Extremely Funny!

    Denise Hill

    3 years ago

    I loved this book. It was one of the funniest stories I have ever read. I think it would be an awesome movie.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    This book made me almost laugh, think about other people's religion's AND made me laugh so hard that sometimes people thought I was losing my mind.

    The book is mostly about this guy named Biff, who when he was small made friends with this other boy named josh. Josh is just like any other boy, well other then the fact he can all these cool things ( like bring dead lizards back to life after his younger brother kills them) but he's also the son of God.

    Growing up isn't easy for The Son of god and his best friend. Dealing with Heart break, family issues and sinning Biff helps Josh see the world and keep him pure.

    This book fits so great with the idea's of Jesus being for the fact that in the bible, that you only hear anything about Josh is when he's 12-13 and then way later in his 30's.... this book kinda fills in the blanks in a great funny way.

    This book is great for anyone from any religion (or no religion for that fact). One book you'll be happy you read.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    This is a funny book. Definitely NOT for people who have very strong Christian beliefs and are offended by anything contreversial, this book is NOT for you then. Otherwise, this book might even make you go "hmm...imagine that...what if...." definitely an interesting book.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    As one would expect from Christopher Moore, Lamb was funny. I don't think it was disparaging or sacriligous, and nor was it preachy. All in all, one should not be turned off by the Christian content (either because you're a staunch athiest or Christian).

    One problem I did have with the book, was that people either thought I was reading the Bible or The Game. Either way, people gave me wierd looks. In summary, the gift edition may not be suitable for reading in public places, though it is a very nice edition.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 4/5

    Beverage Alert

    Lindsey Carmichael

    • Chapters Employee

    3 years ago

    First a warning - when you get to the bit about the scarecrow, make sure you're not drinking anything. I nearly drenched my kitchen table in tea.

    Lamb is thoughtful and irreverent and very very funny. Biff is a perfect foil for Jesus. Unfortunately I think Moore totally chickened out on the ending. If not for the major cop-out, I'd give this a five.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 5/5

    Hilarious and irreverent!

    Connie

    3 years ago

    Christopher Moore is always funny, but his portrayal of Christ as a child and young man, as told by his irreverent friend Biff, is absolutely hilarious. These two young Jewish men, along with the help of their friend Mary (yes, the Magdalene), endure the usual trials of adolescence, but with a twist: Jesus is the Son of God. As such, he must experience certain things, such as sex, vicariously. Curious as any adolescent, he asks his heroic friend to describe the experience to him. Of course, Biff finds the task onerous, and must make the sacrifice of being with many prostitutes before he feels that he can properly explain it to Jesus! This is just one of many sacrifices that Biff, hero of his own story, makes for the Son of God. The two friends are thick as thieves as they attempt to discover Jesus' role as the Son of God. Escapades, narrow escapes, near tragedies, and, of course, young love are all part of this rollicking tale.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 5/5

    Loved it!

    Asheley Cowie

    4 years ago

    I thought this book was clever, funny and was very impressed by Christopher Moore's comic timing- I had tears in my eyes more than once from laughing so hard! What a great read!

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    Rating: 5/5

    So funny!

    Hanaboomom

    4 years ago

    Hilariously funny, but also surprisingly touching in many parts. Really enjoyed this book.

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    I feel so out of place writing a bad review amongst all the 4 and 5 star ones, but I really, really, REALLY did not like this book. It was rather funny in some parts, but not enough to keep me going. I found it tedious, preachy and not at all the side-splitting funny I was hoping for. It could be because I'm not a religious person, but I found the biblical humor redundant and dry.

    Comments on this review:
    Dale MacDonald

    I'm reading this right now, and it was described to me as being LOL funny, and I'm finding amusing and even touching. However, I do have to agree that it's not what I was expecting. I loved a Dirty Job. I enjoy the characters in this, but for me, it lacks that truly out-loud moments that folks have been promising me.

    • Was this review
      helpful to you?

    Rating: 5/5

    Awesome!!

    Mel Harrison

    4 years ago

    This book is absolutey hilarious, clever, well written, and thoroughly enjoyable! Christopher Moore's sense of comedic timing is wonderful! He throws in his humour when you least expect it making it all the more funny! The interaction and banter between the characters is believable and charming. Although there were a couple slow spots for me, overall it was one of the best reading experiences I've had in a long time! I highly recommend it!

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