Not for those who believe the Bible is absolute truth....
I have read this book about three times and it never fails to entertain me. Now, if you are thinking I am not a Christian- you are wrong. I am- but I choose to see this book as an "interpretation" of the greatest, and saddest story every told. I choose to keep in mind that Mr. Moore took a chance at recreating Christ's lost years. What strikes me most about the book was how beautifully Moore intertwined the teachings and lessons of Jesus so it did not take away from the importance of Christ's life. While Biff commits all kinds of absurdities, Jesus takes the opportunity to learn from Biff's actions as well as the best of what religion in that day had to offer. I liked that the story had Jesus' beliefs stemming from different parts of the world and different ways of thinking. To me, this creates an atmosphere built on tolerance, which we know our world could stand some more of. The end saddens me every time as we see Biff struggle to keep his friend alive, for Biff is nothing without the savior by his side. It's a story of friendship, love, compassion, lessons and the belief that we are all- in the end, human.

GREAT LAUGH OUT LOUD SPOOF
THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD...A TWIST TO THE FAMILIAR STORIES
YOU PROBABLY GREW UP WITH...GOOD TO BE ABLE TO SEE THINGS WITH A
DIFFERENT SLANT AND TO LAUGH AT THE POSSIBILITIES.

Moved to the top of my favorite book list
At first, I was a little offended by this book. But after telling myself it is fiction, I found it to be very fun and hilarious. I loved it.

You'll laugh out loud.............a LOT!
Christopher Moore is more than a little crazy........but then genius is often labeled that way.

He most obviously did extensive research for this book (seriously, not kidding here) and puts a very humorous twist to his conjecture on how Christ spent the "un-documented" years.

A very enjoyable read, especially if you have any kind of religious training left over from your youth (and not just Christian either).

Highly recommended.

Offensive, But Not For The Reason You're Thinking.
I admit, I laughed my way through the first half of this book. Moore has a knack for dialog, mixing the bizarre and mundane at will and with great success. The random factor is deliciously high, but not obnoxiously so, and the sparse, oddly-focused prose fits the subject matter perfectly.

But- you knew there was a but coming -I put this book down after the first part and I do not ever wish to have anything to do with it ever again. Moore chose to use the only prominent female character (Maggie, AKA Mary Magdalene) as a plot device in the most offensive way possible. Not only is she forced into a marriage to someone she hates, but the two male leads are perfectly happy to leave her behind while they set off for an adventure.

Please. This is the twentieth century. This situation is not only trite, but misogynist. Perhaps it fits the time period where the book is set. This is a book about Jesus where a character sings a dirge involving the phrase "wacka wacka", so spare me.

Christopher Moore, women are not plot devices or chattel. Thanks for nothing!