This will be the first in an irregularly appearing series call "yes, I really hate it" in which I tell you about something I hate that everyone else loves. And then you can try to change my mind and I'll pretend that having my mind changed is an option. Fun!
Today I was killing time before a Giants game at Borders when I saw the Christopher Moore book, You Suck, marked down on clearance. I picked it up and was almost about to check out with it when I remembered just how much I hated Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. With a shudder I put You Suck back on the clearance table, because I was fairly certain it would suck.
Awhile ago I picked up Lamb because everyone I know raved about that book. When I worked at Barnes and Noble it would end up on the staff rec wall at least every other month. When I told people I hadn't read it they would gasp and tell me that I must read it right that second. Since I tend to shy away from things that I. Have. To. Do. I resisted reading Lamb for awhile, mainly so that when I did read it, all of the hype about it would be far from my judgmental mind. And yet, I still thought the book was meh.
I wish I could tell you exactly what about Lamb didn't transform me into a ravenous Christopher Moore fan; all I can say is that the book really didn't do it for me. I didn't laugh once, much less laugh out loud. I ended up zoning out while I was reading, seeing the words, but not absorbing them, and had to go back and reread parts. If I like a book, even a tiny bit, I do not zone out. I might reread a part, but it's because it was some awesome I couldn't take it all in the first time.
I don't know if my lack of biblical knowledge ruined the book for me. I mean, I know the basic story in the Bible, but I haven't studied the text as throughly as some people. I found that Lamb dragged on and I actually felt like reading the Bible might be more interesting. For me it was a letdown and has turned me off of Christopher Moore's other books. Some people probably think I'm missing out but I think I'm the smart one, using my reading time to read real quality literature.
Now feel free to tell me just how wrong I am.
Your post rocks, it's so diplomatic. You aren't wrong. Lamb was terrible. Friends lent it to me expecting a glowing book report but I could barely make it to the 100th page. I gave up. I would love to know what virtues Lamb holds for the non-bible lover with biblical knowledge. If any exist.
ReplyDeleteAlso this is a really cool new blog feature. If I did it, it would be something like, "Seriously I've REALLY never been to Tahoe!"
ReplyDeleteNathan really likes Christopher Moore books. I don't know if he likes this Lamb book. He does know a LOT about the Bible because he doesn't forget stuff that he learns, except if it comes out of my mouth. And he learned a lot about the Bible when his parents' church was trying to brainwash him.
ReplyDeleteI like Christopher Moore but I've never read Lamb because I was raised Catholic and riffing on the biblical things, no matter how funny, gives me flashbacks. I'm glad you didn't pick up You Suck as it's a sequel (to Bloodsucking Fiends) and you sort of want to know and like the main characters already.
ReplyDeleteShould you ever be tempted to like Christopher Moore again I suggest trying A Dirty Job, and consider getting the audio book from the library. Here's the thing: I found it funnier when somebody else was hitting all the punch lines and literally giving the characters a voice. I have this whole thing going about books that are better in audio format, it has something to do with writers subconsciously wanting movie deals and writing screenplays instead of novels. It's nonsense but I've divided the book world up nicely for myself.
It was also a bit fun that the characters in A Dirty Job were running around in San Francisco, a town I know pretty well. A character from Bloodsucking Fiends makes a cameo in A Dirty Job so in case you do find yourself liking it, try that book next.
All this said I read The Stupidest Angel and liked it, when my boyfriend read it he found it boring. We're still together.
The only Moore I've read has been A Dirty Job. I'm not quite done with it yet, but thus far it has been pretty amusing. You are welcome to borrow my copy when I finally do finish it.
ReplyDeleteUm, I have one, not read that book and two, never heard of it. Let the gasping begin. I'm guessing if you don't like it, I won't either.
ReplyDeleteI tried it and gave up quickly because of its tediousness. But I was at Borders today and they had these really cool colored pencils that smell like gourmet food and are made from recycled newspapers.
ReplyDeleteWow, look at me out of the loop again. I haven't even heard of this book and I consider myself (usually) pretty in the know when it comes to books. Ha! However, just from your description alone, I can say with confidence that it doesn't sound like a book I would be into. I am an uber picky reader though.
ReplyDeleteI've not read that book, but I have read Bloodsucking Fiends which was fantastic. If you have any desire to try another Christopher Moore book, please try that one :)
ReplyDeleteBest. Post. Idea. EVER.
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