After more than 2 years of owning the book, I finally finished it today.
The book is about how Biff a.k.a. Levi recollects and writes a book on the life of Jesus (Joshua in the book) during their childhood. Biff is, according to this book, Joshua's best friend.
Having been born into Christianity, I was rigorously taught about the Bible and the Catholic faith. The most reiterated stories from the Bible are taken from the synoptic gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke as well as the canonical gospel of John. But if you have read these or are at least familiar with these gospels, then you'd be keen to observe that they tell the story of Jesus from the age of 30+ till his death. I personally feel that there is a gap of not knowing exactly what happened from age 1 through 29. That's where Christopher Moore comes in.
"This story is not and never was meant to challenge anyone's faith; however, if one's faith can be shaken by stories in a humorous novel, one may have a bit more praying to do." ~ Christopher Moore
Contrary to my first impression when I picked up this book, I somehow found it to be enjoyable to read. Having read some Dan Brown books, it's not hard to stereotype this book as something that strikes the same chord -- blasphemy. Unlike the Da Vinci Code, where Christ was portrayed to have (secretly) married Mary Magdalene and had children, I realized that the author did not want to stir controversy in this book but to just create something fun to read. It was really creative how the author used the 3 wise men who visited Jesus on his birth as the instruments of knowledge to prepare Him for His future as the messiah. And did I mention that the book was also humorous?
I liked the ending of the book, where it showed how Biff dealt with Joshua's death -- truly dramatic.
If you are a Christian with an open mind (and sound faith), then I suggest you read this book. If however the title alone already questions your faith or somehow irritates you, then, as I quoted the author above, one may have a bit more praying to do.
