A Dirty Job: A Novel - Christopher Moore

Born-again Reader

I used to read all the time when I was younger. As I got into college and more involved in work, instead of picking up a book, I started picking up a controller, either watching the short cartoons on Adult Swim or playing a quick game of Madden. Then last summer on a trip to New York, (for a funeral, no less) I decided to purchase a new book to keep me busy on the flight. I read the back cover and was intrigued. I started in on this book and, for the first time in years, finished it within three days.

There are so many elements that make this book enjoyable: the humor (sometimes dark and sometimes light-hearted), its twisted nature, the characters and the bits of heart spread throughout. Although, for me, the humor was the selling point. I was actually quieted on the plane because I was laughing out loud.

It's nowhere near a difficult read, but it is imaginative and entertaining. In fact, once I get it back (I lent it to a friend, whose husband kicked her out of bed for laughing out loud while reading), I think I may just start it again!

Perfection!

Although Moore has written many excellent comedies, this one is at the top of my list. This is a case study in humorous imagination and spot-on dialogue. The storyline is just as crazy as those of his other novels, and yet he again delivers it with the smoothness and depth of a master bard.

Do not let the theme of Death fool you, this is still the funny and talented Moore delivering yet another lively gem.

strange and funny

A peculiar easy read. What I would call a typical Christopher Moore book because of his unique story lines and great humor. This book also puts life and death in a new light and provokes some thoughts on the meaning behind people's lives once they are gone and how they live on in the world they have left behind.

Fast and fun read.

Death: Someone's Gotta Do it, Right?

Christopher Moore has written many novels, all falling within the genre of dark humor, subtlety and well, a little twisted. A Dirty Job is no exception to this comedy book collection and an excellent addition at that. As a fan of shows that follow the same line (Dead Like Me) this was right up my alley.

The novel stars Charlie Asher, very recently widowed father, who witnesses the collection of his wife's soul. Not supposed to be able to witness such an event, it comes to light that Charlie himself is also a Death Merchant. Charlie's life as a new father, pawn shop owner and Death Merchant takes him on a path of confusion, soul collection and diapers that he never imagined. Of course as if the addition of soul collection to his life wasn't enough, something dark is stirring beneath the streets, the Morrigan. Without spoiling it too much, let's just say these are the bad guys and not only does Charlie now have a multitude of new responsibilities, he's got some demons trying to take the souls he's supposed to collect for their own dark deeds.

This novel moves quick, through great one liners, poignant thoughts on death and dying and moments of out and out hilarity. While I felt the very very end was a little rough and almost tacked on, that by no means should be the basis in which to judge the entirety of the novel on.

Recommended to me by a Barnes and Noble employee as a good book to take on vacation, I am now hooked on Christopher Moore beyond the beach. Currently I am reading the tale of Biff, who recounts his life as Jesus' best friend through childhood, in the novel Lamb.

My book group loved it

STORY:
From the Editor's Review: "Charlie Asher is a pretty normal guy with a normal life, married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy. They're even about to have their first child. Yes, Charlie's doing okay--until people start dropping dead around him, and everywhere he goes a dark presence whispers to him from under the streets. Charlie Asher, it seems, has been recruited for a new position: as Death.

It's a dirty job. But, hey! Somebody's gotta do it."


MY FEEDBACK:
It was time for one of the members of our book group to make the next book selection. When they recommended this book, we all kind of looked at her funny but went for it anyhow. The experience turned out to be a pleasant surprise!

From the colorful cast of characters gracing contemporary day San Fransisco (sewer harpies, death merchants and animated animal parts) to the very clear message on how we all deal with death and the loss of a loved one, this story was a page turner.

There were definite laugh out loud parts.
One group member said after the 15th laugh out loud his wife demanded he buy her a copy of the book so she could find out what he was laughing at.

This is a fantastically imaginative work that includes romance, humor, action fight scenes, suspense, serious topics and a threats from the Underworld.

I would have given it a five star, but at times the frequency of the vulgarity and crass descriptions of things began to grate one's nerves after a bit. WARNING: This is NOT a kids book!

OVERALL:
An easy summer read that leaves you laughing in stitches and asking questions about your own views of death without feeling depressed.

We all agreed in our book group to try another one of Moore's books, as his style is a nice change of pace from the mainstream mystery, thriller, crime, fantasy or sci-fi. Thanks Mr. Moore.