Nov 4, 2008

Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore

Christopher Moore's The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror is another audiobook to entertain, even at 5 A.M. on the commute into the city. My husband and I have gotten into a habit of listening to audiobooks in the car when we travel to and from work, and when we take little road trips.

Christopher Moore's books seem to be the most addictive for us even with the sometimes dark humor and harsh content. The Stupidest Angel is no exception.

The book is set in Pine Cove, Calif., where the Archangel Raziel is set upon Earth to grant a Christmas wish to one child. That child is Josh Barker. Unfortunately, Josh has no idea what is in store when he asks the angel to bring Santa Claus back to life.

With characters like a Warrior babe named Molly, a pot-smoking constable--her husband, a DEA helicopter pilot, and a evil developer, among others, there was nothing to do but sit back and laugh at the follies, misunderstandings, and interactions between these characters. Of course, there had to be a speaking, sunglasses wearing, fruit bat named Roberto! These characters stumble around in their relationships with one another, insulting their spouses and their friends, only to make up in the end, but the ride is raucous.

It gets even crazier in Pine Cover when Molly goes off her medications and starts hearing the narrator in her head, giving her direction. She wonders off into the woods naked and carrying a Japanese sword where she meets Raziel who only wants to eat the marshmallows out of the cocoa packets. Meanwhile, zombies are raging war against the townspeople at the Lonesome Christmas celebration in the local church. The resolution to this story is truly in the Christmas spirit, but the ride to its conclusion is hilarious and action-packed.

Also Reviewed By:
Firefly's Book Blog
SomeReads
Books I Done Read

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I actually found the title of the book - weird :D So I came over to read the whole review :)

and I m loving this!
I really want to read/listen to this one :-)

Anonymous said...

What a wacky cast of interesting characters! Sounds like a read (listen?) I would just love. I haven't gotten into audio books yet, probably cuz I'm not much of a commuter. Mostly a basement office mole in my golden years (smile)

Does it come in paperback also?

Anonymous said...

I've never listened to an audio book but have gotten a couple of them to take on our trip this weekend. That one sounds so much better than the ones I got!

Anonymous said...

I just read the title and started laughing. :)

Serena said...

Veens: I'm glad that you stopped by to read the entire review and that it peaked your interest. It was another fun one.

Marvin: Yes, it is available in paperback. Probably at the local library and/or bookstore.

bermudaonion: I recommend Moore's books in audio format...the narrators make it all worthwhile.

J. Kaye: Thanks for checking out the review.

Jeannie said...

Thanks for the review, Serena. I have never heard of this before.

Serena said...

I started my Halloween and Christmas readings early!

Lenore Appelhans said...

I really liked Blood Sucking Fiends and have been meaning to check out more of his books.

Serena said...

I've been enjoying Moore's books a great deal and would love to read the next one that comes out in January or February!

Toni said...

This sounds like a hoot for the commute!! (did I write that?) Thanks for the heads up.. I like a little off beat book now and again. I am becoming really fond of audio books for my commute even though it is only 25 minutes. I will be looking out for this one!!

Ti said...

I listen to audio books on my commute too sometimes. This one sounds like it would be very entertaining.

Jo-Jo said...

Oh my gosh...this book sounds hillarious! It is so off the wall that I am sure it helped to wake you up in those early mornings! I only have about a 20 minute ride in the mornings but I do have a couple of friends that listen to quite a few audiobooks. I may have to look into that!

Joanne ♦ The Book Zombie said...

Oh this is such a fabulous book! I've loved all Moore's books, the only one I have yet to read is Fluke. By far the Pine Cove books are my faves :)

Fyrefly said...

"First we feast, then IKEA." I am laughing now just thinking about it.

I haven't read this book for several years; thanks for the reminder that I should dust it off and re-read it this Christmas!

June Saville said...

Thanks for following Journeys in Creative Writing Serena. I have returned the compliment. And I shall return.
June in Oz

Anna said...

This sounds like a hilarious book. He only eats the marshmallows out of hot cocoa packets! Good thing I wasn't drinking while I read that part! And I love the title "A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror." You've been trying to get me to read Christopher Moore for awhile, but I wasn't convinced I should until this review! Thanks for the recommendation!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Serena said...

Toni: Moore is a genius with humor. My commute is about 15 minutes, but it is a laugh with Moore's books...he puts me in a good mood before I have to come deal with my ancient computer at work.

Ti and Jo-Jo: This book will have you in stitches...matter of fact, most of his books will.

Joanne: You should revisit his books when you are stressed...it helps..believe me.

FyreFly: I left that part out of the review, but I could not stop laughing...First we feast, then Ikea!.

Anna: It took you this many reviews of Moore's books to believe me! LOL Too funny...the angel is a riot! and I love the zombies...nevermind the rest of the cast...yes that's what they are a cast! Hilarious.

Shana said...

What an adorable cover. And, I'm kind of a sucker for dark humor, so this one sounds good to me.

Shana
Literarily

Serena said...

Shana: Thanks for entering the contest. I just love these books.

Marie Cloutier said...

Great review. this one has been on my maybe list for a while- might have to go check it out now! :-)

Literary Feline said...

I wasn't overly impressed with the one Christopher Moore book I read, but I do want to give him a second chance. Especially since so many people find him so funny. I am glad you liked this one.

cheesygiraffe said...

Great review! :)