The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale Of Christmas Terror
Christopher Moore | 2005-01-31 00:00:00 | Sound Library | 0 | Horror
Christmas crept into Pine Cove like a creeping Christmas thing: dragging garland, ribbon, and sleigh bells, oozing eggnog, reeking of pine, and threatening festive doom like a cold sore under the mistletoe.
'Twas the night (okay, more like the week) before Christmas, and all through the tiny community of Pine Cove, California, people are busy buying, wrapping, packing, and generally getting into the holiday spirit. It is the hap-hap-happiest time of the year, after all.
But not everybody is feeling the joy. Little Joshua Barker is in desperate need of a holiday miracle. No, he's not on his deathbed; no, his dog hasn't run away from home. But Josh is sure that he saw Santa take a shovel to the head, and now the seven-year-old has only one prayer: Please, Santa, come back from the dead.
But hold on! There's an angel waiting in the wings. (Wings, get it?) It's none other than the Archangel Raziel come to Earth seeking a small child with a wish that needs granting. Unfortunately, our angel's not sporting the brightest halo in the bunch, and before you can say "Kris Kringle," he's botched his sacred mission and sent the residents of Pine Cove headlong into Christmas chaos, culminating in the most hilarious and horrifying holiday party the town has ever seen.
Only Christopher Moore, the man who brought you the outrageous lost gospel Lamb and the hysterical fish tale Fluke could have devised a new holiday classic that tugs at the heartstrings and serves up a healthy slice of fruitcake to boot.
Move over, Charles Dickens -- it's Christopher Moore time.
Reviews
This is the first Christopher Moore novel I've read and frankly, I'm not nearly as impressed with this as many of the other reviewers. I'm not fond of tearing down other people's hard work, but this novel didn't really have much of a plot-it was more as if Moore had developed several characters he thought were funny and then sat down and tried to figure out a way to put them all in a novel. I've since read "Practical Demonkeeping" and anyone who's read it should be able to see what I'm saying-"Demonkeeping" has a plot that drives the novel and which makes the actions of the characters make sense. This novel, not so much. I thought that "Demonkeeping" was quite a bit better than this novel, and I'd recommend it above this one. I have to admit, however, that I NEVER read fiction-I haven't read a novel all the way through in years-and I DID read this one, so obviously I liked it, and it got me to go back to the library to check out another of his books. These novels certainly aren't great literature, but then if great literature were what we were after we'd be reviewing Joseph Conrad or Herman Melville. I'd advise readers to skip this novel but check out Moore's other stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing what else he's come up with.
Reviews
Great read. If you can't laugh at Christmas, how about zombies at Christmas? Who knew they liked Ikea as much as living flesh.This book will be more enjoyable if you have read other Moore books, but don't let that stop you. Old friends are back and the more things change, the more they stay the same. I laughed my butski blueski.
Reviews
This is not a heart-warming story, nor is there any peace, miracles, or goodwill towards men. For those who are sick of sugary sweet Christmas stories, this nitty-gritty tale is a much needed counterpoint. There is an angel, and yes he does a stupid thing by losing his wings. But he is too busy trying to prevent this world from coming to an end. Quirky characters are a delight. Also try Moore's other humorous novel Practical Demonkeeping.
Reviews
Christopher Moore ("Fool," "Practical Demonkeeping," "Bite Me") warms my heart. Consistently insane, always hilarious, and as ever completely unexpected, his series of novels capture the madness that is our quest for the American dream.
By choosing non-L.A. California as the setting for most of his novels, Moore can populate his books with a merry band of dreamers, losers, almost-greats and small town big fish. His beloved cast of characters now in place, he simply thinks up a crazy idea for a plot and lets the chips fly where they may.
For "The Stupidest Angel," Moore returns to Pine Cove, everyone's favorite tourist trap on the central California coast. It's the holidays, and true to form, Moore starts off the yuletide season as only he can - with a dead Santa Claus. A young boy witnesses the demise of St. Nick and wishes with all his heart that Christmas won't be ruined. And so an Angel of the Lord - Raziel, whom we've met before (and love despite of his intellectual shortcomings) - is sent to Pine Cove to perform a Christmas miracle.
And so it is that within hours, Pine Cove is overwhelmed with a mighty winter storm, warrior-women brandishing ancient Japanese swords, talking fruit bats, and a bevy of murderous and gossipy zombies. Along the way, oodles of laughter, plenty of sex, a spot or two of blood, and the occasional life lesson or two are there for the reader's enjoyment.
Not to mention the epic Chapter 16.
If you have not yet dived into the crazy world of Christopher Moore, I highly recommend grabbing his first book, "Practical Demonkeeping," right away. While by no means is it essential to read Mr. Moore's books in order, it is recommended because many of his characters show up in later novels.
Read this book!
Reviews
I realize this book came out years ago, but this is the first time I've read it and I have to say, Christopher Moore is probably my favorite "comedic" author ever! I've read 4 other of his books, and none of them cease to amaze me, including this one! I never saw it coming... I don't want to ruin it for anyone reading these reviews before reading the book, but if you haven't read any of CM's books yet, or if you have and already know of his wacky sense of humor, then get this book!!! it is hilarious!!! I know it will never happen, but it would be awesome if someone made a movie based on this book... it would be an instant cult classic!!! ...right up there with Shaun of the Dead!!
Download this book!
Free Ebooks Download