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3.75 AVERAGE


I have read many of Christopher Moores books and this one again did lead to several laugh out loud moments. I enjoyed the story and the cast of characters, however was not a huge fan of the ending.
funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was amusing. I think I liked it better than the first book of this series, but having read A Dirty Job and Lamb, I know Moore can and has done better. Everything fell short - almost funny, almost deep, almost creative. Moore's writing is where he shines and I have no complaints about that. Plot, character and world building? Not so much in this book. Still, I enjoyed it and I'm not mad at it.
adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 Christopher Moore was strongly recommended to me over a decade ago by I can’t remember who and I can’t remember when but I’m glad I finally dipped in my toe. Over time I have managed to add four or five of his books to my personal to-read pile at home. Early on while reading this one, I had visions of possibly donating the rest of my Moore pile to the local library for resale. It was odd and kind of engaging and mildly humorous but it hadn’t grabbed me. Something changed about midway through. All the characters locked into place and the mildly humorous became genuinely funny—and kind of  engaging became a romp.  Maybe it took me that long to adjust to the fantasy elements—or should I say one really big fantasy element named STEVE. There was a nice payoff with STEVE  and a certain pharmacist but I might have been just as happy hanging out with the regular townsfolks and their irregular problems. Oh, but I did love that set up and payoff with the pharmacist. Moore’s books are apparently quite popular and there is an element that I appreciated that may factor into it—several of the characters despite what they might be going through maintained a certain gentleness at their core. That being my shorthand for a certain candlelight of decency that hasn’t been snuffed out. (kinda reminds me of the scene from THE INCREDIBLES when the family is escaping and Mr. Incredible joyfully says, YOU KEEP TRYING TO PICK A FIGHT WITH ME BUT I’M JUST HAPPY YOUR ALIVE) While I might generally prefer a harder edge, this is done so well I warmed to it. I will be reading more Moore. 

OH, Christoper Moore ...you do make me chuckle.

This is not my favourite of his novels but the worst Christopher Moore is better than the best of some other authors.

Maybe if I hadn't already read Lamb, I would rate this one higher but Lamb set the bar and that bar is waaaaay up there.
funny lighthearted fast-paced

What hilarity ensues when a prehistoric, giant, lizard-like, sea creature comes to town? Between attracting its prey (the townspeople) by making them lusty and vulnerable, and becoming attached to the local mad-woman in a weird romantic relationship, this book will have you laughing out loud and shaking your head in absurdity.  Christopher Moore is very funny, and this is book 2 of the Pine Cove series, but you do NOT need to read book one to enjoy this. As a matter of fact, I think this one is better than book 1. 

98%

"It was as if the Weirdness Fairy gad landed in his life with a thump, popped him on the head with a rubber chicken, bit him on the shin, then went off to inflict herself on the rest of Pine Cove."

I once read about a Greek philosopher that died laughing at his own jokes, and I wouldn't be surprised if Christopher Moore went out the same way. "Lust Lizard" is absurdly hilarious, and oddly wholesome all at once.

"Theo was cursed with an artist's soul but no talent. He possessed the angst and the inspiration, but not the means to create."

"Estelle searched the air for the source of the question, as if it might have come from a moth spiraling around one of the lights behind the bar."

"It was a big yard with lots of shrubs where other dogs had left him messages. He needed to reply to them all, so each could only get a short spray. Dog e-mail."

"Everyone thinks that it was the big strong caveman who got the girl, and for the most part, that may have been true, but physical strength doesn't explain how our species created civilization. I think there was always some scrawny dreamer sitting at the edge of the firelight, who had the ability to imagine dangers, to look into the future in his imagination and see possibilities."

Hands down one of my favorites. So funny to listen to as an audio book!
adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced