Helpful Score: 10
So I was having the worst day. The movers screwed up on my contract and called to check in, and also let me know they were coming a day after the contracted move date. It was a paperwork snafu, certainly not the fault of the guy calling me, but rather the guy in the office, but nothing could be fixed over the holiday weekend and they wont be coming the day we planned. Of course this sets off tension at home so husband and I are not happy. I needed to escape. Off I go to the mall, crowded and miserable on a holiday weekend. I duck into Borders and there is "A Dirty Job." Just what I need. I'd pay twice the retail for the relief it brought to my stressed mind. Enjoyable story, funny and looney as only Moore can do. I finished it in bed and turned off the lamp and imagine my surprise to see the cover glow! It's a glow in the dark cover! How cool! Fun book and saved a really miserable day from becoming a miserable week.
Helpful Score: 6
Irrverent and off-kilter. The book combines humor, morbid curiosity and a smidgen of Tibetian death philosophy. It was entertaining for most of the book, but got addictively interesting at the end. I stayed up til 2am to finish rather than leave it for the next night. You can see the final punchline from a mile away, but it's still a fun ride.
Helpful Score: 6
Christopher Moore has written the ultimate guide to death, dying and the sewer system of San Francisco. Intrigued? You should be. If you've read Moore's books, you know you are in for a laugh-out-loud ride. If you haven't been introduced to him, fasten your seatbelts....
Moore's back at the top of his game with this book. I *loved* "Lamb" but the follow-up, "Fluke" left me lukewarm. Well, the mind of Christopher Moore is alive and 'well' again -- HOW DOES HE THINK UP THIS STUFF? From the time that Charlie learns he's "Death" to the final page, I found myself laughing at some of the zaniest characters and events ever put on a page. Loved the hellhounds and the squirrel people -- once you read it, you'll understand.
Helpful Score: 3
I liked this book alot. I couldn't put it down at times. First book I have read from this author. Its about a rather dark subject but written in a funny and entertaining way. Charlie is the owner of a second-hand store and becomes a "death merchant". He helps people's souls move on and keeps from the underworld. I know it sounds odd, but it really is written in an upbeat manner.
Helpful Score: 3
Christopher Moore is one of the best modern writers -- his Bloodsucking Fiends is possibly the best vampire treatment in print. That would be enough, but Moore also has Fluke (featuring field biologists!), The Stupidest Angel (which should be read as consistently as A Christmas Carol in the appropriate season), and others equally creative and quirky. In A Dirty Job, he takes on Death and dying. It's smart and funny and everyone should read it. Buy lots of copies and give 'em as gifts!
Helpful Score: 3
Moore does it again for me. This book is dark, somewhat morbid and most definitely funny. And if that doesn't do it for you, just sit and stare at the book cover in a dark room.
Helpful Score: 3
Oh how I loved this book. It was a fast read & extremely hard to put down.
Fabulous, funny & freaky :)
Loved the glow in the dark book cover too!
Fabulous, funny & freaky :)
Loved the glow in the dark book cover too!
Helpful Score: 3
This was a funny and poignant novel about finding life in death. I liked the characters Charlie Asher, Sophie, Minty Fresh, and the Emperor of San Francisco. I especially liked how Charlie finds courage to face his fears as he both confronts the "sewer harpies" and learns how to be a good father to Sophie.
Helpful Score: 3
Hilarious book with laugh out loud comedy in a very dark, gothic way. Watch out for the special cover, it might scare you.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book!! This is definitely one of my favorites. I would not recommend A Dirty Job if you don't have a sense of humor!
There are several laugh out loud moments. I can't wait to read his others.
There are several laugh out loud moments. I can't wait to read his others.
Helpful Score: 2
I've tried reading Christopher Moore's books twice. I couldn't finish "You Suck". I did finish this one and enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be reading any more of his books. They are just a little *too* odd for me. Some of the running jokes became a little old, and you could see the end coming from a mile away, but in this book (unlike the other) the characters were much more creative and interesting and had much more depth. I really became attached to Charlie, and wanted to know what would happen next. 3.5 stars from me.
Helpful Score: 2
A very funny book. I couldn't put it down because I kept waiting to see what else could possibly happen to this poor Beta Male. You don't know whether to feel sorry for him or laugh at him. A great weekend read.
Helpful Score: 2
This was one of the stupidest books I've ever read. I mean, really... but I loved it. Only Christopher Moore can get away with writing this stuff and leave us all smiling and wanting more. This book was screwed up so many different ways that I lost count. I literally had to put it down twice because I couldn't see through the laughing tears. A fun fun read!
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my favorite Christopher Moore books, at least for the laugh out loud funny bits. I had my bookclub read it and it was universally enjoyed (so it isn't just me).
There is a little bit of crossover with the BloodSucking Fiends characters, which is great. There are new, ridiculously funny characters, even more crazy things happening in San Francisco, and a new twist on our souls, death and harpies.
There is a little bit of crossover with the BloodSucking Fiends characters, which is great. There are new, ridiculously funny characters, even more crazy things happening in San Francisco, and a new twist on our souls, death and harpies.
Helpful Score: 1
Charlie becomes a Death Merchant in San Francisco the same day he becomes a father and a widow. Not long after, things begin to get weirder and weirder in the city. Prepare yourself for voices in the sewers, hellhounds that love bathtime, and finding out the dangers of saying the word "kitty". It was a fascinating read and there were plenty of laugh out loud while reading moments. Good Moore novel!
Helpful Score: 1
This man has an exceptional sense of humor. I enjoy his books. This one got alittle old in some places, I get it already dude was a beta male -- memory is good, lets move on maybe. Overall it was a decent read. Right up until the end. The last couple of chapters seemed like Moore got bored and just threw them out there. Like "yeah okay done with this book its taking too long so BAM the end and I am not going to explain it in too much detail".
Helpful Score: 1
This is a hilarious and very well written novel. If you loved his other books, this one will not disappoint. Easily read in one sitting!!!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was just outstanding entertainment - - witty, silly, colorful and fun. Don't be a snob, just enjoy!
Helpful Score: 1
Hysterical, endearing characters, very funny plot. Ingenious finish. When people start dropping dead around Charlie Asher, a pretty normal, beta type male, and strange names start appearing on his nightstand notepad, the names of the people who will turn up dead, it seems Charlie has been targeted for a very special job.
Helpful Score: 1
I was really looking forward to _Dirty Job_. _Fluke_ didn't work for me either, but I'd loved Moore's previous books.
_Dirty Job_ was great up to a point - and then it stopped being funny and fun to read. Unfortunately, I was a goodly ways through the book when that point appeared. I read through to the end. Things continued strange, but things didn't alter for the better. The funny and the fun remained missing.
_Dirty Job_ was great up to a point - and then it stopped being funny and fun to read. Unfortunately, I was a goodly ways through the book when that point appeared. I read through to the end. Things continued strange, but things didn't alter for the better. The funny and the fun remained missing.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books of all time! I LOVED this book!
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Christopher Moore book that I read and I have to say that it was fabulous! I immeadiately wanted to read everything that he had ever written.
This book is tremendously funny and touching and exciting - it has so many elements so perfectly woven together that it transcends normal genre boundaries.
You should definately read it.
Now.
This book is tremendously funny and touching and exciting - it has so many elements so perfectly woven together that it transcends normal genre boundaries.
You should definately read it.
Now.
Helpful Score: 1
soooo quirky... devilish... twisted... very creative idea... loved the settings and tidy dialogue... odd odd author i suspect
Helpful Score: 1
Very imaginative and fun to read. Highly recommend it!
Helpful Score: 1
My first Christopher Moore book - Loved it! Now I am hooked on his books.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the funniest books that I have ever read. It is hysterical and dark and baudy. What a fun book to read! Christopher Moore is a sarcastic master.
Helpful Score: 1
Twisted, as only he can be, and very good.
Helpful Score: 1
This book has some serious laugh out loud moments...Couldn't put it down!!! This genre may not be for everyone but if you are looking for a good supernatural comedy, you have found it!!! Charlie is a great character and everything that unfolds around his is the stuff of legend!!! I can't say enough about how great this book is...It starts off pretty slow but hang in there...It is worth it!!!
The story line is okay, but the plot is a bit predictable. The newer books by this author seem to be less "original" than previous ones. This one reminded me a lot of "Dead Like Me" so I had to wonder, especially since the book came out later.
And what's with the term "Death Merchant"? It's not like these guys sell guns, tobacco or liquor. Wouldn't "Soul Merchant" be a better term?
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn't have an original feel to it. It was funny, but just a bit lame.
And what's with the term "Death Merchant"? It's not like these guys sell guns, tobacco or liquor. Wouldn't "Soul Merchant" be a better term?
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn't have an original feel to it. It was funny, but just a bit lame.
I think I had too high of expectations for this book. It was my first Christopher Moore and I expected greatness. It was entertaining and fun, but not great. I did enjoy the San Fransisco setting as I could picture the happenings in my head. Worth a read, but not a classic.
this time author Moore deals with death and while on the one hand he does not disappoint in the funny/strange category, there are parts that are serious. Great plot -kept me guessing.
Great book! This was the second book of Moore's that I read and very different than the first. I recommend you have a sense of humor and a taste for the absurd.
My favorite Christopher Moore book. This was the first Moore title I ever read, which sent me on a mission to read all of his titles.
I first read this book in 2010. There are very few stories that make me literally laugh out loud, but this is one of them. This book had me laughing so hard, I had to put it down because I couldn't read through the tears coming out of my eyes.
If you like Christopher Moore, you love this. If you aren't familiar with his work, READ THIS BOOK. There is no better introduction to his stories.
I first read this book in 2010. There are very few stories that make me literally laugh out loud, but this is one of them. This book had me laughing so hard, I had to put it down because I couldn't read through the tears coming out of my eyes.
If you like Christopher Moore, you love this. If you aren't familiar with his work, READ THIS BOOK. There is no better introduction to his stories.
This book is a lot of fun. I originally listened to it as an audiobook at work and got several funny looks from ppl when I was laughing out loud.
I've read several other books by Moore including LAMB, FLUKE, and ISLAND OF THE SEQUINED LOVE NUN. I found all of these to be very amusing and over-the-top with some very unusual workings of Moore's mind. A DIRTY JOB was even more out there than the other novels I have read! The protagonist, Charlie Asher, is leading a pretty normal life, happily married and running a second-hand store in San Francisco. Then when his wife has a baby, she unexpectedly dies and Asher becomes the newest dealer of lost souls or a "Death Merchant." He must find the souls of the recently deceased which somehow get captured in their favorite inanimate objects and pass these souls on to others who for some reason don't already have one. When his wife dies, another death merchant is present named Minty Fresh who also sends Asher a book detailing (very sparsely) his new duties. His newborn daughter, Sophie, also is empowered and is able to kill animals by looking at them and saying "kitty." As the years go by, Asher finds that the underworld is trying to take over and he is attacked several times by what he calls "sewer sirens" who live underground and are also after lost souls. And then there is Lily, the goth girl who works in Asher's shop, and finally Audrey who is also trying to save souls by putting them in small reconstructed "squirrel people" made from animal skeletons and body parts. So will Asher be able to save the world and eliminate the forces of evil?
Like I said this was way over-the-top and a very "squirrelly" tale of the darker side of dying. Of course, it was filled with Moore's humor and a lot of lol moments. But for me, this one was just a little too much. Moore wrote a sequel to this called SECONDHAND SOULS that I will probably pass on. However, I'm sure I'll be reading some of his others that I have missed. I did find interesting that in the acknowledgements to the book, Moore says that the "squirrel people" were inspired by the artwork of Monique Motil who actually uses animal skeletons and parts to make works of art dressed in high fashion.
Like I said this was way over-the-top and a very "squirrelly" tale of the darker side of dying. Of course, it was filled with Moore's humor and a lot of lol moments. But for me, this one was just a little too much. Moore wrote a sequel to this called SECONDHAND SOULS that I will probably pass on. However, I'm sure I'll be reading some of his others that I have missed. I did find interesting that in the acknowledgements to the book, Moore says that the "squirrel people" were inspired by the artwork of Monique Motil who actually uses animal skeletons and parts to make works of art dressed in high fashion.
This book is laugh out loud hilarious. I could not stop laughing and reading parts of it to my family. Definitely fantasy which is not my genre but I'm so glad I ran across it and gave it a try. If you want to laugh you've got to pick this one up.
I had to read this after reading all the reviews on how funny this author is. The book completely lived up to those reviews! I literally laughed out loud at some parts....I love little Sophie and her puppies. "Delightfully warped and funny", as Carl Hiaasen commented. Looking forward to reading other books from this author!
This was my first introduction to the humor that is Christopher Moore! I could not wait for more! This was honestly one of the funniest books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I laughed the entire way through the book! I felt bad for the main character in some ways, but he was such a hoot readig about, that I could not wait for more. I am now hooked to Christopher Moore and his books!
So, this author is a loon. I am always half afraid to crack open one of his books, for fear it will turn my stomach. It's like watching your child pick his nose, while at the same time laughing hysterically because he's doing it in a really funny way. There is nothing comfortable about reading any of Moore's books. That being said, this was the best I've read so far. It had a great plot, was very entertaining and really not too gross overall. I loved the beginning, the middle, AND the ending (so many times the best you can hope for is two out of three).
I love Christopher Moore. He is bold, bawdy, irreverent, dirty and just down-right wonderful. His talent for language and character development is uncanny. Every one of his characters is rich and real. I feel like I know them all. This book is not for the faint of heart... it hits you in the face with cursing and completely out-there ideas in the first few pages. But if you need a guilty pleasure, a laugh-out-loud romp through the "world" of San Fransisco, then Dirty Job is the book you want.
Another genius book by a genius author. Highly recommended!
Entertaining & delightful!
This is the most enjoyable book I've read in a very long time. It's inspired me to read ALL of Chris Moore's books.
This is Hilarious!
This is Hilarious!
Absolutely love this author!
What a treat! I laughed my a$$ off reading this book. The story line was entertaining as well, although a little predictable. It didn't matter though, A Dirty Job was so much fun to read. I recommend it to anyone who needs a giggle.
Twisted, but hilarious!
This proved to not be my kind of book, but that's just me and says nothing about the book itself. If you like a lot of humor in your reading and don't mind swearing, you'll probably love this book. It has an entertaining storyline that will keep your interest, and a lot of humorous situations. In all honesty, death has never been so funny. I just happen to be someone who likes even my fiction books to be more serious is all. As a side note, if you're someone who likes to keep tabs on what your kids are reading: There is a lot of mature language in this book, as well as sexual themes and violence. Just thought I'd warn you.
Very funny book. I recommended it to my 17 year old daughter. Made me want to read more of Christopher Moore.
This is probably the funniest book I ever read!
Perfectly bizarre and LOL hilarious. The funniest book I've ever read.
I LMAO more than once in this book (actually, at least once every page). The ending was a little unnecessary, I thought, but it was still good. ALL the way to the end, it was good.
Charlie, the main character, is a Beta Male. In other words, average. And content to be so. Until his wife dies after giving birth to their daughter and he sees a tall man in a mint green suit over his wife's body. After that, he starts seeing objects glowing red, hearing voices speaking to him from the sewers no one else can hear, and names of dead people keep appearing on his agenda by his bed (with numbers, no less). Not to mention, his daughter has a slight problem when she says the word "kitty" and his gay sister keeps stealing all his good suits.
Charlie, the main character, is a Beta Male. In other words, average. And content to be so. Until his wife dies after giving birth to their daughter and he sees a tall man in a mint green suit over his wife's body. After that, he starts seeing objects glowing red, hearing voices speaking to him from the sewers no one else can hear, and names of dead people keep appearing on his agenda by his bed (with numbers, no less). Not to mention, his daughter has a slight problem when she says the word "kitty" and his gay sister keeps stealing all his good suits.
Everything that was good about Lamb, irreverence married to reverence, is in greater abundance in this one. I think it's his best book.
2 Words that describe the book: Dying (of) Laughter
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:
1. Setting: San Francisco, CA, modern times
2. Charlie Ashera normal guy (a "Beta Male") with a normal life ... until his wife dies shortly after childbirth and he become Death.
3. SophieCharlie's young daughter, who seems to have problem keeping pets alive until she gets two 400-pound hellhounds to protect her from the increasingly strange happenings that seem to happen around her and her father. And it turns out young Sophie has some special talents of her own.
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it:
1. I like this author. He has such a good imagination and (often dark) sense of humor, but it is wrapped up in this amazingly compassionate and human point of view that keeps his books from being just about the jokes.
2. I liked how Moore incorporated research into mythology and religion (in this case, the Tibetan Book of the Dead and creatures called Morrigans from Irish Celtic mythology) into the story.
3. I liked how Moore creates these outlandish story lines, but his characters remain firmly grounded in the real world. In fact, I think this juxtaposition is what makes his books so amusing. Charlie may be Death, but he's got a bunch of problems like anyone else.4. I liked all the little extras in my version of the book: a glow-in-the-dark cover and The Official, Christopher Moore-Sanctioned "Are You A Beta Male?" Quiz.
5 Stars or less for your rating?
I'm giving the book 4 stars. If you haven't picked up on it by now, I just adore Christopher Moore's books. I didn't think this book was as good as Lamb, but only in the sense that I got 2.3 laughs per page instead of 4.2. If you enjoy wicked humor with an edge (and a heart), Moore is the author for you.
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met:
1. Setting: San Francisco, CA, modern times
2. Charlie Ashera normal guy (a "Beta Male") with a normal life ... until his wife dies shortly after childbirth and he become Death.
3. SophieCharlie's young daughter, who seems to have problem keeping pets alive until she gets two 400-pound hellhounds to protect her from the increasingly strange happenings that seem to happen around her and her father. And it turns out young Sophie has some special talents of her own.
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it:
1. I like this author. He has such a good imagination and (often dark) sense of humor, but it is wrapped up in this amazingly compassionate and human point of view that keeps his books from being just about the jokes.
2. I liked how Moore incorporated research into mythology and religion (in this case, the Tibetan Book of the Dead and creatures called Morrigans from Irish Celtic mythology) into the story.
3. I liked how Moore creates these outlandish story lines, but his characters remain firmly grounded in the real world. In fact, I think this juxtaposition is what makes his books so amusing. Charlie may be Death, but he's got a bunch of problems like anyone else.4. I liked all the little extras in my version of the book: a glow-in-the-dark cover and The Official, Christopher Moore-Sanctioned "Are You A Beta Male?" Quiz.
5 Stars or less for your rating?
I'm giving the book 4 stars. If you haven't picked up on it by now, I just adore Christopher Moore's books. I didn't think this book was as good as Lamb, but only in the sense that I got 2.3 laughs per page instead of 4.2. If you enjoy wicked humor with an edge (and a heart), Moore is the author for you.
One of the funniest books I've read in ages!
This is a ridiculously funny book. Even the sad parts are funny. The characters are well um, well whatever you do to characters. The dialogue is crackling. This book has me in dire fear of a baby saying kitty to me!
One of my favorite Christopher Moore books, partly about a man raising a baby on his own, while obsessing over the idea that he might have been tapped as the new DEATH.
Absolutely as sarcastic and are reverent as only more can be. I will admit that always takes me a few pages to get into the groove of his books but they always leave me laughing smiling and having a great time. Even if I am sitting in the doctor's office. maybe it's even better that way because everybody is trying to figure out why I'm smiling so big while I'm waiting such a trial. I highly highly recommend this and make sure to pass it on to all your friends. It was very hard for me to let go of this book!
Completely original, unique, quirky, absurd and totally unrealistic...yet one of the most entertaining books I've read. I love Moore's sense of humor and style, I laughed out loud on many occasion. Talent of a gifted writer paired with a crazy-a** imagination and superb sarcasm...this book is one-of-a-kind... Just ordered his other book "Fluke"...can't wait!
Holy Sheep Dip this was one funny book. The characters are freaking funny and put all together they make this weird storyline work. Quick pace, wacky situations, underworld rise up and never speak the word kitty and point.
Can't wait to read the rest of his books.
Can't wait to read the rest of his books.
If you are ever looking for motivation to read a book that is interesting and unlike others - This one has zombie squirrels.
This book was one of the best i've ever read. it was so interesting and fun i couldn't help falling in love with it. this was one of those books i found hard to put down.
A terrific read for young adults!!!
A terrific read for young adults!!!
I loved this book. It was interesting and entertaining. No dull points in it. The story flows really well. This is my first book by the author but I've added his others to my wish list- he's instantly become one of my favorite authors. Definitely recommended.
