Horrifying yet humourous
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This novel managed to both horrify and amuse me. Christopher Moore manages once again to create a fantastical story that seems perfectly plausible (even logical) within the insulated world of Pine Cove. Each resident's idiosyncrasies delight the reader while adding to the advancement of the story. This novel is well worth the read if you enjoy macabre humour. If you don't, then you might want to try another authour.
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Great fun at everyone's expense
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I love all of Moore's books, but PRACTICAL DEMONKEEPING is his best and funniest book. If you're not one for intricate plots, then skip his works, but if you like fun and games, coupled with a great but winding plot, then look no more (pun intended). For those of you new to Moore, this is THE book to start with. I simply can't recommend it enough!
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some scenes were great. others were...lacking
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Christopher Moore manages to create many different interesting and unique characters in this book. They are unique but in most cases not absurd. They are easy to relate to and understand...except for the demon and the djinn that are thrown into the mix. He finds the hilarity in everyday life. When strange...VERY strange things happen to these characters, you can almost imagine them happening to yourself or someone you know.
I found, however, that the most interesting scenes were cut short too quickly, leaving me thirsty for more (not unlike the Djinn after devouring the dead sea). and yet there were parts that bored me that went on...a few pages too long.
All and all a good, not great, good book. If you enjoy Moore, you will enjoy this but if you are a first time reader, perhaps you should try lamb or the stupidest angel first...just a thought
Although Moore can be quite captivating...I wouldn't put him on the same level as Douglas Adams. But then, I think Adams is a genius.
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Moore's First But Not His Best
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Travis has been a demonkeeper for seventy years and when he and his demon, Catch, arrive in Pine Cove the Djinn who has been hunting Catch is waiting for them. This is Moore's first book and definitely an enjoyable read but not as good as his later work. The characters are a lot of fun though not as well developed as in his other books. A recommended read but if you are new to Christopher Moore start with something else so you can read him at his best.
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Love or hate. (I loved it!)
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I won't go into the plot and so forth. This is well covered by the book description and other reviews.
My best advice is, you'll probably either love this book or simply not get it. Like Douglas Adams, Moore has a particularly absurd imagination and sense of humour.
I happened to love the absurdity and freedom with which Christopher Moore writes -- anything can happen in his universe -- and it usually does. But it is a dark humour and demands a profound suspension of belief from the reader to simply accept Moore's world of demons, djinn and incantations played out on small stage of a California tourist town.
I'd say, read Practical Demonkeeping when you're looking for a good belly laugh and can accept just about anything. He is very talented, and this book was a refreshing antidote to real life. Chances are, you'll run out and grab another of his many books. (I bought three of his books immediately after reading this one, and can't wait to get back into Moore's twisted mind!)
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