The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove

Rating:
Summary: Moore's usual wit and depth
Review: In my opinion, Christopher is the funniest writer going today. As we saw in Lamb, though, Moore intermixes telling social commentary and genuine warmth into the humor. The books may be funny, but they're not frivolous. In Lust Lizard, Moore scores again with his signature style. The psychiatric establishment takes a few hits here, as does the pharmacy industry. Theo and the B Movie Queen are two of Moore's more endearing characters, making for a fun read that isn't fluff. Give this as a gift proudly.


Rating:
Summary: Lawmen, libido and . . . lizards??
Review: Theophilus Crowe is a Constable. That's not quite a real lawman. He's not certain what it means, nor are the residents of Pine Cove. In this hidden town on a remote shore facing the Pacific Ocean, Pine Cove's Constable has little to do beyond maintaining the peaceful setting and worrying about his cannabis crop. His musings are rudely interrupted by a suicide. The death brings forth minions of the County Sheriff while evokes a spectre of faulty practice to the town's resident psychiatrist. Another spectre resides in the memories of Molly Michon, former skin-flick Warrior Princess of the Outland who bears a scar that demolished her career. Still getting jollies when she flourishes her sword, she's a formidable friend.

Molly finds a friend - "Steve" [no relation]. Steve's problem requires lengthy explanation - reaching, in fact, deep into prehistoric time. Steve is a shape-shifting, pheromone-emitting oceanic resident who's hungry. And horny. Piqued by a waft of radioactive leakage, Steve wends his way to Pine Cove in search of meals and mating. His ability to disguise himself keeps his mass invisible, but his musk attracts susceptible humans in droves. Molly becomes his mentor and protector, but there are other circumstances interfering with her ability to mother-hen a monster that devours people in a gulp. What exactly, is County Sheriff Burton up to? And what do a psychiatrist and a biologist have to talk about?

Moore's ability to create characters and circumstances is worthy of much applause. It's difficult to identify a "real" person among this assemblage. Yet, none of them is contrived nor severely exaggerated. Even Skinner, a rambunctious Labrador, proves a valid depiction. Psychiatrist Valerie Riordan struggles to keep professionalism, personality and pharmacists in some kind of balance. The intrusion of the monster lizard [?? - we're not certain of its actual shape] nearly tips the balance. Moore, by limiting each vignette to a manageable length, keeps the character development and episodes alive and closely present as you page through the book. It's not something you want to read in bits and pieces - the continuity demands rather close attention. A fine book for a holiday or long air flight, Moore's work rewards the reader for their time and attention.
[stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Rating:
Summary: I can't bring myself to give it 3stars bcause of the Prozac
Review: Do you like Carl Hiaasan's wacky style? Or maybe you're the kind of person who likes the philosophical, thought provoking style of Tom Robbins. If either of these authors are your cup of tea then you will most definitely like this book.

Like most of Moore's books, you have to suspend your disbeliefs while you read. Some of his ideas are so far-out that they seem sort of silly. But that is what Moore is all about. He does manage to add meaningful dialog about the nature of depression and antidepressants. He does admit the usefulness of the latter while showing the necessity of the former. A major problem in psychology is pointed out also; does your doctor show a lack of interest in your mental problems? You know, when you're telling your doctor that you've been feeling down and he/she already has the prescription for a new medication half way written out before you are even done giving your symptoms, just something to think about.

Also, if you like this kind of wacky adventure you may want to check out "Stormy Weather" or "Tourist Season" by Carl Hiaasan. He has a similar storytelling style, only without the supernatural aspects.


Rating:
Summary: Look out for the "Food Guy"
Review: For full disclosure purposes, I am a Christopher Moore fan and have read a number of his books in the last year. As one would expect, I found this book to be a wonderful break from reality. I won't go into the details of the plot -- you can read other reviews to get the general gist. Lets just say it is a tale of folly and humor. Suffice it to say that readers should not try to drink any kind of liquid and read this book at the same time--

The great thing about this book is that the author uses the voice of each of the characters to create a mosiac that tells the full story. My favorite insights come from the biologist's dog who recognizes people not by their names, but by the roles they play in the dogs life. In fact, the irony of the story plays out in the fact that this dog and the severely mentally ill Molly are the sanest ones in the entire story.

I work in psychiatry, so this was a good break from my day-to-day boring readings on the topic. I would encourage others in the mental health field to pick up this book.