This was the funniest book I can remember reading. I don't think I have ever literally laughed out loud so much while reading a book. It was also heart-warming and poignant. Skillfully written, vivid characterization. 
 Being agnostic and having been raised religion-free, I'm not familiar with the Bible. Someone with knowledge of the various stories and characters in the Bible may either take more from this sweet and humorous story, or have more things to nit-pick or be offended at, I'm not sure. I did come away from this story with a better understanding of what the idea of Jesus means to followers of the faiths he is connected to. 
 I was pleasantly surprised at my enjoyment of this book. Usually religious-themed stories are hard for me to swallow -- either they preach too much, or are hideously intolerant to other cultures/religions. This book was neither, and I highly recommend it as a well-told and highly-enjoyable buddy story, if nothing else. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.