What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dirty Parts of the Bible: A Graphic Novel
The Dirty Parts of the Bible—originally a bestselling prose novel—is now a graphic novel!
Remus, Michigan. Easter Sunday, 1936... When Tobias Henry—the preacher’s son—ditches church to go fishing, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that leaves his family devastated, forcing him to travel to Texas in search of a long-buried treasure.
Based on the bestselling novel by Sam Torode and masterfully illustrated by Tina Ritchie, The Dirty Parts of the Bible recasts the ancient Jewish tale of Tobias (found in the Book of Tobit) as a uniquely American story blending humor, adventure, and romance with a spiritual quest.
More than an adaptation, this is a complete re-visioning of the story—full of surprises even for those who’ve read the original book.
This Kindle e-book is formatted with Guided View, which allows you to zoom in and swipe through the story one panel at a time, creating a cinematic experience.
Praise for the Original Prose Version of The Dirty Parts of the Bible:
“While the title suggests a raunchy read, this rich and soulful novel is actually a rather well-done coming-of-age tale steeped in wanderlust and whimsy that at times recalls The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sam Torode takes on God, sex, family, and love in his debut comic novel. It's a fun read, even for those who are still in the fold.” —The Nashville Scene
“Lots of laughs, a few tears, and characters that are pure joy.” —Front Street Reviews
“The Dirty Parts of the Bible might just be the long-awaited Great American Novel.... We experience the odyssey of a young man who searches for lost treasure, his identity, and the alchemy of transforming lust to love.” —John M. Perkins, New York Times bestselling author
Remus, Michigan. Easter Sunday, 1936... When Tobias Henry—the preacher’s son—ditches church to go fishing, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that leaves his family devastated, forcing him to travel to Texas in search of a long-buried treasure.
Based on the bestselling novel by Sam Torode and masterfully illustrated by Tina Ritchie, The Dirty Parts of the Bible recasts the ancient Jewish tale of Tobias (found in the Book of Tobit) as a uniquely American story blending humor, adventure, and romance with a spiritual quest.
More than an adaptation, this is a complete re-visioning of the story—full of surprises even for those who’ve read the original book.
This Kindle e-book is formatted with Guided View, which allows you to zoom in and swipe through the story one panel at a time, creating a cinematic experience.
Praise for the Original Prose Version of The Dirty Parts of the Bible:
“While the title suggests a raunchy read, this rich and soulful novel is actually a rather well-done coming-of-age tale steeped in wanderlust and whimsy that at times recalls The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sam Torode takes on God, sex, family, and love in his debut comic novel. It's a fun read, even for those who are still in the fold.” —The Nashville Scene
“Lots of laughs, a few tears, and characters that are pure joy.” —Front Street Reviews
“The Dirty Parts of the Bible might just be the long-awaited Great American Novel.... We experience the odyssey of a young man who searches for lost treasure, his identity, and the alchemy of transforming lust to love.” —John M. Perkins, New York Times bestselling author
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
216 people are currently reading
1738 people want to read
About the author
Sam Torode
34 books175 followersAuthor of the bestselling humorous novel “The Dirty Parts of the Bible”—now a graphic novel—and paraphrase editions of classic wisdom books from philosophers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Host of the “Living from the Soul” podcast, available on all platforms.
Please visit www.samtorode.com.
Please visit www.samtorode.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 16, 2024
This was a cute little graphic novel about a teenage boy finding himself after being sent on a mission by his father. Fast paced and comical.
December 10, 2024
An Entertaining Read
A fun "quest" story told with humour and heart. I really enjoyed the art style the illustrator used. It helped make the story more vivid.
A fun "quest" story told with humour and heart. I really enjoyed the art style the illustrator used. It helped make the story more vivid.
November 3, 2025
Not What You Think
A good journey from a boy to a man. Plus all the craziness in-between. A good story about lost hope & finding what matters
A good journey from a boy to a man. Plus all the craziness in-between. A good story about lost hope & finding what matters
December 7, 2023
Sometimes, very rarely, a book comes along that stays with you for years. You might not remember all the details, but you remember the way you felt reading the book. The Dirty Parts of the Bible is that book for me. I first purchased the original Dirty Parts as an eBook way back in 2011. Since then I've bought it in paperback and hardback, and as soon as the graphic novel came out, I bought it. (For the record, I've never read a graphic novel before this one!) Like the original, the graphic novel pushes every book button I have. Each quirky character is imbued with such a special spirit that you can't help loving them (except maybe the main character's father). The plot weaves together an ancient Jewish story, fact, legend, superstition, hopes, dreams, joy, and despair into one very fine cloth held together by stitches of laughter. The ending is completely unexpected but totally believable. The book will leave you with a good feeling long after you've read it.
The collaboration between the author, Sam Torode, and the illustrator, Tina Ritchie, turned out fabulously! The drawings of young Tobias exude hopeful naivete, and Craw looks rakish and wise at the same time. Sarah takes turns between being skeptical, coquettish, hopeful, and convinced. Of course, being a graphic novel, the plot isn't exactly the same as the original, and it was fun spotting the differences. In a stroke of genius, Torode divided the novel into Biblically appropriate sections which follow the storyline to a T: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms & Proverbs, The Promised Land, Angels & Demons, and Revelation. Quite fittingly, the epilogue is titled The Song of Songs.
Dirty Parts comes as both a normal graphic novel as well as an expanded "silent movie" version which consists of all the pictures but none of the words. I ordered the regular format because I wanted to take it to a book club discussion of the original novel (which Mr. Torode was nice enough to attend via Zoom) because the silent movie version wouldn't get there in time. Guess what's on my Christmas wish list!
The collaboration between the author, Sam Torode, and the illustrator, Tina Ritchie, turned out fabulously! The drawings of young Tobias exude hopeful naivete, and Craw looks rakish and wise at the same time. Sarah takes turns between being skeptical, coquettish, hopeful, and convinced. Of course, being a graphic novel, the plot isn't exactly the same as the original, and it was fun spotting the differences. In a stroke of genius, Torode divided the novel into Biblically appropriate sections which follow the storyline to a T: Genesis, Exodus, Psalms & Proverbs, The Promised Land, Angels & Demons, and Revelation. Quite fittingly, the epilogue is titled The Song of Songs.
Dirty Parts comes as both a normal graphic novel as well as an expanded "silent movie" version which consists of all the pictures but none of the words. I ordered the regular format because I wanted to take it to a book club discussion of the original novel (which Mr. Torode was nice enough to attend via Zoom) because the silent movie version wouldn't get there in time. Guess what's on my Christmas wish list!
February 20, 2025
What a beautiful pleasure!
This graphic novel is both fresh and familiar and so very well done. Drawn/painted in black and white only, it renders Depression era America in a way that's both relatable and believable. The entire story speeds along in a way that's economical but never skimps. It reminded me of the movies Paper Moon and Places in the Heart and has a very cinematic quality. The dialogue is terse yet colorful and though it uses familiar idioms from its era, the writer upends them in snappy exchanges -- he likely would be good at screen writing.
The story doesn't back away from some difficult subject matter including racism, Biblical literalism and the abuses of a somber, fear-based Christianity. At the same time, these are characters in a rural setting, people who have not had the privilege or means to go to college and the way they learn to adapt to their world is both heartening and realistic. It's definitely a feel good endeavor but not sentimental or Disneyish. It was over all too soon.
This graphic novel is both fresh and familiar and so very well done. Drawn/painted in black and white only, it renders Depression era America in a way that's both relatable and believable. The entire story speeds along in a way that's economical but never skimps. It reminded me of the movies Paper Moon and Places in the Heart and has a very cinematic quality. The dialogue is terse yet colorful and though it uses familiar idioms from its era, the writer upends them in snappy exchanges -- he likely would be good at screen writing.
The story doesn't back away from some difficult subject matter including racism, Biblical literalism and the abuses of a somber, fear-based Christianity. At the same time, these are characters in a rural setting, people who have not had the privilege or means to go to college and the way they learn to adapt to their world is both heartening and realistic. It's definitely a feel good endeavor but not sentimental or Disneyish. It was over all too soon.
February 7, 2024
Such an enjoyable read. If you come from a Christian background as I do you'll be hilariously reminded of all its core problems, while also being empowered to remember through Torode's gifted storytelling the essential reasons for our human life on earth. I came to this not having read the extremely popular original novel, though now I want to. Tina Ritchie's illustrations add color and verve and dimension to this delightful narrative which has something for everyone: theology, history, romance, humor. My favorite character (Craw) sums it up completely for me: "The things you can't see are the only things that make life worth living...all your thoughts and ideas. Everything in your heart. Beauty, goodness, truth. And best of all, love. Can't see em. Can't touch em. But they're real as rain."
I'll say Amen to that.
Also Sam Torode is one of the most undersung spiritual authors on the planet. Read everything by him if you take your search seriously.
I'll say Amen to that.
Also Sam Torode is one of the most undersung spiritual authors on the planet. Read everything by him if you take your search seriously.
May 13, 2024
A Vibrant Graphic Adventure...
In this graphic novel adaptation of Sam Torode's bestselling prose novel, illustrated by Tina Ritchie, Tobias Henry's journey unfolds from Michigan to Texas in 1936. It blends humor, adventure, and romance with a spiritual quest inspired by the ancient tale of Tobias. Despite some challenging content, the novel offers a fresh perspective on Christianity with humor and empathy. Tina Ritchie's illustrations enrich the narrative, creating an enjoyable reading experience filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. Recommended.
In this graphic novel adaptation of Sam Torode's bestselling prose novel, illustrated by Tina Ritchie, Tobias Henry's journey unfolds from Michigan to Texas in 1936. It blends humor, adventure, and romance with a spiritual quest inspired by the ancient tale of Tobias. Despite some challenging content, the novel offers a fresh perspective on Christianity with humor and empathy. Tina Ritchie's illustrations enrich the narrative, creating an enjoyable reading experience filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. Recommended.
January 12, 2025
Great story!!
The story was quite different from what I had initially expected based on the title. However, after reading it, I found it to be an amazing and captivating narrative. I was so engrossed in the story that I read it in a single sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely explore more of Sam Torode's work in the near future.
The story was quite different from what I had initially expected based on the title. However, after reading it, I found it to be an amazing and captivating narrative. I was so engrossed in the story that I read it in a single sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely explore more of Sam Torode's work in the near future.
July 5, 2025
Well worth your time. Invest in a good thing.
The characters are not superheros but archetypes of who / what we must deal with in life. The struggles are real if simplified (it's a comic book!) Glad of the ending I was sad the story ended. Note: if you are overly cynical or incapable of the willing suspension of disbelief don't bother.
The characters are not superheros but archetypes of who / what we must deal with in life. The struggles are real if simplified (it's a comic book!) Glad of the ending I was sad the story ended. Note: if you are overly cynical or incapable of the willing suspension of disbelief don't bother.
November 21, 2023
Well done graphic novel based on the book. Parts of the bible are retold as uniquely American stories during the Great Depression. The black and white artwork fits the timeframe. Often funny and surprisingly touching.
December 20, 2023
I read the actual novel years ago and loved it, so jumped at the chance to read the comic version which didn't disappoint at all. And while I recommend it for sure, I would suggest you read the long-form version first, just like reading the book before watching the movie.
March 3, 2024
Hmm.. känns inte som att jag är målgruppen. En historia om tro. Jag tror den försöker säga att tolka inget till 100 procent. Du kan ha rätt samtidigt som du har fel. Var inte snabb på att döma.
Men, skriven för dem som är inne i den frikyrkliga identiteten. Eller starkt troende.
Men, skriven för dem som är inne i den frikyrkliga identiteten. Eller starkt troende.
July 13, 2024
fun and touching read. offers something in very short supply these days: optimism.
fun and to
touching read. it is rooted in reality but with mythic overtones and shows that the ordinary can be e , if only we can open ourselves to the possibility
fun and to
touching read. it is rooted in reality but with mythic overtones and shows that the ordinary can be e , if only we can open ourselves to the possibility
September 16, 2024
Pretty good art in a cartoony style that suits the story and setting well. It's a decent coming of age story that's not overly religious. Does feel a bit rushed at times, especially the ending, which might be the result of adapting a prose novel down to a shorter graphic format.
October 18, 2024
Very Nice
My one really big concern or gripe about The story was after they found The money that was apparently dried to rot ( ? ) I think that instead of merely abandoning it, they should have soaked it in warm water for a spell & gently tried to revive it ( ? )
My one really big concern or gripe about The story was after they found The money that was apparently dried to rot ( ? ) I think that instead of merely abandoning it, they should have soaked it in warm water for a spell & gently tried to revive it ( ? )
December 9, 2024
Inspirational
When I started reading this book, I thought it would be something more religious. But then it was a very nice story about this boy who is trying to find his way like the prodigal son. It was really nice to read that I think good for young teenagers.
When I started reading this book, I thought it would be something more religious. But then it was a very nice story about this boy who is trying to find his way like the prodigal son. It was really nice to read that I think good for young teenagers.
January 5, 2026
I liked it, but once you see this very glaring inconsistency you can't unsee it. At the end it got pretty cheesy, but overall I thought for a self-published book it was well done.
Spoiler alert, it's on the page where Craw pulls Tobias out of the well.
Spoiler alert, it's on the page where Craw pulls Tobias out of the well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
This is a superior adaptation into the Graphic Novel medium of a wonderful novel.
March 15, 2024
what a surprise!!!
I woke one morning looking for a quick read and not only did I find that in Dirty parts but also a heartfelt, compelling story that I will share with others
I woke one morning looking for a quick read and not only did I find that in Dirty parts but also a heartfelt, compelling story that I will share with others
March 25, 2024
A cute story but I didn't care much for the art style and it wasn't really what I was expecting based on the title. The ending was a bit too cheesy for me and too easily earned imo
May 5, 2024
don’t panic because of the title
This is a retelling of the Book of Tobit from the Apocrypha. The art style is “cartoony” which also gives it a parable-like tone.
This is a retelling of the Book of Tobit from the Apocrypha. The art style is “cartoony” which also gives it a parable-like tone.
October 4, 2024
Excellent book
I couldn't stop reading till it was over, then I was sad cause it was over, so I was
reading again,
lol
I couldn't stop reading till it was over, then I was sad cause it was over, so I was
reading again,
lol
November 26, 2024
This book looks so good , but I have had a chance to read it . since I am soooo happy I won, I wanted to make sure I wrote a review, and will update when I read it!
January 7, 2025
sucks
Sucks to high heaven; dumb and boring beyond belief; stupid and inane plot ; kill off all of the characters
Sucks to high heaven; dumb and boring beyond belief; stupid and inane plot ; kill off all of the characters
May 11, 2025
Too quixotic to actually be charming, but it was still a heck of a good time.
July 19, 2025
Engaging and humorous graphic novel from teenage boy POV. Growing up as a preacher's son his most immediate concern is that he will not experience sex before the rapture. Beautiful illustrations
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews