The Book of Murray: The Life, Teachings, and Kvetching of the Lost Prophet

by David M. Bader

Meet the Prophet Murray, son of Irving of the Tribe of Levi (Relaxed Fit) and his wife, Francine. Though a poor student and a disappointment to his parents, Murray cannot escape his destiny. Hearing God's call, he wanders the lands with his cousin Lenny, preaching his unique brand of biblical wisdom (“Love the stranger, though not on the first date”), dispensing diet tips, and giving unsolicited advice. From the fertile mind of David M. Bader comes a loving and mirthful new take on the best biblical stories. We learn of Murray's early years, the Healing of the Hypochondriac, the Virgin by the Well, the Writing on the Wall, the Ten (or So) Commandments, and the Dream of King Joe Bob. “In the modern world,” Bader writes, “the lives and teachings of biblical prophets often seem remote and dim in our consciousness. And of all these narratives, The Book of Murray may well be the dimmest.”

Genres: Humor, Religion

Audio CD

First published August 24, 2010

About the author

Also published as David Bader
Manhattan attorney turned haiku humourist, David Bader is author of several US cult hits Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom and Zen Judaism: For You, a Little Enlightenment. He lives and counts syllables in New York City.

Reviews

[Jason Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is terrific. I'm glad it was discovered and don't know why it was not added to the Torah. Brilliant parody! Very clever, and interestingly juxtaposes the style of Jewish manuscripts with the nuisance complaints of people today. I don't know if the stereotypes used would be considered offensive, but I thought they were funny

[Caffers · Rating 5 out of 5]

DeLiGhTfUl!
I smiled, laughed, and nodded in agreement.
My faves were... 'The 10 (or so) Commandments' and 'The Murray Diet'.
A short, fun read.
I'm eager to share with a few of my friends. I think they will enjoy it as much as I did. :D

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a humorous take on Jewish teachings, but I found it to be one dimensional. It's like listening to a standup comedian tell the same joke over and over and over.... not that funny.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! (I listened to the audiobook; the narrator is excellent!)

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute play on biblical stories. Doesn't hurt that my last name is Murray. Lol.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than just smiles, snorts, and smirks; this is what Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster could have been

[Debby Hammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly funny, absorbing, gives a kick and lively. Loved it.

[David Finger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Years ago I saw Jerry Seinfeld tell Norm MacDonald “the greatest Jew joke that I’ve ever heard” (according to Jerry). I won’t repeat the joke, it’s worth looking up yourself on YouTube. But like Norm I’m not Jewish and I didn’t get the joke.

This book feels similar. By the end of it I was left puzzled and i didn’t find many of the jokes at all funny. But something tells me that, like Jerry’s joke, it all depends on who is reading it.

[Grant Davis]

Kind of funny. Interesting use of biblical terms and was somewhat witty, but a little too dry to be an actual published work of humor.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very funny moments.