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1. Bibliographic Information:
Carter, T. (2009). Evil?. Woodbury, Minnesota: Flux.
ISBN: 978-0738715391
264 pages
2. Plot Summary:
When Stuart is caught masturbating in the shower by his younger brother, the entire town begins to ostracize him to the point of violence. Stuart, unbeknownst to most of the town is in communication with the demon Fon Pyre who hesitantly tells Stuart and his friends that the reason for the town’s insanity has to do with the presence of a fallen angel. This angel has greatly disagreed with God’s treatment of humans when it comes to masturbation, and has therefore taken it upon himself to rid the world of masturbation, starting with Stuart. The town has become so incensed by masturbation that parents begin to kick their sons and daughters out of the house for their indiscretions. Now Stuart is not only trying to keep himself alive but also his sort of ex-boyfriend Chester. Things go from bad to worse when Stuart and any other person, who is perceived to be engaging in these acts, are being threatened with violence. Can Stuart, Fon Pyre and Chester survive or will the wrath of a brainwashed angel overtake them?
3. Critical Evaluation:
I really enjoyed reading this book, however I think the absurdity of the plot somewhat weakens the overall message. Since it is so over-the-top, the book almost seems like its celebrating some of the supposed “sins,” rather than focusing on what the author believes: that people need to lighten up when it comes to religion. Carter’s message of love, forgiveness and acceptance is sincere; however, some of the characters seem to be too stereotypical. Understandably this book is about extremes and hypocrisies: a rural town’s acceptance of Stuart’s homosexuality but not masturbation, Chester’s questioning sexuality, and literal biblical beliefs versus loose definitions. Readers must be able to understand that this is Carter’s message or else the book will not hold any merit. Ultimately, teen boys will enjoy the book for its comedic portrayal of Stuart, his ability to outsmart the town, defiance towards authority figures, and outspokenness against religious indoctrination.
4. Reader’s Annotation:
Stuart did not have any problems coming out in his small town; however the tables have turned when he spills his seed.
5. Information about the Author:
Timothy Carter was born in England but now lives in Toronto, Canada. He writes what he considers to be far-fetched fiction for young adults. His other books include Epoch, Closets, and Attach of the Intergalactic Soul Hunters (2009, Carter).
6. Genre
Humorous Fantasy
7. Curriculum Ties
Outside reading book for an English class.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you agree with Stuart’s interpretation of religion?
-Does the appearance of a fallen angel excuse the town’s actions?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that older teens aged 16-18 would enjoy reading this book. Teens at this point might already be questioning their religious beliefs and this book, though a fantasy, might affect their views.
10. Challenge Issues
I have to say that I am surprised that nothing online seems to indicate that this book is being challenged. With themes regarding sexual preferences, sexual acts, and questioning religion, it is only a matter of time before someone complains.
Paula Laurita a Library Sciences Editor for Bella Online, has created a website for such an occurrence:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
11. Why was it selected?
I thought it would be interesting to see how religion is being portrayed in current young adult fiction.
12. Citation Page:
Carter, T. (12 November, 2009). Timothy Carter’s world. Retrieved from http://www.timothycarterworld.com/
Laurita, P. (2009). Library sciences site: how to handle a book challenge. Retrieved from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
Carter, T. (2009). Evil?. Woodbury, Minnesota: Flux.
ISBN: 978-0738715391
264 pages
2. Plot Summary:
When Stuart is caught masturbating in the shower by his younger brother, the entire town begins to ostracize him to the point of violence. Stuart, unbeknownst to most of the town is in communication with the demon Fon Pyre who hesitantly tells Stuart and his friends that the reason for the town’s insanity has to do with the presence of a fallen angel. This angel has greatly disagreed with God’s treatment of humans when it comes to masturbation, and has therefore taken it upon himself to rid the world of masturbation, starting with Stuart. The town has become so incensed by masturbation that parents begin to kick their sons and daughters out of the house for their indiscretions. Now Stuart is not only trying to keep himself alive but also his sort of ex-boyfriend Chester. Things go from bad to worse when Stuart and any other person, who is perceived to be engaging in these acts, are being threatened with violence. Can Stuart, Fon Pyre and Chester survive or will the wrath of a brainwashed angel overtake them?
3. Critical Evaluation:
I really enjoyed reading this book, however I think the absurdity of the plot somewhat weakens the overall message. Since it is so over-the-top, the book almost seems like its celebrating some of the supposed “sins,” rather than focusing on what the author believes: that people need to lighten up when it comes to religion. Carter’s message of love, forgiveness and acceptance is sincere; however, some of the characters seem to be too stereotypical. Understandably this book is about extremes and hypocrisies: a rural town’s acceptance of Stuart’s homosexuality but not masturbation, Chester’s questioning sexuality, and literal biblical beliefs versus loose definitions. Readers must be able to understand that this is Carter’s message or else the book will not hold any merit. Ultimately, teen boys will enjoy the book for its comedic portrayal of Stuart, his ability to outsmart the town, defiance towards authority figures, and outspokenness against religious indoctrination.
4. Reader’s Annotation:
Stuart did not have any problems coming out in his small town; however the tables have turned when he spills his seed.
5. Information about the Author:
Timothy Carter was born in England but now lives in Toronto, Canada. He writes what he considers to be far-fetched fiction for young adults. His other books include Epoch, Closets, and Attach of the Intergalactic Soul Hunters (2009, Carter).
6. Genre
Humorous Fantasy
7. Curriculum Ties
Outside reading book for an English class.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you agree with Stuart’s interpretation of religion?
-Does the appearance of a fallen angel excuse the town’s actions?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that older teens aged 16-18 would enjoy reading this book. Teens at this point might already be questioning their religious beliefs and this book, though a fantasy, might affect their views.
10. Challenge Issues
I have to say that I am surprised that nothing online seems to indicate that this book is being challenged. With themes regarding sexual preferences, sexual acts, and questioning religion, it is only a matter of time before someone complains.
Paula Laurita a Library Sciences Editor for Bella Online, has created a website for such an occurrence:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
11. Why was it selected?
I thought it would be interesting to see how religion is being portrayed in current young adult fiction.
12. Citation Page:
Carter, T. (12 November, 2009). Timothy Carter’s world. Retrieved from http://www.timothycarterworld.com/
Laurita, P. (2009). Library sciences site: how to handle a book challenge. Retrieved from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6067.asp
Picture:
Amazon. (2010) Evil? (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Evil-Timothy-Carter/dp/0738715395/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266810493&sr=1-1
13. Awards
ALA's 2010 Rainbow Project list for GLBTQ Books for Children and Teens
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