Evil? by Timothy Carter

Carter, T. (2009). Evil?. Woodbury, Minnesota: Flux.

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 masturbators, starting with Stuart. During this time another youth group is invited and their youth leader happens to be another fallen angel. Fights ensue, the towns people realize the errors of their ways, however not enough to stop themselves from killing both fallen angels.

Advisory Information:

-Themes:

a. Religion: The author is especially making a statement about extreme religious conservatism through Stuart’s association with the demon, the Fallen Angels, and finally with the level-headed Priest, Father Reedy.

b. Sexuality: The author looks at homosexuality, coming out, relationships, and other’s reactions.

c. Sexual Acts: Masturbation becomes a focal point in the book’s plot.

d. Identity: Chester, a sometimes friend of Stuart, must come to terms with his sexual identity.

e. Outsmarting Authority: Stuart, Fon Pyre, Chester and Father Reedy must outsmart the Fallen Angel and the rest of the town in order to save Stuart’s life.

f. Adult Mentors: Father Reedy acts as the model to which the author feels an adult mentor should act like. He allows Stuart to makes his own decisions and as a priest, he embodies what Carter feels how religious people should act.

Age Recommendation:

With themes including sexual orientation, examples sexual acts, strong religious ideological debates, and examples of defiance against authority this book is definitely for more mature teens most likely young adults aged 15-18.

Other Information:

Story takes place in a modern day small town near Ontario.

There is adult language in the story.

The book was listed on the ALA's Rainbow List for 2010 which include "recommended titles for youth from birth to age 18 that contain significant and authentic gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer, or questioning (GLBTQ) content." (http://rainbowlist.wordpress.com/rl-2010/)


Reaction:

I really enjoyed reading this book, however I think the absurdity of the plot somewhat weakens the overall message. Since it is so blatantly against extreme religious views, the book almost seems like it’s celebrating some of the supposed “sins” at the expense of religion. Rather than focusing on what the author believes: that people need to lighten up when it comes to religion, the author’s characters become caricatures rather than flesh and blood. Otherwise, teen boys will enjoy the book for its comedic characters, especially Stuart and Fon Pyre, their ability to outsmart the town, and defiance towards authority figures.