Satan's Bookclub

It all began during Banned Book Week. While waiting in line to meet Clive Barker, Louise and I stood next to a display of banned books. She asked me who exactly bans the books, and I didn't know what to tell her. So I did some research online. And from that research came this bookclub.

Our inspiration came in the form of one Olivia Verfaillie, who was quoted in the Detroit News. "Whale Talk is a vile, un-Godly, profane novel," Olivia Verfaillie said. "My heart cried for the children who have read this book because it stays. It stays. What we have subjected ourselves to stays within us and Satan can use that to our detriment because of what's been put into our mind."

We owe everything to Olivia. She may not know it, but she is the patron unsaint of Satan's Bookclub. Her quote prompted the following email discussion.
Louise: I'm surprised Satan hasn't made more use of all the crap I read. I would expect to see more detrimental effects if he had been.
Me: I' m surprised Satan hasn't asked me to join his book club!
Louise: That would be fun. You should start a Satan's Bookclub weblog to log all your books.
Me: Yes, and we could rate things on just how very godless they are.

And there you have it..

The plan is really one of three parts. Maybe four. Possibly five.
Part One: The Bookclub.
First and foremost, We like to read and discuss books with other people. It helps if those people are ever so slightly bent, as we are. We figured that anyone joining a bookclub belonging to Satan has to be our type of people. Every spontaneously appointed length of time, we'll chose a new book to read. We'll post the information about 6 weeks in advance, so everyone can read it. Hopefully, we'll be able to come to a conclusion about the evil potential of said book together, at the end of the discussion. Look for more information about the bookclub when it comes time for the first discussion.

Part Two: Book reviews.
It is our intention to review any and all books we chose. We will stick to no one particular genre. We will be bound by no particular age group. We do not care when the book was released. We don't care if the book has pictures in it. [that is to say WE LOVE COMIC BOOKS!] Even if no one has yet come up with a reason to ban or challenge the book, we plan to point out just how evil any book can be, in the right, or wrong hands. And free samples from our favorite authors are encouraged. List of favorite authors encouraged to send us free stuff to come.

"Let's face it, if I was doing it for the selfless, greater good it would be God's Bookclub. Given that's it's not I say bring on the free, fine, books from our favourite authors who will soon clamour to be reviewed by Satan's Book Club." ~ Louise.

Part Three: Challenged / Banned Books and Book News
There will a separate section for books that are being challenged or banned. Some of these books will also be reviewed, but we plan to let people know when the reputations of good books are being sullied by the narrow minded and dimwitted. Statistically, this happens largely to books that fall into the Young Adult Fiction category. We have a very soft spot in our hearts that particular category. As well as Comics, another literary group that is often censored. Censorship? Oh no you didn't!

Part Four: Minions
We have a lot of friends who have their fingers well placed on the pulses of evil, literarily speaking. Those that prove themselves worthy will be able to write reviews of books as well. Worthy often equals sending us cookies, or ummm... presents. Maybe flowers or other nice things. Make us feel special.

Part Five: Profit and World Domination
Afraid we can't tell you the details of this part. But when the plan comes together... well, say goodbye to the Patriot's Act, for one.

Do we actually worship Satan? Nope. We aren't sure we really even believe in Hell or the Devil. This is all just good clean fun. In which we get to mock and scold people who would infringe upon our right to read. If Satan does exist, we imagine that he loves to read. All the truly interesting books are probably in his library. After all, we already know he has the best tunes

"Whale Talk" is written by Chris Cutcher. You can read more about it, and the author's struggles against censorship on his website. We think it looks extremely godless and profane and cannot wait to review it.