The Scuttlebutt Letters: Words to a Wild Tongue

by Natalie Brand

In the style of The Screwtape Letters , with a satire that will make you both cringe and laugh–out–loud, Natalie Brand demonstrates the havoc unleashed by careless words.   Scuttlebutt (naval slang for the ship’s gossip) is the affectionate nickname given to the Tongue by the Heart, as he reprimands the Tongue for steering the whole person into catastrophe; enjoying morsels of gossip, creating smokescreens of lies. From the Bible’s teaching on speech, particularly the Proverbs, the reader will taste the bitter destruction of the Tongue.   But as the Heart rebukes the Tongue it becomes increasingly clear that something isn’t right … there is  another villain, a deeper poison, lurking within. What can be done if the Tongue remains untameable? Will the Heart get away with his hypocrisy? Is there redemption for either?   A immensely challenging little book for anyone with a tongue … or a heart!

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction

96 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2024

About the author

Natalie Brand (Ph.D., Trinity St David) is a writer, Bible teacher and theologian. She has lectured in theology at Union School of Theology, Oak Hill and London Seminary.

Reviews

[Lia Ross Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK! Wow, I was really blown away. This book is written as satire similar to CS Lewis’ The Screwtape letters. I have not read that book so I did not know what to expect, but man was this a convicting read. This book deals with the topic of gossip and careless speech, how our tongue can steer us into all kinds of evil. This book is very short and I thought I could zoom through it but I had to digest a chapter evening by evening to really meditate on how it was challenging me. Natalie Brand is a fantastic writer! This was so well done. I think this is a must-read for every Christian, but read at your own risk! You will walk away being very cautious of your speech.

[Libby Valerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok literally, genuinely, actually, seriously, honestly, for real, truly, precisely, immediately read this book if you have a mouth that speaks words. So good!

[Malea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written in a satirical style reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. At less than 100 pages, it is a quick yet profoundly impactful read. One review I came across said it would both make you laugh and bring you to your knees in prayer and I couldn't agree more. This is a book I already know I will need to revisit periodically. To borrow the Apostle Paul’s words, “I am the chiefest of sinners.”

[Abbie Linxwiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this, you may be quite convicted about your speech.

[Taliah Kendrick]

This is a convicting yet hopeful read on taming the tongue. Natalie Brand writes this in the style of The Screwtape Letters and she did an incredible job. While it is a short read, the writing is rich and will cause you to consider how to walk in wisdom with your speech. Everyone should read this!

Thank you to the publisher for my copy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a clever nod to C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, which I also highly recommend if you haven’t yet read it. While reading The Scuttlebutt Letters I laughed, I was convicted, and I was encouraged. This book stepped on my toes in the very best way- A way that brings you to your knees in prayer that God will equip you with the wisdom and self-control to govern your tongue.

What an incredible book! I will most assuredly be revisiting this book again and will be putting it on my desk at work as a visual reminder of the truths within in the setting in which I need to hold those truths in my heart the most.

Highly recommend!

[Lisa DiG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very clever book on the relationship of our tongue to our heart. Both convicting and encouraging. An enjoyable book to read.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you happen to have a heart and a mouth (which I'm quite sure most of you possess) you should definitely read this gem of a book. It's going to make you laugh and bring you to your knees in prayer. You're going to think a lot about the things you say and believe and what it says about you.

The Heart writes letters to The Tongue but not the heartwarming ones, be warned! It scolds the poor speech apparatus for it's wildness and lack of control. But how does The Heart know what's The Tongues motivation? From where all this intel comes? And why is the correspondence interrupted by the Internal Affairs?

This little book is a treasury of rare words, ‘scuttlebutt’ being just a starter, and witty sayings (my favourite ‘as transparent as a jellyfish’). Most importantly it is steeped in scriptural references, it shows how to judge reality through The Bible lenses. You should definitely keep The World's Most Precious Book at hand while reading ‘The Scuttlebutt Letters’!

If you want to learn why words are never just words, how can the heart be truly changed and what Proverbs have to say about social media, grab this book, read it, enjoy it and let it convince you and point you in the right direction for change.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book.

Inspired by the Screwtape Letters by C S Lewis, Natalie Brand uses creative satire, the Bible and rich historic theology to help us understand our words, heart, and the gospel.

This book will make you laugh, see yourself, and rest in Christ.

This book packs a punch… But it does it beautifully.

[Stephanie Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adding this to the list of books my kids will be listening to/reading 📚

[SarahReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! My words have gotten me into my fair share of trouble - convicting, relatable and yet witty. It was enjoyable to listen to and I will be a repeat listener!

[Hannah Mignard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but impactful book that I would love to read again with a group of people to dig deeper into the references and analogies scattered throughout! ✉️✉️✉️✉️

[Emma S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - small but packs a punch. Like the famous Screwtape Letters, but about the power (and danger!) the tongue. Lots of moments where I had to stop and think about what I’d read. A great reminder that our words can be used for good or for bad.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! I broke out in laughter multiple times as I delighted in the satire; yet felt such Spirit-led conviction at the same time. And, I broke out in tears as I reflected in the truths of the great salvation that has been miraculously and mercifully granted unto me by our Heavenly Father.

A beautiful and meaningful work of literature; thank you Natalie Brand, dear sister, for sharing your skill and gifting, and for choosing this wonderful genre to point our hearts to the Word of God and to the glorious Christ Jesus.

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cringe as it exposed my heart, convicted as I saw my sin, and glad as I read words of transformation through the gospel of Christ.

I enjoyed this book that was a little twist on the tongue in cheek of Lewis’s Screwtape Letters.

5/5 🌟

1st read: 7/14-26/2024

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last bit of the book was the best. The conversion of the heart is beautiful and inspires awe at our Savior.
The first several chapters were witty and kept with the Screwtape theme but became a bit tiresome.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written in the style of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, but from the Heart to the Tongue. It’s a small book but it’s packed with exhortations and reminds us of the dangers of a wild tongue. And the “plot twist” are pages I will return to again and again.

[Adrienne Frasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a most excellent book! Written with great description- some humor and conviction and bringing to surface the issues of the tongue… and heart when it comes to our words. I highly recommend it!

[Jeevan Mahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading the scuttlebutt letters by Natalie Brand. A lot of scripture references from proverbs on the tongue and our words. Would recommend for anyone having a problem in this area. A short concise read.

[Kaylee Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, quippy and convicting read!

[Leah Batchelor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and so unique, Natalie Brand spins every sentence with thought. This book is a pretty quick read and makes you think of your own hypocrisy and the impact of your heart and words.

[Catherine Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quote worthy, convicting and encouraging book! I loved the author’s witty humor, and enjoyed the modern day twist based off the Screwtape Letters. Excellent work!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! The book was funny and entertaining, but thought-provoking and convicting all at the same time. ❤️

[Lauryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. It was convicting about how we speak. Listened to the audio version- easy to follow along with. I haven’t read other books written in the satire form but it was nice. I’ll be adding Screwtape Letters to my TBR list thanks to this book. I would recommend this book to others

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Scuttlebutt Letters’ is brief but packs a punch. Definitely one I will reread. Each chapter references relevant scriptures.

[Ryan Oakes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nod toward C.S. Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters.” Overall, a little slow, but I think that’s because I was comparing it to Screwtape. As the book developed, it got steadily better and finished well.

[Lisa Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great use of satire to expose our sins of the tongue (and heart). I especially liked the encouraging ending, reminding us that there is hope for us all, as our hearts and tongues are transformed by Christ’s work in us. This is an easy, quick read.

[Carol Blakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short book, but such a good reminder.

[Rebeca Petre · Rating 5 out of 5]

a clever, funny and convicting short read

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Scuttlebutt is naval slang for the ship’s gossip’ - p.11

In this short, witty and whimsical book, writer and Bible teacher Natalie Brand draws from the wisdom of Scripture, as she cleverly portrays the destruction caused by negligent speech, and the unsurprising heart behind it.

‘The ScuttleButt Letters’ is comprised of 10 short chapters in which the Heart by means of letters communicates to the Tongue it’s disapproval and criticism of it’s behaviour until the Heart becomes acutely aware that it is in fact the heart of the problem, concluding “I have all this time been dead. Lost. Doomed” - p. 73

If you’re familiar with ‘The Screwtape Letters’ by C. S. Lewis, you’ll sense a familiarity with the style of this book as well as Natalie’s ironic, sarcastic, and sardonic repartee.

This book is brilliantly humorous and well written; each chapter made me chuckle. That being said, the levity doesn't undermine the seriousness of the topic, but creatively challenges and convicts through humour, wit and sound theology.

‘The ScuttleButt Letters’ is a story of redemption which sees the Tongue go from being a destructive tool of deceit, gossip, and slander to a redeemed member of the body “belting out sacred doxology to the Godhead” p.79

Being a bit of a logophile, I particularly enjoyed the book's use of vocabulary. The way in which Natalie uses words is something I really appreciate, and I found it to be a standout feature.

A short prayer and glossary section are included at the back of the book, as well as some discussion questions to facilitate a group discussion on the book's content.

Who is this book for? ANSWER: Anyone who cannot tame their tongue, so EVERYONE!

I’ve read this book three times, and it get better. I can honestly say ‘The ScuttleButt Letters’ one of my favourite contemporary books.

If you haven’t guessed, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book. You won’t regret it.

This book was sent to me by @nataliebrandauthor and @christianfocuspublication in exchange for an honest review.