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, Audiobook, Faith, Christian Fiction, 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. And speaks at women’s conferences worldwide. She is currently working on her first children’s book for Lithos Kids.

Reviews

[Lia Ross Reads]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[J]

This slim volume is very perceptive and witty, if a little breathless. Perhaps its extreme brevity is one reason why it feels a touch over-stuffed with quotations and allusions. Quibbles aside, it breathes out truth, and it has a splendid twist two-thirds of the way in.

A couple of fine puns stood out in this passage (pp.60-61):
“It was also a haven for fools. It seemed to give them a new freedom. I saw them strutting from app to app, platform to platform, with a sort of desperate self-love. It was a palace for Lady Folly, who we find in the Wisest of books… this screen-sized world epitomised her. Millions daily enter this sticky world wide web, even though they know it traps and drains their mental strength. They quite literally have ‘their fill of their own devices’ [Proverbs 1:31] but cannot remove themselves…”

[Emma S]

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.

[Lisa DiGiacomo]

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

[Stephanie Meyers]

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

[Bianca]

I loved The Scuttlebutt Letters: Words to a Wild Tongue by Natalie Brand.

Written in the style of The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, this book presents a creative correspondence between the Heart and the Tongue—where the tongue is personified as “Scuttlebutt.” It’s a short but thought-provoking read that explores the power of words, speech, and the condition of the human heart.

I read The Screwtape Letters first (though I only gave it 3 stars, as I’m not a huge fan of Lewis overall), and I think that actually helped me appreciate this book more. While the structure is similar, Natalie Brand’s writing felt more engaging and personally impactful for me.

The book focuses heavily on the tongue and the power of speech, but it also draws from various parts of Scripture and a few other references. Because of that, I think it’s best enjoyed with some prior Bible knowledge. Familiarity with passages like James’ teachings on the tongue—or even historical references like the London fire—adds depth and makes the imagery come alive in a stronger way. That said, it’s still accessible even without that background.

What stood out most to me were the reflections on how deeply words are tied to the heart and spiritual life:

“Our speech is the real indicator of our spiritual maturity.”

“If your words wound the heart within you, imagine what they are doing to your victim.”

“Words are never just words. Words make worlds. With words, you act. Words carry out an action.”

“Heart work is hard work.” — Puritan John Flavel

Overall, I really loved this book. It’s short, rich with meaning, and convicting in a quiet but powerful way. It made me think more carefully about my words and what they reveal about the heart behind them.

[Joanna]

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.

[Cam Johnson]

A quick read over the untameable tongue. It’s pretty unique with her approach. Similar to the Screwtape letters, she writes these chapters in the form of letters. The conscience writes one to the tongue based on different descriptions of the tongue made in Scripture… “a world of unrighteousness, venom of asps, an open grave, poison, deceiving, full of curses and bitterness, boasting, and a restless evil.” A really cool satirical take on the wisdom of right speech.

The conscience is painted like a severe and disgruntled landlord who keeps confronting a troublesome tenant lol. Each letter reveals keen insight on the schemes and methods this tenant takes to wreak havoc on the surrounding community. In all the ways the tongue is vile, however, she does give great hope with the redemption of it through Christ’s work and the Holy Spirit. Since our hearts themselves regenerate from Him, there’s so much good the tongue can be used for such as praising, confession, thankfulness, encouragement, prayer, lamenting, good humor, preaching, etc…

A short but dense book on righteous communication. Worth a read

[Jonathan Thomas]

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.

[Hannah Mignard]

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! ✉️✉️✉️✉️

[Dianne]

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.

[Drew]

Excellent

[Kaitlyn Pindak]

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]

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.

[SarahReadsBooks]

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!

[Sofia]

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]

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]

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]

A quick, quippy and convicting read!

[Leah Batchelor]

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]

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!

[Melissa Falcone]

Short but excellent book on the terrible and then redeemed use of our tongues!

[Ashley]

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

[Lauryn]

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]

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