The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore

REMINDER!!

The next book club will take place this Friday, February, 11 at 8pm at the swanky condo de la Michelle.  Hopefully, we all remember what the book was about??  Eh, if not, let the wine flowith!!  Michelle requests that, if members are so generous, would they mind bringing a bottle of wine and/or appeteeeezer?! Please!  Once again, I've posted the discussion questions below, if anything maybe they'll jog the ol' memory.  Who is excited??  Seems like it has been a decade since we all got together to discuss some fine literature :)  See you Friday!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.    Overall, did you like the book?  Why or why not? (ie: are you mad at Sarah for picking it?) 

2.    Who was your favorite character?  Please explain. 

3.    After reading the book, do you now want a fruit bat as a pet?  If you could domesticate any animal, which one would you want to tame and why?

4.    For those members with the “The Enhanced Edition” what are your thoughts on the bonus chapter: And Before We Knew It, Christmas Had Rolled Around Again?  Do you think it added to the story of The Stupidest Angel or not? 

5.    Christopher Moore starts the novel with an Author’s Warning that states:  “If you’re buying this book for your grandma or a kid, you should be aware that it contains cusswords as well as tasteful descriptions of cannibalism and people in their forties having sex.  Don’t blame me, I told you.”  What’s your take on Christopher Moore’s somewhat vulgar and out there sense of humor?  Do you find him funny? 

6.    Lena meets Tucker Case right after she has accidentally killed Dale.  Their love affair might seem a little farfetched but some might argue that when two people are put in a highly stressful situation together, they tend to form a more unique bond.  What do you think of Lena and Tucker's relationship?  Is it a plausible one?  

7.    On page 250, Molly and Raziel have an interesting exchange regarding religion and faith.   
           “I mean, I’m not religious, so why are you here?”

“Lunatics, we’re attracted to them.  It has something to do with the mechanics of faith.  I don’t really understand it…”

“…”So you’re attracted to me because I’m loony and will believe anything?”
“Yes, I think so.  And because no one will believe you.  So there’s no violation of faith.”

            “Right.” 

Side note: According to Dictionary.com "Faith (noun) is defined as confidence or trust in a person or thing: a belief that is not based on proof."  What are your thoughts on the point Moore was trying to make with this dialogue?  Do you agree with what Raziel says? 

8.    Raziel is referred to in the title of the book as stupid, but in the story he is mostly portrayed as merely literal and naïve.   Most fundamentalist Christians take pride in being literal and naive.  Is Raziel symbolic of the blindness of fundamentalist faith?  If so, do you think that Christopher Moore is trying to portray fundamentalists as stupid?