Today, Jason and Kevin look at profanity in books. Do bad words turn you off? Will you keep reading if a book is laced with profanity? And, does profanity matter when reading a book, especially if that book serves a purpose or holds an important place in your life?

A lot of readers dislike profanity in books. But we’re wary of censorship, especially in literature. So-called bad words can often have an enlightening effect on what we read. and profanity in literature has existed for millenia: just go read some chaucer for some examples.

Show notes:

• 
  
• What George Carlin has to say about bad words
  
• Check out the review of this book. Seriously?
  
• Why James Joyce was banned in the U.S. for so long.
  
• Pragmatisms by Incongruity: ‘Equipment for Living’ from Kenneth Burke to Gilles Deleuze
  
• Time – “Why Johnny Can’t Readâ€
  
• Time – “Profanity in Teen Novels: Characters Who Curse Are Often the Most Desirableâ€
  
• The Guardian – Swearing in literature: share examples of bad language in good books
  
• What some parents groups think of profanity in books (and why they miss the larger point)
  

We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think of the show in the comments, and rate us on Stitcher Radio and iTunes.

The post Episode 15: The Sacred and Profane: Reading Naughty Words in Books appeared first on Critical Margins.