Saved — Doug Magee

01/06/2025Magee crafts a delightfully irreverent satire challenging the rigid ideologies of a Midwestern evangelical community through the lens of one man's misadventures. At the story’s heart is Frank Tripping, a born-again Christian whose firmly held beliefs are tested when he suspects his neighbors—a “houseful of godless villains”—are dealing drugs. As Frank sets out to investigate them, he’s slowly pulled into a world beyond his imaginings, starting with his attraction to Daria, the lady of the house, who effortlessly embodies “sinful” behavior, setting up a situation where Frank’s lust overpowers his faith—and results in a clash of cultures and belief systems that provide ample opportunity for Magee’s biting social commentary.Magee (author of President Blog) excels at bringing Frank to life as a well-meaning but comically flawed protagonist. Frank's journey from his evangelical bubble into the more complex realities of the world beyond is rife with humor as he struggles to reconcile his preconceived notions with the shades of gray he encounters, and readers will delight in watching him squirm as his growing desire for Daria tests his moral compass. The tone is never mean-spirited, even as Magee pokes fun at the rigidity of Frank’s faith; instead, Magee crafts a gently sacrilegious satire that finds humanity and humor in Frank's journey of self-discovery, with the unconventional love story that develops between Frank and Daria adding a charming emotional note.Though the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, Magee’s overall narrative remains engaging. The more Frank indulges in what his community perceives as sin, the more it forces him to examine his moral framework, growing his awareness of human nature and building a sense of “newness creep into his life that was vague and formless and yet certain.” Magee's sharp wit and affection for his protagonist ensure readers will remain invested in Frank's improbable quest, even as they chuckle at his expense.Takeaway: Irreverent satire with humor, heart, and a hint of forbidden romance.Comparable Titles: Tom Perrotta's Little Children, John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany.Production grades Cover: B Design and typography: A Illustrations: N/A Editing: A Marketing copy: A