One doctor’s prescription for solving our nation’s problems – laughter
The majority of hard-working Americans are wringing their hands together in frustration over what is happening in our country today and the world in general. They are bombarded with rhetoric on healthcare, corruption, corporate greed, unemployment, terrorists – even global warming (and who is/is not responsible). This, plus Alan Beck’s own disappointment over the general lack of common sense in the world today, inspired him to write A Faithful Proposal (IGI Publishing), an over-the-top satirical novel that is filled with witticisms that will keep the reader in much-needed belly laughs!
Beck’s story begins with Brooks McRump who, after his resignation as CEO of Bonanza insurance companies, sets his sight on taking over religions. Joining forces with retired psychiatrist and his former COO, Steven Kopfklopper, they use the internet in a bid to revolutionize religions and acquire them all. As a way of appealing to the public, they hold Religious Idol contests and advertise the number of prayers transmitted on gleaming white arches of a sports stadium. Guests get an education at Faith Mountain that includes a ‘virtual tour’ of religious history and get parachuted down the mountain to meet founders of all religions and visit the inhabitants of Heaven and Hell to witness crusades, inquisitions and magic moments in religious history.
The number of centers around the country increases dramatically as they use ‘perks’ to lure high profile religious leaders to their ranks, catching the eye of Larry King who interviews McRump on his show. They recruit Rifle Rae Virgin, a new leader to add diversity to the movement, who succeeds in uniting the newer faith counselors in testing the souls of the founding fathers of Faith America. When the founders become obsessed with their own success, envy begins to surface among the counselors. The decision is made by the leaders to wine and dine the counselors in Florida in order to bring them all back together. An Indian chief, Big Bear, meets the leadership and shares some astounding visions with them. Fate, impervious to the corporate giants, descends to subdue the greed and ambitions of the Faith America Board who undergo a revival, with true faith and family values emerging at the end to save the day.
Dr. Alan Beck’s comical wit surfaces in his description of his book as: “A manic ride through the irritable bowels of our health care system, with a darkly funny descent into the sclerotic heart of contemporary religions, and a Prozac-induced mock homage to corporate and individual greed.” Please visit this creative writer’s website at www.afaithfulproposal.com.
