Coming at a time when most Americans are pretty much unhappy with everything, A Faithful Proposal (IGI Publishing) by Alan Beck provides much-needed mirth for the soul. It covers the gamut with its manic ride through the irritable bowels of our health care system, taking a darkly funny descent into the sclerotic heart of contemporary religions (both mainstream and fringe), and a Prozac-induced mock homage to corporate and individual greed.

New book A Faithful Proposal by Alan Beck provides much-needed mirth for the soul