Call It Tragedy

A story of turmoil of the South in the 1960’s in a new novel about civil disobedience and liberation …

When Mike Dunn, newly ordained minister from New York City, arrives in the Southern community of Rivertown in 1961 to become the next pastor of the Community Church, he is plagued about his decision "to do God’s work." He’s tentative with his Southern congregation, unwilling to offend the sensibilities of those of this highly different culture. Mike plays it safe—until he’s knocked off the fence of non-commitment by Maureen, a beautiful, outspoken young widow. Mike finds his true heart and soul—hardly an easy thing to do for a progressive Northerner during the dawn of freedom riders. Challenges keep coming at him, most hurtfully from Maureen when their child turns out to be "exceptional." With the help of a Catholic priest, Mike learns to wisely discern the principled from the profane—white and black—as he nurtures his baby girl and becomes accepted by his flock, even as his actions are threatened by the Ku Klux Klan.

From naval combat in WWII to the acquisition of four academic degrees, DANIEL PANGER has worked as a door-to-door salesman, juvenile probation officer, supervising consultant to California's anti-discrimination commission (FEPHC), and Unitarian minister. Panger is the author of well over forty titles thus far.