Savage News: A Novel

by Jessica Yellin

Natalie Savage grew up focusing her ambition on her reporting career instead of her personal life. Now her efforts are paying off. Offered the title of White House correspondent—temporarily—she knows she has the grit, the principles, the news sense to succeed. But first she must compete with a vacuous, popular frat boy for the position.

Navigating rating wars, sexual harassment and an international political crisis to prove herself, Natalie begins to wonder if achieving her dreams really means compromising on everything she stands for.

This juicy insider’s take on the fraught role of today’s press tackles head-on the #MeToo movement as well as the delicate dance between trying to hold truth to power and combating disingenuous charges of fake news.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Politics, Contemporary, Audiobook, Novels, Modern

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2019

About the author

Jessica Yellin is the Emmy and Gracie award winning former Chief White House Correspondent for CNN. She's interviewed Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush and reported from around the world.

(source: Amazon)

Reviews

[Mindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

***MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD***

I really hate to say anything rude about a writer's work, but in exchange for this giveaway, I was asked to write a review- and a review is an honest opinion. So, if I'm being honest, I could not wait for this book to be over. I am not a fan of leaving books unfinished once they're started so even if it's like pulling teeth, I force myself to finish.

I understand this book was written by Jessica Yellin, former Chief White House Correspondent for CNN, and that she knows the ins and outs of DC reporting like the back of her hand. However, what I didn't like most was the main character, Natalie. Natalie had absolutely NO backbone, gumption, or redeeming qualities, and to watch her cater to what everybody else wanted left me feeling just a bit slimy.

Toward the end of the story, Natalie did manage to pull her wits about her and come out a stronger woman and stronger reporter with an actual idea of what her moral compass was made of, but there were a few things that just left me unhinged. For example, did Natalie EVER feel any sort of remorse for being the reason why an innocent man's hand was shot just for the sake of a juicy story that didn't even turn out to be a real lead? It didn't even seem to phase her. She just continued to wail in misery about her own misfortunes and rue the people who mislead her. Nevermind some innocent man was recuperating in the hospital from a gunshot wound to the hand. I mean, even when she began to redeem herself at the end, that never came back into question. The only person who apologized for that debacle was the First Lady, Anita Crusoe- and she wasn't even the one pushing for the camera shot.

I know I shouldn't be hung up on one thing (namely, the main character's personality) and have that be my determinant for this book's rating, but it really broke the book for me. When the main character is that spineless and vanilla, it really does not make the rest enjoyable to read, especially when the intent is to root for her, as the underdog, in the end.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage News by Jessica Yellin was a book that I just wanted to keep reading. I read it in less than 24 hours, spending a lazy Sunday afternoon immersed in the behind the scenes at ATN. Natalie Savage is a strong and determined woman who knows what she wants. She has put her life pretty much on get it. This book made me laugh, it made me angry and I loved it.

Natalie Savage grew up knowing that she wanted to report the news. Finally after working hard she is given the chance to work at the White House for ATN news. Only it is only temporary so she needs to prove herself. Her competition is a 26 year old frat boy who has the big guys at the network on side. Natalie and her production team are determined to make her the White House correspondent permanently but they need to compete with sexual discrimination, a ratings war and appearances just to name a few. The harder she works the more she wonders if it is all worth it.. are her family and relationships missin out for her career. A fantastic ending and an intriguing read.

Thanks to Harlequin MIRA US and Canada and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Candidly, I was predisposed to like this book just because I love the reporting Jessica Yellin shares on Insta. It was a fun, quick read. Smarter than average “chick lit.”

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have given it two-and-a-half stars. This was a cute story but the writing was a bit flat. The characters were not likeable but that probably is true of the real people, i.e., cable news producers, execs, and talent, being depicted in the story. I assume this is part memoir-ish and depicts some actual events in the lives of cable news competitors and DC 'power brokers'. I haven't read many like this one from someone who was a part of that scene, so I am relying on Jessica that there was a kernel of truth in all of it -- it just could have been written in a more interesting or compelling way, or perhaps could have told a more credible backstory. I must admit the few things I have picked up over the years about the lives of some fairly high profile cable people leads me to believe that perhaps Jessica wrote a tale that is more credible than it seemed though...

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalist Natalie Savage has dedicated her career to sharing relevant news and information. When she is coerced to enter a workplace competition for a top slot on air, Natalie must decide if she is willing to compromise her journalist integrity for a pay off down the road.

Witty and timely, Yellin's debut novel gives readers an all access pass to the world of news coverage, where people decide what does and does not get covered on a daily basis.

[Castille · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5, rounded up because I decided not to finish this book, and I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt, that it gets better. The journalistic element intrigued me, but politics aren't a main interest of mine, so I think that coupled with my not taking to the character of Natalie resulted in my being disinclined to finish this book. It's not that the book is written poorly, but I think it falls short of its goal. Both the 'news' stories and the situation-- Natalie's being given a temporary position and pitted against another reporter-- felt contrived to me. The best part, in my opinion, was the storyline about the president's wife. Now that story, I would've read. I kept hanging on, hoping it would open up and focus on her, and maybe it would've, had I not put it down half way.

[J. April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 2.5. I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

I was excited about the premise, but I'm not sure how I feel about the execution.

I found this novel to be an entertaining, disturbing kind of satire; satire because, in theory, we're shown something of an exaggerated caricature of the media industry, of society's engrained misogyny, and of rape culture. Disturbing, because the suggestion is that reality isn't too far off. In that respect I enjoyed the "scenery" of this book: the little worlds we are introduced to, the peripheral characters, and the not-so-tongue-in-cheek statements made about the society we live in and the various idols we worship. There were many times I found myself laughing (at the humor) and cringing (at how realistic things were) at the same time.

Plot- and writing- wise, I think the book could still use some work. I realize that this was an advanced reader's copy, and there's a certain amount of typos/repeated words/partial edits to be expected with that. But some of the plot gets a little jack-rabbity at times, zipping from one thing to the next, and the writing could be smoothed and tightened up. I'm assuming these are things that will be polished up before final publishing, though.

My biggest frustration was with Natalie, the protagonist. Natalie feels like a paper doll; she's more or less carried along on the breeze of the story and the whims of the other characters around her. Occasionally she'll pipe up with a thought, concern, or supposedly deep-seated belief....which she promptly allows to be bulldozed at the slightest pressure from those around her. All in all, it felt like the flattest element of the story was the protagonist, which unfortunately made all the other elements of the story more shaky.

All in all, I enjoyed this for the satire and the commentary on society and the industry it shows. The main components that make me really enjoy a story, though - the characters, the plot, etc. - just weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked.

[Jypsy]

Savage News is a fun chick lit read. Natalie Savage wants to be a hard hitting big time reporter. The story depicts her journey through the treachery and obstacles of the news in today's world. It's really interesting to view the news from behind the scenes. The story is engaging, funny and intelligent. A woman never has it easy in a man's world or in a profession controlled mostly by men. Natalie navigates her way through a few good ole boys in her quest. She is a clever intuitive character, and she's a strong female lead. Will Natalie succeed? This is a good light read that I enjoyed. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is light and fun, even given some of the serious topics it touches on. The audiobook is read by the author, and while she does a good job, it's a little weird if you get your news from her. I got distracted sometimes wondering if certain plotlines had happened to Yellin in real life. A lot of supporting characters are thinly constructed, but that might be intentional to show the narrator's focus on herself and her career. Without being obvious, the plot centers women in a way that few stories do. That might be the most well executed part of this book.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Jessica Yellin for her #NewsNotNoise for quite some time so I knew the strengths of her journalistic voice and integrity. What I wasn't aware of, however, was her strength for fiction writing. This book felt timely, it felt refreshing, it felt like a page turner without crime at its core. Simply put, I ate this book up and would easily recommend it to anyone who appreciates honest news, strong female characters, and a bit of intrigue. "News not noise" may be Jessica's catch phrase, but "Be noisy" is Natalie Savage's and this is a read that will make you want to raise your own voice.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by the former CNN White House correspondent who has started her own news service via Instagram. I appreciate Yellin's news coverage so I was delighted to learn she had written a fictional account of broadcast news. Lots of cringe-worthy episodes for the main character, Natalie Savage. It was a fun read (and made me glad I didn't go through with that broadcast news major way back when).

[George Girton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious and surprisingly cerebral satire although I found the dramatic tension so high I could only read 1 or 2 pages at a time!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

How much of this is thinly disguised biography? That's going to be the question for many readers. Yellin presents an ugly picture of the tv news business. Natalie wants to be the top dog but there's so many others snapping at her. This folds in numerous topical issues- the me too movement, reality tv, internal politics. Regrettably, Natalie isn't always sympathetic but that's ok because in real life we all have our moments. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This would have benefited from a polish to tone it down a bit in spots and smooth some of the edges but it's still a good fast read.

[Marilee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. It's an inside look at cutthroat journalism through a fictional story. I knew going into it that the author used to work at CNN and has a lot of experience, and it showed in the details in her book. That part of it was great. I just struggled to connect with the characters. The supporting characters didn't standout, and the main character needed a little more development or relatability to make me want to root for her.

[Susie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars rounded up to 4)

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this book!

There was a lot I really liked about Savage News, but at the same time, I found it to a bit slow-moving and boring at times. That said, I'm glad I read it! It gave a nice inside peek at what goes on inside of network news and I actually read it at the recommendation of MSNBC's Nicole Wallace who highly praised it. The book is incredibly timely and the issues and presidency in the book definitely mirror that of our current times.

The book follows Natalie Savage, a rising reporter at ATN News (which we imagine is similar to MSNBC or CNN) who has just been given her first White House correspondent assignment. But in the midst of her excitement, she gets a lot of criticism from her boss and producers and quickly realizes it's not so cut and dry. When the chief decides to pit Natalie against another newscaster (the very attractive Ryan) to see who can get the best ratings, things get pretty stressful. In addition to trying to find the best stories, Natalie also has to be sure to look her best, balance her home life and her kinda crazy mom's wedding, date, and grapple with the moral issues of reporting the news vs. getting high ratings.

I can only imagine that many female newscasters have to deal with similar issues, though I thought the competition between Natalie and Ryan was taking things a little too far. I'm sure networks do this in an informal way (obviously the newscasters that get better ratings will get more opportunities), but the way the chief and Natalie's boss set up the "competition" didn't feel entirely realistic. The political scandals they were reporting on were interesting (I thought the FLOTUS disappearance was a good angle), but at times the book got bogged down by the details. None of the characters were incredibly likable, but I think that's probably realistic in this dog eat dog network news world... The most likable character in the book is James, the cute cartographer Natalie meets at a coffee shop.

Overall, this book as a lot of good to it and if you're interested in getting an insider's look at how network news works (obviously fictionalized, but Yellin does have lots of network news experience), definitely pick this book up. As much as so many of us want this current administration to end, Savage News did make me wonder even more what will happen to network news if things go "back to normal." How will they keep ratings up? Something tells me, I don't really want to know!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary: Kind of fun, but not good, with cartoonish villains and a simplistic plot.

This fictional account of a female journalist and wannabe news anchor was a fun read, but not a good one. It held up particularly poorly next to a bunch of memoirs by real journalists. The main character simply lacked the seriousness and drive of the real women she was modeled after. She doesn't have a clear perspective or career goal except 'be on TV' plus a vague admiration for Woodward and Bernstein. When she does investigative reporting, it looks like a bit of googling plus following some leads that fall into her lap. Although some of her bad decisions made sense in a workplace pursuing entertainment over news, the main character was one of my main problems with this book.

The supporting characters in this story were a mixed bag. They did have some interesting characterization. They weren't just stereotypes and some had complex relationships with our protagonist. However, every non-white character was introduced by their race. There were also some decisions around representing accents that I found dubious. Our main character was pretty sexist about the more junior women working in news, a fact that the character doesn't see and I don't think the author does either. The villains are largely complete cartoons. That did help keep me reading this, waiting for them to lose out to our protagonist, but they weren't believable.This was an easy read with fast pacing and a lot of exciting set pieces. I enjoyed how light it felt, but wish it had still had some substance.This review was originally posted on Doing Dewey

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Savage News is a debut, and it shows based on the manic writing and the need for some tightening from an editor, but all in all, Savage News in an enjoyable read. It has this chick lit type Bridget Jones feel to it as we see Jessica try and navigate through the sometimes sketchy world of cable news. Jessica wants to be a hard hitting reporter, and thinks she can become that by being a White House correspondence. But the cable news networks she works for is all about ratings, and she has to compete against a shock jock type of reporter who will do anything to succeed. Plus the big guy who runs the station is too touchy feely where Jessica is concerned, and she is afraid she'll have to take the casting couch route with him in order to get ahead.

Jessica's tale is zany, at time hilarious and intriguing, especially the sub-plot with the First Lady who may or may not be having an affair, plastic surgery or working against her husband, the President of the US. Jessica has a group of co-workers who become her friends and want her to succeed. She also has a shot at romance with a dishy guy who's godfather is Colin Powell, who has also named his dog the same. He's a too good to be true Prince Charming for Jessica, who I didn't mind because he takes away the stress Jessica has to deal with on a daily basis with her job.

Jessica Yellin has a background in politics and the news since she was a WH correspondence. Even though Savage News is rough around the edges at time, it was a real hoot to read. I look forward to more books by her to see how she grows as an author.

[Elissa Sanci · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast, witty story that follows a hardworking TV reporter who’s sacrificed a lot to make it to the White House press room... only to have the job all but handed to her young, well-connected male counterpart. When the chief of Natalie’s news network decides to make the White House correspondent job the prize to a weeks-long competition to see who can get the highest ratings, she knows that if she wants the job that, truthfully, should be hers, she has no choice but to play the game. The newsroom is driven by workplace harassment, favoritism & the desire to win the ratings war— and since Yellin spent years as a political TV reporter, you can’t help but wonder: how much of the book’s description of the news industry culture is really fiction? I really enjoyed this book. Natalie is a great character with depth— she’s resilient in situations where others would surely throw in the towel. I would have liked to seen more side character development, though, and I felt the narrative would have been better suited as first-person. All in all, a great feminist read for anyone fed up with our country’s current political situation.

[Andrea Proser · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE: It is December 2021. Goodreads thinks I am currently reading 28 books. Goodreads and I disagree. So I’m going to try and catch up, and edit the “finished”date accordingly. Fair warning: This review/rating is part of a belated review dump and relies on my holes-filled memory and unreliable notes. With this, several grains of salt may require taking.

——
If anything, this is a solid reminder of the energy women have to spend identifying and deftly handling
sexual intonations and commentary instead of basic career strategy. Now, insert that in an industry so focused on appearance...where discussing ratings in relation to hair, body and wardrobe is acceptable and expected, well the lines can be very blurry. That said, these “rules” probably are applied in every industry, but are perhaps are not said out loud or on mixed company, thus leaving women even less empowered than if the superficial criteria for success were clearer. Lose-lose?

Also, my old iPhone notes about this book included these comments, but i don’t recall if they were meant as complimentary, so take it as an observation: Silly Siri jokes. Cutesy family texts.

[Joni Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel breathlessly captures what’s going on in social media, television, reporting and politics. Yellin takes us behind and in front of the camera as white female ambitious Natalie tries to navigate her way among office politics, sexism, ageism, the competition for viewers, DC politics and her growing hunger for a personal life. Thrown in for good measure is an idolized father and a new-age critical mom who is about to be remarried. There is a sister who acts as her support and reality check, a meet cute potential man who appears to be perfect, and a cluster of sharks as well as friends. There is even an older wealthier potential female mentor. I confess that I was initially annoyed by the glibness at the start. It felt like Yellin was cramming as much cleverness as possible into every sentence. Exhausting. She slows down (couldn’t possibly keep up the pace) and I relaxed into enjoying a story that wasn’t hitting me over the head with smart repartee and observations at every sentence.

[Melissa Salvatore · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is problematic in so many ways. Totally unrealistic scenarios and new information popping up that one can tell was added to fit some sort of narrative (her father's alcoholism, for example). The protagonist is so unlikeable and the scenarios for the broadcast news are just too unrealistic to make them the least bit believable. Everything verged on the ridiculous if it wasn't all the way there. Vapid. This woman had less gumption in her pinky toe than I did thirty years ago as a reporter, and that was before the woke era was even a thought. But c'mon now. How many men are sexually abusive? All of them. Except the hot new guy who just happens to be related to super insider people. If this was a romance or billed as such, I would not minded it, but this was supposed to be a biting look at the world of DC and cable news. I don't even know why I wasted my time hoping something believable would happen. But no.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first person narrative on the tv news industry, with more than a little shade thrown at the media’s tendency to overhype scandals and leverage news for ratings. A lot of important themes were addressed, though the whole thing felt a little overblown at times. The details about the weddings felt unnecessary and mixed with the lead up to the peak of the main character’s arc felt out of place, falling flat even as comedic relief. I liked the secondary characters and wish their roles could have been further fleshed out. I also appreciated how the final email encapsulated the news industry reality that sometimes, even the “villains” succeed, but added its own twist in showing that sometimes, it’s possible for things to work out for the goody goody too. Was the ending perhaps a bit too happily ever after tied with a bow? Sure, but sometimes that kind of rose-colored optimism in the face of less than ideal circumstances is exactly what we need out of a book.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was what I usually dub an 'easy read', one where I can pick up and just read for a few hours and have a pleasant time. This is not the pinnacle of literature, but it did give me rich enjoyment for a little whilst, so in my books that's a lot! My only criticisms is that it was a bit slow for a lot of the book and then too fast at the end, I wish the book had been ~50 pages longer at least, particularly to develop the protagonist a little more. I'm still not sure where her love interest really fit in, that felt rushed and a bit awkwardly thrust into the story without being a significant plot device. Additionally, I didn't love love the character, she felt way too naïve to have even made it this far up in the organization, some of her realizations should have surely come before the DC move? However, even though I didn't personally 'click' with the character I would still be very interested to know what comes next for her...another book perhaps?

[Elaine Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage News by Jessica Yellin is a fun read. It is timely, satirical, smart, and funny. Since Jessica
Yellin was a former CNN White House correspondent she gives the reader a lot of insider information
on behind the scenes of political television news.
Natalie Savage is sent from New York to Washington DC where she is a temporary White House correspondent for ATN. She quickly learns that her success will depend more on her ratings appeal
than the substance of her journalism. She also learns that she is in competition for the permanent
spot with a former reality star who is six years younger. What follows is an interesting take on politics today, the media circus, and sexism in the work place. Natalie Savage is a character to root for and the conclusion is a satisfactory one.
I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin publishers.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. The characters were interesting, complex, and compelling. While some were very likeable; there were also a few that you just had to love to hate. It certainly made me think more about news as entertainment and ratings rather than just the facts ma'am. It was a quick and fun read that made me so happy that I'm past the paying dues phase of my career (I think).

The primary story itself follows a young news reporter hoping for a White House spot with her station. She of course has to face sexism in the work place and compete for the job with a younger man with arguably less talent. But the book also features the "story" they are covering which follows the First Lady, corporate greed, corruption, and an international incident. For the most part I thought it was realistic.

If you're looking for an enjoyable read, try this one.

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment. The author is an outstanding CNN ( former) White House correspondent with infinite experience on the inside view of news casting Instead, Ms Yellin wrote a silly frivolous chick lit soft read, that fell flat for me.
The main character, Natalie Savage, always wanted to be a newscaster. And when her opportunity arrives to show what she’s got , she turns out to be a frightened, ambivalent woman/ child people pleaser. It takes the entire story , which sidetracks into her nudist mother ‘s ridiculous non credible second marriage , for her to become.
Intertwined in the foolish plot are threads of serious politics, in a president who’s soul is owned by outside forces and a First Lady who has made headlines for curious reasons. If only this were the backbone of the story.
I wish I’d taken a pass on this one.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen to receive this book by entering a Goodreads giveaway.

I found the book very timely and even though this is a novel it rang true in the brutal world of sensationalizing journalism. Being a woman with integrity in broadcast journalism is definitely an overwhelming challenge. Anyone who follows the news can see the emphasis in today's times is to forget about the truth just get a juicy story, that is what the people want. The people also want a young, sexy woman reporting it. I hate that. This book was a great read and I would highly recommend it to about every teen and adult out there. Savage News is well written and timely. Thank you Ms Yellin for telling this story in a very believable way.

[Katie Katieneedsabiggerbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have followed Jessica Yellin and News not Noise for about a year now and love her insight into what is happening in politics on a daily basis. That said, I was super excited to read her first novel!

I really enjoyed this novel. I loved that it was very topical but with a fictional storyline. I found myself rooting for Natalie but also getting furious for the insane amount of sexism and nonsense she had to deal with. Overall it felt very in line with current day and what is happening in government, but with fictional characters and storylines it made it much more enjoyable than watching and reading the news. I highly recommend this book!

I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I work in news and there were a lot of instances, particularly the newsroom meeting presided over by the new head of the news division, that really struck a chord and got it right. In particular the cluelessness of managers over how stories make it to air. Wanting to go on air with a story that hasn't been fact checked is a big no-no. I was amazed that some were still employed at the end. I am grateful that never in my career have I ever been subject to anything more than an off color comment here or there - which I usually called BS on right away.

Yellen has an easy writing style that made reading the book enjoyable. This book can be enjoyed by both those in the industry and those who aren't. I look forward to reading her next book.

[Jeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel has a great premise, but the overall storytelling was just ok. The story opens as Natalie Savage starts her new job as a White House reporter. The issues are 'can she do the job', and 'does she want this job', as there’s definitely problems with 'reporting while female'. In addition, there seem to be clues that she’s Black, which might explain why she has more difficulty with dealing with the white bosses’ attitudes. I think this book could have benefited with some stronger editing, but it’s definitely a societal commentary reflective of today’s sexism in the workplace. It's not a workplace I'm familiar with, but the issues seem quite similar to the workplaces I've worked in. It was a fast read despite the redundancies.