Reviews

American Savage: Insights, Slights, and Fights on Faith, Sex, Love, and Politics by Dan Savage

libellum_aphrodite's review against another edition

2.0

I love Dan Savage's segments on This American Life, and generally find him to be sensible, down-to-earth, humorous, and a perfect pinch of irreverent. Some chapters in this book lived up to that expectation, but quite a few were much more in the realm of the political soapbox realm than I was hoping for. I guess “and Politics” is right in the title, but I could have done without diatribes on universal healthcare or Rick Santorum’s presidential aspirations elbowing out the promised discussions (and Dan Savage’s typical programming) about “Sex [and] Love.”

lsparrow's review against another edition

4.0

overall I appreciated getting more into his view points.

ancoetsu's review against another edition

3.0

Although I knew some of these stories already, I found it nice to be able to read just the thoughts of Savage. Just his thoughts without them being in the context of a debate on some tv show. It was neat to get some insight on Savage, his husband, and the entire realm of activism he engages in.

alittleoverdue's review against another edition

4.0

Dan Savage is just that delightful mix of snark, sex advice, and politics, and his book is a satisfying look at an assortment of social and political issues from gay marriage to death with dignity. Now granted, I'm a big liberal, but there were definitely parts of the book that had me laughing out loud and basking in Dan's smart, swift cuts to bigotry, misogyny, and the crazy Christians out there. But whether you agree with him or not, he raises a lot of good points and makes a well-thought out case for his opinions, backed by examples and studies. And if you aren't in tears reading the chapter about his mom, I don't think you have a heart in your body. Thoroughly enjoyable book and it makes me happy to have Dan's activist voice out there sticking it to the Santorums of the world.

rogoreads's review against another edition

3.0

A lot of it is a rehash of what I've heard on his podcast. There were some nice anecdotes--learning about his mother, son, and partner Terry was great--and well-argued points. It was good to finally hear about what happened during Bigot Christmas, though Terry came off as the most sane person there. I guess I only give it 3 stars because it wasn't the most enjoyable read. I got very frustrated during many of the chapters, especially during the chapter about Obamacare, and don't quite know what to do with these angry feelings. Very weird and oddly appropriate to be reading about it during the government shutdown too, all over something that falls very short of truly getting everyone the health care they need regardless of social status.

pollycharlie's review against another edition

4.0

Nothing in this book is new if you are a frequent listener of The Savage Lovecast. I swear I read the book entirely in Dan's voice. Pretty awesome.

bookjerm's review against another edition

4.0

This was an extraordinary book/read! My favorite one of his by far, and, in my opinion, the most intimate. He talks about everything that is important to him: fatherhood (for those of you who have read The Kid, it was great to catch glimpses of his progression with his new family), his mother's death (which that one made me cry), Obamacare, Same-Sex Marriage, all of which is delivered through his straight-to-the-point, no bullshit tone, which most of us admire (and appreciate). Honestly, I don't know where he finds the time to write after all the blogging, tweeting, debating and spending time with his family, but I'm certainly glad that he did.

horfhorfhorf's review against another edition

4.0

The literary equivalent of listening to the opening remarks of every Savage Lovecast ever recorded back-to-back. (In a good way!)

msmelinda's review against another edition

4.0

It’s a Dan Savage book, full of Dan Savage-isms. As an avid listener to his Podcast and reader of Savage Love, there was nothing new here. Still good though!

tree166's review against another edition

5.0

I love Dan Savage, and despite his occasionally flippant and inflammatory remarks I think he gives really sound and sensible advice. He's also a good writer. You just need an open mind and a sense of humor to enjoy him.