American Savage

Insights, Slights, and Fights on Faith, Sex, Love, and Politics

By: Dan Savage

Narrated by: Dan Savage

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Celebrated sex advice columnist and founder of the Emmy-winning It Gets Better campaign, Dan Savage delivers “powerful messages for both the head and heart” (Entertainment Weekly).

From the moment he began writing his syndicated sex-advice column, "Savage Love", Dan Savage has never been shy about expressing his opinion on controversial topics - political or otherwise. In the height of his activism, he addresses issues ranging from parenting and the gay agenda to the Catholic Church and health care. Among them:

• Why straight people should have straight “pride” parades, too
• Why Obamacare, as good as it is, is “still kinda evil”
• Why what passes for sex-ed in America is more like “sex dread”
• Why the Bible is “only as good and decent as the person reading it”

Speaking to a broad range of subjects with brutal honesty and irreverent humor, American Savage is a pivotal piece that cements Dan Savage’s place as a provocative and insightful voice in American culture.

©2013 Dan Savage (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"America’s most in-your-face sex columnist and gay-rights activist comes out swinging in these pugnacious, hilarious essays.... Underneath Savage’s scabrous, bomb-throwing exterior beats the heart of a softie." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"An extraordinarily personal, deeply felt book about traditional marriage, authentic and healthy religion and a traditional sex life." (The Washington Post)

"Savage's essays on fatherhood, cheating, and the subset of Americans, in American Savage, who still think sexuality is a choice are powerful messages for both the head and the heart." (Entertainment Weekly)

Full Disclosure...

Would you consider the audio edition of American Savage to be better than the print version?

Only because he's reading it. If you can't stand audio books get thee to a bookstore and get a copy.

Which scene was your favorite?

Discussion of the Gay Pride parade...fabulous.

Any additional comments?

I've been a fan of Dan Savage for several years. He's funny, forthright and gay (with a really hot hubby). It's good to see a new book from him and even better to hear him read it. If defense of gay rights & marriage and reality in general doesn't offend you then you will love this.

This book is a must!

I love Dan Savage. I started reading his column in the 90s and now I am a devoted listener of his podcast. He is witty and personable as well as well educated, common sensical, and fully researches his arguments. He writes of his own personal experiences from the heart and seamlessly weaves his own life stories into the important issues of today. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Great Listen

Great reflection on Dan's career and the LGBTQ movement. Funny and thought provoking and Dan's got a great reading voice.

when does a rant become a screed?

Any additional comments?

As one who agrees with almost every point Savage makes in his essays, he reads too fast , too loud. Some of his bitchy asides leave a harsh and nasty aftertaste. In print, the essays probably seem more moderate. But then, Savage wants to be anything but moderate. Okay, okay, I get it. Embrace change. Move forward. Let me out of here.

Dan Savage at his finest

Loved this book and Dan's narration. Funny and insightful, I couldn't stop listening! Dan Savage really knows his stuff.

Entertaining and moving

Loved this book. It was full of really touching stories, struggles and experiences of Dan's life and it is read perfectly. It's not going to convert anyone to his side of things so I wouldn't recommend it if you aren't like-minded but it sure made me laugh and cry and I even came away with some relationship tips for my own life.

YES!!!

Any additional comments?

If you're a fan of Dan Savage this is a must read... If you're not a fan of Dan Savage or have no idea who he is.. This is a must read!

Absolutely Excellent!

I'm straight, and I've learned a lot about the LGBT communities,
which helped me dissolve some false paradigms in my head.
Also Dan is a really good writer and narrater.
This audiobook is mostly funny and just makes you want to keep listening.
I should note the second half is mostly about American issues and policies,
but hey, it says "American" in the title, was still interesting.

Highly recommend this one!

Engaging

If you could sum up American Savage in three words, what would they be?

A regular person.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dan's story of his mother.

What about Dan Savage’s performance did you like?

Usually authors are not the best person to read their books but Dan hits it out of the ballpark.

Any additional comments?

A book that makes you really try to treat each person with more humanity.

a great summary of Savage's recent work

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd push this book on anyone who is not familiar with Dan Savage's writing-- but who should be! If you're a regular reader/ listener of his column/ podcast, well, it's a fine summary of his writings/ rantings over the past 5-10 years, and totally worth a listen for a (relatively) concise summary of his more poignant points, and astute perspectives.