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)

Personally meaningful

What did you love best about American Savage?

The author is quite accomplished in stating an argument, voicing his opinion and defending his stand. Very well done and totally convincing. He brings much of his personal experiences into the discussions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of American Savage?

The chapter on the right to assisted death. His depiction of his mother's death had many parallels to my own mother's death and it further affirmed my conviction that assisted death should be a choice. He makes the argument for it in a very eloquent way.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily. Each chapter stands on its own and can be listened to separately.

Any additional comments?

This was the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to his other books.

A must read for all Americans!

Even if your already a loyal acolyte of Dan Savage you need to check this book out. Such an informative read on American politics!

Very entertaining and thought provoking book...

Would you listen to American Savage again? Why?

Yes, it was such a good book. I found the delivery very good and the arguments and points that Dan was making very easy to agree with. There was humor throughout the serious and Dan's voice was very easy to listen to and understand. I would recommend this book to anyone. Even those opposing LGBT's, you may learn something.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I just came away from this book feeling like we are all human, no matter who we are attracted to. We should treat each other with respect and dignity along with the fact that everyone should have the same opportunities in life.

Have you listened to any of Dan Savage’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Dan Savage before, but after listening to this book, I believe I will look for more of his work.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story of his mother's death and the epilogue were both very moving. I really felt for him as he explained his mother's death. I had a tear in my eye listening, so I'm not sure how he was able to tell it with such a clear voice. It was obviously an emotional time. I really like the epilogue. It is great to see our country finally starting to realize that love is love and marriage should be allowed by all. I do hope the men from the park were also able to celebrate that day.

Any additional comments?

I really got a kick out of the introduction. Really, why do you need to introduce a book that someone already purchased with the intent to read? Great way to start a very enjoyable book.

Refreshing

I live in Alabama. Well, not really…..but they say that my geography (PA) is Phila. & PGH with Alabama in between. And there's really no debating (if one wants to maintain one's sanity) on so many of these issues in my locale. My heart felt vindicated by the sound articulation on topics such as the Affordable Care Act and LGBT rights concerning gay marriage. And being a 50-something catholic heterosexual woman, I learned a few things about a demographic I don't have much contact with. I'm going to read chapters 16 & 17 over many times so I don't get tongue tied in my next debate on these issues. Overall the book was personal, funny, moving (your Mother's death), smart (agains chapts. 16 & 17). Thank you for this. Am now going to tune into your podcast.

Wow

Dan has been a name around town ever since I moved to Seattle. I've never met him, and I'm embarrassed to say I haven't read a lot of his work before picking up this book. I find myself laughing from the opening words of the forward and got pretty emotional by the end. This book touches on something deep which makes it very moving. I've lived through many of the events he talks about and grown in my understanding in a similar way, but had not distilled it into words myself. If I ever do run into him on the hill, coffee's on me....because this is a great book

Dan Savage is always brilliant!

I love reading his books, columns & listen to his podcast, religiously. I look forward to the next one.

Real Men write books.

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

Strong, honest, and illuminating. Because this book is all three.

What did you like best about this story?

This book makes me a fan of Dan Savage, who I've read in passing. This man is honest and has a wonderful view of the BIG picture.

What does Dan Savage bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Author brings himself to the offering.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I portioned this out.

Any additional comments?

This book is a snapshot of humanity.

beautifully articulate

Dan Savage is witty, articulate, well-read, and irreverently foul-mouthed. While speaking up for kinksters, gay people, and the sexually oppressed he never descends into pessimism and, even when he expresses anger, he always returns to how things are getting better. The audiobook is beautifully read by the author himself. The epilogue was such a happy way to end, I had to take a minute to shed some tears. loved it!

Great book!

I admire Dan Savage and thought this was the best book I've read in years.

A book every person (especially lgbt) should read

Not only does this book make me feel as though I am not alone as a gay man in a straight world but it also shows just how good life can get for us all that try.