Savage’s New Book and a Pit Stop at Town Hall…

We here at SGS are fans of Dan Savage’s work – the long running sex-advice column, his mouthy “someone had to say it” tone when he visits The Colbert Report or any of the other news programs that would dare invite him, his Savage Love podcast, and his books. When I read The Kid: What Happened After My Boyfriend and I Decided to Go Get Pregnant in 2000, I realized that not only was the flippant sex columnist more of a voice for the LGBT community than any of us would yet realize, but Dan had a way of blending a pointed message with visceral emotion with such a deft hand that you almost never see it coming. The revolution may, as yet, still have a leader… and it would most assuredly be televised.

If you’re a fan of audiobooks or have ever wanted to just try one, I recommend starting with Savage’s newest book American Savage: Insights, Slights, and Fights on Faith, Sex, Love, and Politics. Much like with his podcast, hearing this book in his own voice makes it so easier to absorb. In matters of politics, it’s sometimes tough to get past the written rhetoric, and actually drill down to what matters most – what Dan does with this latest tome is, basically, what he does on TV, radio and everywhere else – he makes it digestible  so people can understand the salient points. American Savage is at times deeply seditious, raw and emotional, and frequently deeply personal.

Last fall, Dan and husband Terry, famously hosted a dinner party at their home, with Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage as their guest. The Dinner Table Debate was refereed, er, um, moderated by Mark Oppenheimer of the New York Times. When you have time, sit down and watch the Dinner Table Debate – it’s fascinating, and squicky, and your skin will crawl at times, but ultimately it’s an interesting conversation to observe. BUT, in his new book, Dan shares the Behind-The-Scenes reality of what happened there, and the limits to Terry’s graciousness as a host (frankly, I don’t blame Terry even for a second…)

As part of the book promo tour adventure, Dan will be at Town Hall this Sunday, June 16 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $10, and VIP tickets are $50 – not sure what the VIP ticket gets you (maybe a pony or front-row seat at the revolution?) He’ll be there for an evening of commentary and conversation with NPR’s Ari Shapiro (upon whom Mr. Sterling has a schoolgirl grade crush.)

Buy the book (also available on Audible.com) and check out the event Sunday. You know he’s gonna say something to enlighten, inform and very likely piss you off. And we approve of it all.