American Savage

I've been a Dan Savage reader and fan for years (all the books, all the columns, blah, blah, blah) so I was naturally excited for his new book's release. And...it's fine. Don't get me wrong, it's crafty, well-written, thoughtful stuff. But he covers a lot of different topics in under 300 pages. Maybe too many topics. What I loved, loved, loved about both The Kid and The Commitment was the focus. He had a story to tell, a cohesive message. Same goes for the It Gets Better essays, Skipping Towards Gomorrah, and even the column compilation. This one (save the final two chapters) feels more like an extended rant. An articulate and accurate rant, to be sure. But a bit of a rant. And I do love a rant. But what I love more than a rant is a writer as sharp as Savage with a side of heart. The book reads well, especially if you happen to agree with his positions on religion, marriage equality, and health care policy. But Savage is at his best when he seamlessly weaves the logos with the pathos (which he does masterfully in the final two chapters). American Savage - which I liked and would recommend - could've used a little more pathos.