finesilkflower's review against another edition
4.0
This collection of Dan Savage columns from the 90s is dated, but still entertaining. Organized by broad topics, it's a fairly comprehensive introduction to Dan's irreverent and often alarmingly pragmatic sex/dating/relationship/life advice. Many of his views have evolved since then (for the better), and he's gained some new taglines, but the basic outline of his outlook on life is certainly recognizable if you're familiar with Dan's column or podcast.
One thing that I've noticed in particular that's changed since 1998: Dan has seemed to mellow and get nicer. Or maybe that's just my perception because of the podcast. In the column, especially early columns, Dan tends to be acerbic and flip, but in the podcast he is much kinder, particularly when talking to callers on the phone. If you basically like the letters and the advice but you find the tone a little too mean, try the podcast.
One thing that I've noticed in particular that's changed since 1998: Dan has seemed to mellow and get nicer. Or maybe that's just my perception because of the podcast. In the column, especially early columns, Dan tends to be acerbic and flip, but in the podcast he is much kinder, particularly when talking to callers on the phone. If you basically like the letters and the advice but you find the tone a little too mean, try the podcast.
kaje_harper's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. I love Dan Savage's writing in his other books, and reread them repeatedly just to get his amused, acerbic, sane voice in my head. This collection of his newspaper columns is earlier writing, not as polished. And his columnist persona is more acid in tone and less warmly humorous. Still there are some very funny bits in here, and some surprisingly good advice for a newspaper column. Dan Savage still shines as a rational, thoughtful observer of people of all kinds, albeit from his own clearly-defined vantage point as a gay man. As one letter writer put it: "I don't know whether to kiss you or kick your ass for your advice..." Dan's reply? "Why don't you split the difference and kiss my ass." Ah, yes, a way with words.
missnicelady's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent advice from the man.
(Fun fact: One of the questions in here is mine, but I'll never tell which one!)
(Fun fact: One of the questions in here is mine, but I'll never tell which one!)
trin's review against another edition
3.0
The best of Savage's sex advice column. Entertaining in that Savage is funny and people are weird. I certainly enjoyed it, but I don't really have any deep thoughts. Just: people are 1) dumb about sex and relationships and 2) into some kinky shit. But then I knew all that.
Note: I got my copy off of BookMooch. It is 1) rather beat-up, and 2) apparently signed. "Abortion--good and good for you! [illegible scrawl that may be Savage's signature]" Huh.
Note: I got my copy off of BookMooch. It is 1) rather beat-up, and 2) apparently signed. "Abortion--good and good for you! [illegible scrawl that may be Savage's signature]" Huh.
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