News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
World News
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Classifieds
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Diversions
Book skips toward sin
By Amanda Degen
Published:
Monday, March 31, 2003
In the entertainingly witty "Skipping Towards Gomorrah," author Dan Savage takes the time to travel around the country interviewing those who have pursued various forms of happiness that may be considered "sins."
He goes gambling, binges in an ode to gluttony, discusses his enjoyment of marijuana for sloth and interviews all sorts of people from swingers to gun owners, from gay pride participants to overweight members at a fat-acceptance conference. With the subjects already rather interesting to the average college reader, it is Savage's witty writing that really makes this book a rather enjoyable read. Savage manages to make the book consistent in its exploitations so that a good pace is set, and there aren't really too many dull moments.
Savage could not perform all of the sins by himself, so there are a few interesting passages where he talks to those who may be fully immersed in sin, giving readers a viewpoint in the less known and less explored areas of the American underbelly. A few sins are backed up with scientific data and a considerable amount of research, providing validity to many of his arguments. In other areas he relies heavy on "common sense" to explain his beliefs pertaining to certain viewpoints. His humor and anecdotes are what make this novel a good read; Savage's writing style is definitely his strength. He has the ability to translate humor easily to the written page, a novelty that many authors backfire when attempting. He is also unafraid to tackle any subject, despite its extremeness; he is very open when discussing his personal and family life to the reader.
But upon reading this, I set out to warn those who may think to go pick up a copy of "Gomorrah." This type of reading is heavily aimed at left wing, liberal and very open-minded readers. The occasional conservative may want to read it only if he or she wishes to become upset or wants motivation to change to the other side of the political spectrum. This is a highly political book and Savage spends much time criticizing and poking fun at the "scolds" as he calls them, the political right wing authors who write about our country's morals and how they're going down the tube. I failed to recognize most of the names, but political students would find the banter rather intriguing. Although this novel was written on behalf of the sinners, and for them, at times I felt the political banter to become annoying, as it is brought up in practically every chapter. Yes, we understand that Savage has an extreme dislike for right wing authors Robert Bork, Patrick Buchanan and William J. Bennet, but does it necessarily have to be emphasized every few pages?
In terms of a left wing political discussion motivator, "Gomorrah" works well because of its intense factual research and its demonstration of healthy 'sinning' in America, but as an enjoyable read, the book has its stuffy political moments, so reader beware.
Forum:
No comments have been posted for this story.
Post a comment
Privacy Policy
Network Advertising
Article Syndication
