Skipping Towards Gomorrah

In Skipping Towards Gomorrah, journalist Dan Savage examines the Seven Deadly Sins through the lens of modern American culture. The book serves as a direct response to conservative writer Robert Bork's Slouching Towards Gomorrah, challenging traditional moral critiques of liberal society. Savage immerses himself in various American subcultures associated with each of the deadly sins - pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, and wrath. Through first-hand experiences and interviews, he documents how different groups of Americans pursue happiness through activities that religious conservatives often condemn. The narrative alternates between Savage's personal experiences and his analysis of the broader cultural debate around morality in America. His investigation spans multiple cities and social circles, from gun enthusiasts to marijuana users to gambling communities. The book presents a frank examination of personal freedom and challenges conventional notions of sin and virtue in contemporary society. Through his exploration of taboo behaviors, Savage raises questions about the relationship between personal pleasure and social good, and the nature of happiness itself.

Readers describe this as a humorous takedown of conservative morality while exploring each of the "seven deadly sins" through personal experiences. The book resonates with those who reject puritanical views of American society. Readers appreciated: - Clear arguments supported by research and statistics - Blend of personal stories with political commentary - Conversational, irreverent writing style - Direct challenges to specific conservative authors Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Savage's personal anecdotes - Some arguments seen as superficial or oversimplified - Repetitive points across chapters - Occasional mean-spirited tone toward opponents One reader noted: "He makes valid points but spends too much time settling personal scores." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (900+ ratings) The book receives higher ratings from readers who already align with Savage's political views.

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🔍 The book's title is a play on "Slouching Towards Gomorrah," a 1996 conservative critique by Robert Bork, which Savage directly challenges throughout his work. 🎭 Dan Savage is best known for creating the "It Gets Better" project in 2010 and writing the internationally syndicated relationship advice column "Savage Love." 📚 Each chapter of the book focuses on one of the Seven Deadly Sins (pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth), with Savage personally participating in activities associated with each sin. 🗽 The book was published in 2002, during a period of heightened cultural tension in America following 9/11 and amid debates about morality and personal freedom. 🏆 Following its release, "Skipping Towards Gomorrah" won the Lambda Literary Award for humor, highlighting its impact in LGBTQ+ literature despite its broader cultural focus.