Rating: Summary: I Loved This Book Review: I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more! I had to pass it on to a few straight people at work because they kept asking what I was reading. They loved it too! I am definetely going to pass this book on to everyone I know, gay and straight. I think my straight friends got a better understanding of the "gay lifestyle" after reading it. Now it is not quite as mysterious to them.Mom's next on the list.
Rating: Summary: 'The Kid' is for everyone Review: Dan Savage has made me laugh when listening to him on This American Life and when reading Savage Love. In The Kid, he makes me laugh and cry. This book is for everyone, especially couples, of ANY sexual orientation who are comtemplating adding a 'kid' to the relationship, adoptive or biological. Dan and Terry's relationship with, Melissa, the birth mother of their child is difficult, funny and, ultimately, heartbreaking. Thanks to Dan for telling this story. I'm going to give the book to my mother next!
Rating: Summary: A book for everyone Review: I finished "The Kid" in two sittings. I had a very hard time putting it down, literally. I don't ever remember laughing out loud, while reading. Not just chuckling, full-out belly laughs. Savage manages to write a brutally honest account of adoption, and very personal. I found myself crying in a few sections. It is refreshing to see a public figure is able to share so much of their life with their readers. I was impressed him and his boyfriend admitted that theywanted to adopt a healthy newborn. Savage manages to write what we all think, but are afraid to say aloud. I disagree with others that hetrosexuals would be turned off by this book. Savage shows that the fears, insecurities, and joys of adoption is universal. Gay men and women have added concerns, but what Terry and him experienced, any caring human would feel. Savage shows that despite the added social struggle gays have in adoption, the bulk of the adoption process is experienced by all yet-to-be parents. He strengthened my determination to one day adopt, or have a "bio" baby. I am very grateful that he shared his experience with readers. Gay adoption is not an easy decision to make. I commend the bravery and honesty Savage and his boyfriend have shown. Their son D.J. has two loving fathers, and you get the impression that this child will have a life of joy and love. I hope that he has his fathers honesty, humor, and compassion.
Rating: Summary: Funny and touching true-life story Review: A breezy, fun read. Not great, but very enjoyable. It helps if you're already a fan or can handle sarcastic/raunchy humor. The true value of the book is the story itself--an inspirational example of people having a dream and going for it even though they've been told all their lives they can't have it. It doesn't have to be your dream to enjoy it. Don't expect high literary value--that's not the point here. This is real experience, real guts, and real love, written by a smart guy. I'd definitely recommend this to male couples in the early stages of considering adoption, because it's inspiring without being corny. I do have to gripe, however, that the publishers/editors should have been more careful in the printing. There are dozens & dozens of those sloppy, spellcheck-invisible mistakes that litter far too many books these days. Writers deserve more respect! Fix it for the paperback edition!
Rating: Summary: Often funny, but by no means great. Review: Dan Savage is a smooth and winning writer, but this exploration of his adoption is pretty facile. Savage is frequently glib, and even though this glibness is indeed very funny, it doesn't allow for a lot of thought-provoking material. I also didn't really get a feel for one of the primary players of this story -- Savage's partner Terry. My only impression of Terry is unfavorable -- surely not the picture Savage wanted to present. An easy read, but ultimately a disappointment.
Rating: Summary: What A Lucky kid Review: This is a wonderful story told in that unique Dan Savage way. Shockingly funny, off beat, enlightening and oh so honest. This book does more than just entertain the reader. Dan Savage helps you understand the process that both gay and straight couples experience in the quest to adopt. It offers a great example of why same sex couple parenting is just as valid as heterosexual parenting. As the story unfolds you will be amazed at what this couple went through and how they persevered during an emotionally charged roller coaster ride that ultimately ended with the adoption of their son. For anyone considering adoption, it is educational, supportive and encouraging. For the rest of us, it is a wonderful glimpse into the personal lives of a talented writer, his loving partner and the birth mother of their son.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely FABULOUS Review: I'm 16, and I haven't laughed out loud at a book in years. Dan Savages "chokingly funny" book has changed that. It is at once touching and hilarious. BRAVO
Rating: Summary: And that's the way it *should* be... Review: I've always enjoyed Dan's often-caustic weekly advice columns, and was wondering how he would approach a book on a rather volatile subject -- Gay adoption. As it turns out, he outdid himself with the candid, sensitive but outspoken true story of his and his partner Terry's journey through the twists and turns of the adoption process. Being willing to face a "system" that has always seemed intimidating for any couple (let alone those already dealing with hypocrisy and bigotry on a number of levels) made Dan and Terry heroes to begin with in my eyes. Add that to their willingness to accept a baby regardless of its desirability by "specifying" couples, and your admiration for them and their courage can only double. The breezy, anecdotal writing style draws you along and makes this a difficult book to put down. I laughed out loud any number of times, and found myself sitting with tears in my eyes as the book drew to a close. I've enjoyed this book as much as any I've read in the last couple of years. The language is a bit "earthy" for a family book, but I know my family will enjoy it. I hope he writes a follow-up in a few years. Thanks, Dan. ...Kiss DJ on the head for me!
Rating: Summary: Can't Wait for the Sequel! Review: I have always been skeptical of gay adoptions for a variety of reasons, mostly inner conflicts with certain aspects of the gay "lifestyle"(whatever that REALLY is) and simple lack of seeing anyone do it. Sure I know lots of lesbians who have adopted or had babies, but I know of NO gay male couples who have done so. This book, however, changed everything. I feel like I got to know Dan and Terry and I now have a real understanding of what they went through emotionally and legally to adopt the kid. It was a great read: witty, emotional at times, and always honest. I definitely have a new perspective and hope to hear more...
Rating: Summary: What ARE yo thinking? Review: Dan Savage as a father? Patricide never looked so good
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