The Commitment

Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family

By: Dan Savage

Narrated by: Richard Powers

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

In a time when much of the country sees red whenever the subject of gay marriage comes up, Dan Savage - outspoken author of the column Savage Love - makes it personal.

Dan Savage’s mother wants him to get married. His boyfriend, Terry, says “no thanks” because he doesn’t want to act like a straight person. Their 6-year-old son, D.J., says his two dads aren’t “allowed” to get married but that he’d like to come to the reception and eat cake.

Throw into the mix Dan’s straight siblings, whose varied choices form a microcosm of how Americans are approaching marriage these days, and you get a rollicking family memoir that will have everyone - gay or straight, right or left, single or married - howling with laughter and rethinking their notions of marriage and all it entails.

©2005 Dan Savage (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The strongest argument here, which [Savage] brilliantly plays down, is that family means everything to these people: married, not married, blended, gay, straight, whatever.” (Washington Post)

Love Legacy

Excellent education on the history and customs of love and marriage and a primer for any couple who wants to craft a custom, personal statement event to commemorate their long term commitment. Using legal and biblical references to annotate key points amid personal anecdotes Dan chronicles his journey with his partner towards some kind of anniversary event that fits their unique personalities, family and the homophobic climate at the time in the US. Clear descriptions of how relationships can last that should be taught in high school. He's available to speak. Highly recommend.

Eh

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator. I didn't like the tone of his voice. Maybe it was the content but the tone of his voice came off sarcastic minus the funny.

Would you be willing to try another book from Dan Savage? Why or why not?

Yes I would. I am a fan of Dan Savage and read his column in The Stranger when I lived in Seattle.

How could the performance have been better?

Dan Savage can be merciless yet funny. This narrator didn't convey that to me.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Nah. And if it were a movie I'd wait until it came out on TBS.

Marriage: an anti-climatic event!

This memoir was at times very entertaining, but too often lapsed into repetitive lecturing. I am straight, but I wouldn't have chosen this book if I disagreed with gay marriage. So on a number of occasions I felt like protesting, "you're preaching to the choir here!" But, all in all, Savage is an engaging writer and storyteller.

GREAT BOOK - CURRENT, FUNNY

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I always enjoy Dan's books and this one is no exception. A completely different look at family life. It's funny, profane, serious, and thoughtful all at the same time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Commitment?

Double margaritas in Saugatuck, observations driving through the midwest, too many to number...

What three words best describe Paul Michael Garcia’s voice?

Clear, Formal, Rigid. This is the one thing I didn't like about the book. Mr. Garcia's voice and speech patterns are too formal for Dan's writing style. While his voice is clear and easily understood, it's sort of like your high school english teacher using four letter words...it just doesn't flow naturally given the material.

Laugh Out Loud Funny!

What a joy this book was! The trip down gay-civil-rights-memory-lane, the touching moments amongst family, the hilarious exchanges between Dan and Terry and their son, DJ....Dan Savage wrote a gem for anyone with an interest in marriage, gay or straight. And the narrator was superb. Nailed DJ's quips, Terry's sarcasm, and Dan's wit. Loved it!!!!

Have your cake and eat it too

Being a regular listener to Savage Love, it was unusual to hear Dan's words spoken by someone else but I grew accustomed to it quickly. It was very nice to know Dan and his family better; where some of his famous ideas and values come from. It is as consistently entertaining as his work on SLOG and the podcast.

I regret absolutely nothing from purchasing this audiobook... except for maybe the fact that I now have a strong craving for cake. Thanks Dan.

Entertaining, but not life changing

I like Dan Savage, so I enjoyed the book and found it entertaining. I could see that some might find it a bit preachy. My main gripe is that Dan didn't read the book himself. The narrator did a fine job, but didn't sound anything like Dan which was just strange to listen to.

LOVE HIM

Any additional comments?

Dan Savage has always been one of my favorite authors. podcaster, columnist, and advocates.. He has a way with words and a very direct approach.. I would definitely recommend this and any of his other books!

Realistic enough but not very impressive

Exactly as I learned from my earlier impression for gay couples, the story is quite tedious without much surprise. However, I appreciate the quality and the performance of this audible book.

Miss Dan's voice, love his message

Always enjoy Dan's writing. His honesty and reason are clear and refreshing. He writes in a conversational style that's well suited to audio books. I missed hearing him read this important book. Anyone - gay or straight-- should read what he writes here about the idea of commitment. I'd like to read an update of this book now that marriage equality is the law of the land in these United States. Did Dan and Terry take out those platinum bands and family porcelain cake toppers? Does DJ have fond memories of the Canadian nuptials? Did Dan's sister ever marry her son's dad? Does Terry still wear a speedo? So many questions. So few savage books....